People v. Carradine
Supreme Court of Illinois
287 N.E.2d 670 (1972)
Relevant factsFree
Homicide witness Carradine (defendant) refused to testify against alleged Blackstone Rangers gang members despite repeated court offers of protection and relocation for her and her family, expressing genuine fear for their lives; after multiple hearings and opportunities to reconsider, she was held in contempt and sentenced to six months' imprisonment, and she appealed seeking a reduced sentence based on her fear-driven refusal.
IssueFree
Whether a defendant may assert a defense of duress to escape a contempt-of-court judgment for refusing to testify as a witness in a criminal case.