South Carolina § 17-7-180 - Disregard of summons or refusal to testify.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 17-7-180 — Disregard of summons or refusal to testify., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-7-180. Disregard of summons or refusal to testify.
Every person summoned or required to give evidence and disregarding such summons or refusing to testify, without such excuse as shall be lawful and sufficient, shall forfeit and pay the sum of twenty dollars and shall be committed to jail by the coroner until the next court of general sessions or until he testifies and is discharged by the coroner such forfeiture to be recovered by indictment, and in addition shall be liable to be indicted at the next court of general sessions for the county and upon conviction shall be fined and imprisoned, at the discretion of the court. And the coroner shall bind such witness so appearing, by recognizance, with good and sufficient surety, to appear at the next court of general sessions to stand his trial and a witness refusing to enter into such recognizance shall be forthwith committed to the jail of the county by commitment, under the hand and seal of the coroner, there to be kept until he enters into such recognizance as before required.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 17-108; 1952 Code SECTION 17-108; 1942 Code SECTION 1075; 1932 Code SECTION 1075; Cr. P. '22 SECTION 162; Cr. C. '12 SECTION 1006; Cr. C. '02 SECTION 708; G. S. 2671; R. S. 587; 1839 (11) 73.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 17-7-180
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 17-7-180 cover?
Section 17-7-180 ("Disregard of summons or refusal to testify.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. 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 South Carolina § 17-7-180?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 17-7-180" (South Carolina). 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 South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 17-7-180 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina 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 South Carolina.