People Ex Rel. Mathis v. Brown

This case involves the right of a defendant in a paternity action to refuse to answer deposition questions based upon the privilege against self-incrimination found in the fifth amendment of the United States Constitution. Plaintiff, Frances Mathis, filed this action against defendant, James Brown, charging him as the putative father of her daughter, Patrice LaTasha Mathis, born October 14,1973. At a bench trial the court found in favor of defendant. The State now appeals and raises the following issues for our consideration: (1) whether defendant had the right or privilege to refuse to…