People v. Gonzales
People v. Gonzales
Opinion of the Court
Appellant herein was convicted of the crime of rape. He appeals from the judgment of imprisonment. No brief was filed on behalf of appellant, and at the oral argument but one ground was urged in support of the claim that a reversal of the judgment should be ordered. It was charged in the information that the act complained of was consummated with a girl of the age of fourteen years. This girl was called as a witness at the trial and, after answering preliminary questions, made objection to being required to narrate further facts. In answer to a question calling for such a recital she responded, “Well, if I say anything, I will criminate myself.” Counsel for the defendant interposed with a request to the court that no further questions be asked the witness because of her disinclination to testify. The trial judge, however, refused to concede that the privilege was well claimed and directed the witness. to answer, whereupon she completed her statement as to all matters material in support of the charge. Appellant advances the .contention that the witness had the right to *331 refuse to testify and that, if she was compelled against her will, as the record shows, to give evidence, error was committed as to which appellant has the right to complain here.
The judgment is affirmed.
Conrey, P. J., and Shaw, J., concurred.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- The PEOPLE, Respondent, v. JOE GONZALES, Appellant
- Cited By
- 5 cases
- Status
- Published