Terms Used In Alabama Code 2-17-33

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
  • Testify: Answer questions in court.
  • year: means a calendar year; but, whenever the word "year" is used in reference to any appropriations for the payment of money out of the treasury, it shall mean fiscal year. See Alabama Code 1-1-1

Any person, firm or corporation that shall neglect or refuse to attend and testify or to answer any lawful inquiry or to produce documentary evidence, if in his or its power to do so, in obedience to the subpoena or lawful requirement of the commissioner shall be guilty of an offense and, upon conviction thereof by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 or by imprisonment for not more than one year or both.