Disobedience of a subpoena or a refusal to be sworn or to answer as a witness may be punished as a contempt of the court in which the action is pending.
Rule 45.06.Contempt.
Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceMakes disobeying a subpoena, or refusing to be sworn or to answer as a witness, punishable as contempt of the court where the action is pending.
Full Text of Rule 45.06
Amendment History
The source reproduced here (current through June 18, 2026) records no amendment to this rule since its original adoption — no History line appears for it in the compiled rules. For the underlying adopting order and any later amendments, see the West’s Rules & Procedures.
Plain-English Summary
Ignoring a subpoena carries a consequence beyond a missed deadline. A person who disobeys a subpoena, or who refuses to be sworn in or refuses to answer as a witness, can be held in contempt of the court where the case is pending.
The rule states this in a single sentence, but it is what gives subpoenas their force -- without a contempt remedy behind it, a subpoena would be a request rather than a command.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if someone ignores a subpoena in Kentucky?
The person can be punished as in contempt of the court in which the action is pending.
Can a witness be held in contempt for refusing to answer questions?
Yes. Refusing to be sworn or refusing to answer as a witness, like disobeying a subpoena itself, can be punished as contempt of court.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure (Ky. R. Civ. P. 45.06). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Kentucky (Ky. Const. § 116). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: contempt for ignoring a subpoenapenalty for disobeying a subpoena Kentuckyrefusing to answer as a witnessCR 45.06