Ohio Code 705.21 – Investigations by municipal corporation – production of testimony
The legislative authority of a municipal corporation, or any committee thereof authorized by it, may compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and other evidence at any meeting of such legislative authority or committee, and for that purpose may issue subpoenas or attachments in any case of injury or investigation, to be signed by the presiding officer of such legislative authority or chairman of such committee, which shall be served and executed by any officer authorized to serve subpoenas and other processes. If any witness refuses to testify to any acts within his knowledge, or to produce any papers or books in his possession, or under his control, relating to the matter under inquiry, before the legislative authority or any such committee, the legislative authority may commit the witness to prison for contempt. No witness shall be excused from testifying touching his knowledge or the matter under investigation in any such inquiry, but such testimony shall not be used against him in any criminal prosecution, except for perjury.
Terms Used In Ohio Code 705.21
- Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Presiding officer: A majority-party Senator who presides over the Senate and is charged with maintaining order and decorum, recognizing Members to speak, and interpreting the Senate's rules, practices and precedents.
- Testify: Answer questions in court.
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.