Form 21.7 – Warrant Of Committal Of Witness (Refusal To Give Evidence Or Produce Documents)

What this form is for

• • Use when a witness refuses to attend court to give evidence
• • Use when a witness refuses to produce specific documents ordered by the court
• • Use when a witness refuses to answer specific questions during testimony
• • Use only after the court has issued a specific order requiring compliance
• • Do not use for witnesses who have a valid legal reason for non-compliance

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

There is typically no fixed deadline for filing this warrant, but it should be submitted promptly after the refusal to comply with the court order to ensure timely resolution of the case.

Before you submit

• • Complete all sections of the form with accurate information
• • Attach documentation of the witness's refusal to comply
• • Verify the correct court jurisdiction
• • Obtain judicial authorization before executing
• • Ensure proper notice has been given to the witness
• • Check that the specific order requiring compliance is attached
• • Confirm the form is signed by the authorized court officer

How to file this form

1. 1Obtain the approved Form 21.7 from the Courts Service website or court office
2. 2Complete all sections with witness and case details
3. 3Attach documentation showing the witness's refusal to comply
4. 4File with the appropriate court office
5. 5Obtain judicial signature on the warrant
6. 6Execute the warrant only after proper authorization

Known limitations

• • This warrant cannot be used if the witness has a valid legal reason for non-compliance
• • It cannot be used to compel testimony that would violate legal privileges
• • The warrant must be specific about what evidence or documents are required
• • It cannot be used for witnesses outside the court's jurisdiction without additional procedures
• • The warrant is subject to immediate review by higher courts