Rogers v. United States
United States Supreme Court
340 U.S. 367 (1951)
- Written by Sara Adams, JD
Facts
In response to a subpoena, Jane Rogers appeared before a regularly convened grand jury. Rogers testified that she previously held the position of treasurer of the Communist Party of Denver (the party), and as part of her role she kept membership lists and dues records of the party. Rogers denied still having possession of the records. Rogers was asked to identify to whom she gave the records, and she refused to answer, stating she did not want to subject another person to what she was experiencing. Rogers was committed to the marshal’s custody and brought back to court the next day. Rogers again refused to answer, against advice of her counsel, and was brought back again. While Rogers was in the courtroom, the court heard an argument about the privilege of self-incrimination as part of another matter. Rogers was asked again to whom she passed the records, and she refused to answer but this time asserted the privilege against self-incrimination. The court ruled that her refusal was not protected by the privilege and sentenced her for contempt of court. The court of appeals affirmed the district court, and the Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Vinson, C.J.)
Dissent (Black, J.)
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