Tennessee § 65-3-115 - Witness failing to attend or answer questions.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 65-3-115 — Witness failing to attend or answer questions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 65-3-115. Witness failing to attend or answer questions.
If a witness, after being duly summoned, fails or refuses to attend, or to answer any question propounded to such witness, which such witness would be required to answer if in court, the department of transportation shall have power to fine and imprison such witness for contempt in the same manner that the judge of any court of competent jurisdiction might do under similar circumstances. Acts 1897, ch. 10, § 10; Shan., § 3059a32; Code 1932, § 5408; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 65-317; Acts 1995, ch. 305, § 10. Code Commission Notes. Although Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113 indicated that the penalty provisions in this section should be rewritten to indicate that a violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor, the code commission has decided that this section should not be rewritten to reflect Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113. Cross-References. Punishment for contempt, § 29-9-103 , Tenn. R. Crim. P. 42. Law Reviews. An Examination of the Tennessee Law of Administrative Procedure (George Street Boone), 1 Vand. L. Rev. 339 (1947-1948).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 65-3-115
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 65-3-115 cover?
Section 65-3-115 ("Witness failing to attend or answer questions.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. 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 Tennessee § 65-3-115?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 65-3-115" (Tennessee). 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 Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 65-3-115 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee 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 Tennessee.