Us Code § 703 - Attendance of witnesses

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 703 — Attendance of witnesses, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 703. Attendance of witnesses

(a) Subpoena; contempt; fees

Any district court of the United States, or the United States courts of any Territory or possession, within the jurisdiction of which proceedings are had before any service court of a friendly foreign force, or within the jurisdiction of which any person is found, shall have jurisdiction, upon application made by a service court of a friendly foreign force, to issue to such person an order requiring him to appear before the service court or an officer designated to take a deposition for use before such service court and there to produce evidence or give testimony if so ordered. Any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by said court as a contempt thereof: Provided, That the fees of such witnesses and the mileage at the rate allowed to witnesses attending the courts of the United States should be duly paid or tendered in advance to such witnesses, with funds to be supplied by the friendly foreign force. Except as expressly permitted by the court, in its discretion, no such order shall run into any other district.

(b) Members of armed forces

Attendance of witnesses in the armed services of the United States shall be obtained by request addressed to the discretion of the commanding officer of the person whose testimony is required.

(c) False testimony; punishment

Persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, who are not members of a friendly foreign force, who shall give false testimony or shall commit any act in the presence of a service court of a friendly foreign force which, if committed before a court of the United States, would be in contempt thereof, shall upon conviction by a court of the United States be fined not more than $2,000 or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

(June 30, 1944, ch. 326, §3, 58 Stat. 644; Proc. No. 2695, July 4, 1946, 11 F.R. 7517, 60 Stat. 1352.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsec. (a), reference to "or any court of first instance of the Philippine Commonwealth" omitted pursuant to Proc. No. 2695, which granted independence to the Philippines under the authority of section 1394 of this title, under which section said Proc. No. 2695 is set out as a note.

In subsec. (a), reference to "the District Court of the United States for the District of Columbia" omitted because the District of Columbia constitutes a judicial district, and the District Court of the United States for the District of Columbia is included within the term "district courts of the United States" as used in such subsection. See sections 88 and 132 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

About This Section

22 U.S.C. § 703 is part of Title 22 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 22 U.S.C. § 703. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 703

What does United States Code § 703 cover?

Section 703 ("Attendance of witnesses") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. 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 Us Code § 703?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 703" (Us Code). 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 Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 703 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code 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 Us Code.