Devoll v. Brownell

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court October 15, 1827

Devoll v. Brownell, 22 Mass. 447 (Mass. 1827)

Opinion of the Court

Per Curiam.

We think he is bound to answer the questions, although he may thereby charge himself.1 The -constitutional provision that no subject shall be compelled to furnish evidence against himself, does not relate to questions of property.2

See Lamb v. Stone, 11 Pick. 533.

See 1 Stark. Ev. (5th Amer, ed.) 165, n. 1 ; Roscoe’s Dig. Crim. Ev (Amer, ed.) 129, n. 1 ; Copp v. Upham, 3 N. Hamp. R. 159.

A witness may be compelled to produce a paper, though it may subject him to a pecuniary loss. Bull v. Loveland, 10 Pick. 9.

Reference

Full Case Name: Sarah Devoll versus David M. Brownell
Status: Published