A person is guilty of criminal contempt when, having been duly subpoenaed to attend as a witness before either house of the legislature or before any committee thereof, he:
(1) fails or refuses to attend without lawful excuse; or
(2) refuses to be sworn; or
(3) refuses to answer any material and proper question; or
(4) refuses, after reasonable notice, to produce books, papers, or documents in his possession or under his control which constitute material and proper evidence.
A person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to criminal contempt is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined within the discretion of the court or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 121 (S.22), Pt IV, Section 6.D, eff January 1, 2015.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 2 - Legislative Oversight Of Executive Department
Section 2-2-5. Declaration of public policy.
Section 2-2-20. Scheduled seven-year oversight studies and investigations.
Section 2-2-30. Procedure for conducting oversight studies and investigations.
Section 2-2-40. Unscheduled oversight studies and investigations.
Section 2-2-50. Acquisition of evidence or information.
Section 2-2-60. Program evaluation reports.
Section 2-2-70. Testimony under oath.
Section 2-2-80. Witnesses; right to counsel; legal privilege; ruling on objections; review.
Section 2-2-90. Witnesses; privilege at law.