English

Verb

compel testimony

1. (law) To officially require that a witness appear and testify before a court of law or other public authority, under threat of legally enforceable penalties for failure to do so.
   • 1934 July 2, "Aeronautics: Causes of Crashes," Time (retrieved 16 April 2014):

     President Roosevelt approved an amendment to the Air Commerce Act of 1926, giving the Aeronautics Branch of the Department of Commerce power to hold public hearings, subpoena witnesses, compel testimony under oath.

   • 1989 Jan. 13, John F. Burns, "Drugs: Assessing the Johnson Debacle," New York Times (retrieved 16 April 2014):

     With the power to subpoena witnesses, to compel testimony under threat of imprisonment, and to recommend criminal charges for any illegal drug activities he uncovers, Justice Dubin has been hailed here as the man who may be able to shake Canada's sporting community out of the widespread drug-taking that has been alleged.

   • 2011 Sept. 19, Daniel Riemer, "Governor Walker's adversaries emboldened by Wisconsin FBI probe," Guardian (UK) (retrieved 16 April 2014):

     Investigators are using "John Doe" proceedings to compel testimony from witnesses and keep them from discussing the case in public.

See also

• contempt of court
• subpoena