From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

To compel one to present information to a jury is done by order of a judge. If a judge believes the individual has information relevant to the cause, he can "force" that person to present that information or be subject to arrest for contempt of court.


In the United States, the 5th Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees that defendants cannot be compelled in criminal proceedings against themselves.

In Australia, the Criminal Procedure Act establishes a similar protection for defendants, and also for their spouses and immediate family.

In Canada, anti-terrorism clauses that were brought in in 2001 but were sunset in 2007 allowed a judge to compel a witness to testify in secret about past associations or perhaps pending acts under penalty of going to jail if the witness didn't comply.[1]

Compel also means to lure to do something.