In the Matter of the Grand Jury Subpoena of Jean Ford v. United States

TIMBERS, Circuit Judge:

The essential question presented on this appeal — one of first impression in this Circuit — is whether the district court correctly held in civil contempt a grand jury witness who, relying on a claim of privilege against adverse spousal testimony, refused to testify where his wife was a target of the grand jury investigation, despite assurances by the government, which the district court found were sufficient, that the witness’ testimony would not be used, directly or indirectly, against his wife. We hold that the district court correctly held the witness in contempt.

App…