People Ex Rel. Falk v. Sheriff of N.Y. County

An order of the Supreme Court, entered upon a decision of this court, adjudged that William F. Doyle, a witness upon a legislative inquiry, stand committed “ until he answers the question whether he has bribed any public officer ” (Matter of Doyle, 257 N. Y. 244).

The witness, who was then in jail for failure to answer that question as well as others, appeared before the legislative committee, and answered the question “ no.”

That answer having been given, he applied for his discharge, which was opposed by the committee on the ground that his denial was false.

The Supreme Court sustained a writ…