People v. Thornton

Respondent Elliott Thornton appeals from an order of the circuit court finding respondent in direct criminal contempt of court for refusing to testify at the trial of a codefendant. Respondent was sentenced to a term of six months’ incarceration. The sole issue on appeal is whether respondent can be held in contempt of court for refusing to testify at a codefendant’s trial by invoking his fifth amendment right against self-incrimination.

Respondent’s brief reveals that in February 1982, respondent and Garnett Brooks were arrested and charged with murder, rape, aggravated kidnaping, armed…