Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations
Chapter 979 - Investigation of deaths.
979.07 - Incriminating testimony compelled; immunity.

979.07 Incriminating testimony compelled; immunity.
(1)
(a) If a person refuses to testify or to produce books, papers or documents when required to do so before an inquest for the reason that the testimony or evidence required of the person may tend to incriminate him or her or subject him or her to a forfeiture or penalty, the person may be compelled to testify or produce the evidence by order of the circuit court of the county in which the inquest is convened on motion of the district attorney. A person who testifies or produces evidence in obedience to the command of the court in that case is not subject to any forfeiture or penalty for or on account of testifying or producing evidence, except the person is subject to prosecution and punishment for perjury or false swearing committed in so testifying.
(b) The immunity provided under par. (a) is subject to the restrictions under s. 972.085.
(2) If a witness appearing before an inquest fails or refuses without just cause to comply with an order of the court under this section to give testimony in response to a question or with respect to any matter, the court, upon the failure or refusal or when the failure or refusal is duly brought to its attention, may punish the witness for contempt under ch. 785.
History: 1983 a. 279; 1989 a. 122.

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