If someone is properly called to show up and testify in court or at a deposition and they refuse, they can be punished for contempt. On top of that, the court can throw out their petition, answer, or reply, or rule against any motion they made — or rule in favor of the other side's motion.
491.180. where refuses to attend and . — If a party, on being , refuse to attend and testify, either in court or before any person to take his , besides being punished himself as for a , his , or reply may be rejected, or a , if made by himself, overruled, or, if made by the , .
(RSMo 1939 § 1894)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 1730; 1919 § 5417; 1909 § 6361
Tap any gold-underlined word to see what it means.
Related Missouri laws
Witness attached, may be discharged on bail
RSMo 491.170
Fine for nonattendance
RSMo 491.190
Attachment may issue, when
RSMo 491.160
Penalty for refusing to testify
RSMo 491.200
Court may compel testimony, witness immunity, exception, when, penalty
RSMo 491.205
Witness not excused from testifying, when
RSMo 491.210
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.