Tennessee Department of Human Services v. Vaughn

OPINION

HENRY, Justice.

We granted certiorari in this case to examine the constitutionality of so much of Section 36-227(1), T.C.A., as provides that in a bastardy case an “alleged father shall not be compelled to give evidence.” We hold it to be unconstitutional.

I

Tennessee Department of Human Services, as assignee of Donna Rogers, filed its petition in the Juvenile Court at Memphis seeking a determination that respondent was the father of a child born out of wedlock, with the usual and appropriate award for support and maintenance. Pursuant to Section 36-227(1), T.C.A., the case was…