Supreme Court of the United States, 1989

Baltimore City Department of Social Services v. Bouknight

Baltimore City Department of Social Services v. Bouknight
Supreme Court of the United States · Decided April 3, 1989
490 U.S. 1003; 109 S. Ct. 1636 (United States Reports)

Baltimore City Department of Social Services v. Bouknight

Opinion of the Court

Ct. App. Md. Motion of respondent Jacqueline Bouknight for leave to proceed in forma pauperis granted. Certiorari granted limited to the following questions:

“1. Does a court order directing a parent to produce her previously abused infant son compel incriminating testimony in violation of the parent’s Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination?
“2. Even if the Fifth Amendment privilege is implicated by a court order to produce a child, is the privilege overcome by the *1004important societal interest in protecting children in jeopardy of serious injury?”

Cases consolidated and a total of one hour allotted for oral argument.

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