Pennsylvania § 5941 - Persons who may be compelled to testify.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5941 — Persons who may be compelled to testify., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5941. Persons who may be compelled to testify.
(a) General rule.--Except defendants actually upon trial in a criminal proceeding, any competent witness may be compelled to testify in any matter, civil or criminal; but he may not be compelled to answer any question which, in the opinion of the trial judge, would tend to incriminate him; nor may the neglect or refusal of any defendant, actually upon trial in a criminal proceeding, to offer himself as a witness, be treated as creating any presumption against him, or be adversely referred to by court or counsel during the trial.
(b) Judgment debtor.--A judgment debtor may be compelled to answer all pertinent questions at any examination concerning his property, but he shall not be prosecuted, or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture, for or on account of any transaction, matter or thing concerning which he may so testify or produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, except for perjury in giving such testimony.
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5941
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5941 cover?
Section 5941 ("Persons who may be compelled to testify.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 5941?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5941" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 5941 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.