Can the state make you testify against your spouse?
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Can the state make you testify against your spouse?
The spousal testimonial privilege (set forth in California Evidence Code sections 970 and 971) means that no one can be forced to testify in court—including in a criminal case—against his or her husband or wife.
Can a wife be forced to testify against husband in us?
Federal Law on Spousal Privilege. Federal (and many state) courts recognize two types of spousal privilege: Spousal testimonial privilege, barring testimony against a spouse in a criminal trial, and. Marital communications privilege, barring testimony about confidential communications between spouses.
Does spousal privilege apply to domestic partners?
California recognizes both a "testimonial privilege" and a privilege protecting "confidential marital communications". The testimonial and confidential marital communication privileges require the existence of a valid marriage or domestic partnership.
Does spousal privilege survive divorce?
The second kind of spousal privilege, called the marital communications privilege, survives after a divorce. It says that a spouse cannot be required, without the consent of the other spouse, to disclose “confidential communication” made during the course of their marriage, even after the marriage ends.
