In Re De Neef

The petitioner seeks her release on habeas corpus from a commitment for contempt based upon her refusal to answer certain interrogatories. Petitioner’s hus band took out a policy of life insurance on December 16, 1939, with the California Western States Life Insurance Company. He died on February 15, 1940, and petitioner sued the company as beneficiary of the policy. The company answered setting up the defense that the policy had been secured by fraudulent representations as to the physical condition of the insured. In taking the deposition of the petitioner, questions were asked regarding…