Kilbourn v. Thompson

Kilbourn v. Thompson, 103 U.S. 168 (1880), was a United States Supreme Court case that dealt with the question whether or not the United States House of Representatives may compel testimony.

Kilbourn v. Thompson
Supreme Court of the United States
Decided February 28, 1881
Full case name	Hallet Kilbourn v. John G. Thompson, et al.
Citations	103 U.S. 168 (more) 26 L. Ed. 377
Holding
The plea set up by those of the defendants who were members of the House is a good defence, and the judgment of the court overruling the demurrer to it and giving judgment for those defendants will be affirmed. As to Thompson, the judgment reversed and the case remanded for further proceedings.
Court membership
Chief Justice Morrison Waite Associate Justices Nathan Clifford · Samuel F. Miller Stephen J. Field · Joseph P. Bradley Ward Hunt · John M. Harlan William B. Woods
Case opinion
Majority	Miller, joined by unanimous

Hallet Kilbourn was subpoenaed to testify before a Special Committee established by the House of Representatives to investigate the bankruptcy of Jay Cooke & Company. Though he appeared, he refused to answer any questions and did not tender requested documents. John G. Thompson, Sergeant-At-Arms for the House, took Kilbourn into custody. Kilbourn continued to refuse to testify and provided no explanation for his refusal. The House resolved that Kilbourn was in contempt and should be held in custody until he agreed to testify and produce the requested documents. The Court found that the House did have the power to punish for contempt. However, House members could not be sued for false imprisonment as they were exercising their official duties and protected by the Speech and Debate Clause, Art. I, § 6, cl. 1. In addition the Supreme Court established several limits in the scope of investigations, called the "Kilbourn Test".