Pennsylvania § 5974 - Summoning prisoner in this Commonwealth to testify in another state.

Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5974 — Summoning prisoner in this Commonwealth to testify in another state., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5974. Summoning prisoner in this Commonwealth to testify in another state.

(a) Certification.--A judge of a state court of record in another state, which by its laws has made provision for commanding persons confined in penal institutions within that state to attend and testify in this Commonwealth, may certify:

(1) that there is a criminal proceeding or investigation by a grand jury or a criminal action pending in the court;

(2) that a person who is confined in a penal institution in this Commonwealth may be a material witness in the proceeding, investigation or action; and

(3) that his presence will be required during a specified time.

(b) Hearing.--Upon presentation of the certificate to any court having jurisdiction over the person confined and upon notice to the Bureau of Correction, the court in this Commonwealth shall fix a time and place for a hearing and shall make an order, directed to the person having custody of the prisoner, requiring that the prisoner be produced before it at the hearing.

(Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days; Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days)

References in Text. The Bureau of Correction, referred to in subsec. (b), was abolished by the act of December 30, 1984 (P.L.1299, No.245) and is now the Department of Corrections.

Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5974

What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5974 cover?

Section 5974 ("Summoning prisoner in this Commonwealth to testify in another state.") 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 § 5974?

A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5974" (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 § 5974 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.