This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

Mrs. Carradine (D) appeared as a State's witness in a criminal prosecution. D had witnessed a homicide and given a statement to an assistant State's Attorney. Having failed to respond to a subpoena, she was in court pursuant to a bench warrant. D refused to testify further because she was in fear of her life and the lives of her children. D was offered protection for her and her family and the advice of appointed counsel. She refused to answer, and a contempt order was entered. She was given a grace period and still refused to testify notwithstanding offers to relocate her and her family to other sites in Chicago, the State or the continental United States. D was committed to the county jail until she agreed to testify. On October 1, since Mrs. Carradine still persisted in her refusal, the trial judge entered the contempt order with a six-month sentence. D appealed.

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