The coroner may issue subpoenas for witnesses or records, returnable forthwith or at such time and place as the coroner shall direct, and witnesses shall be allowed the same fees as in cases before a magistrate. The coroner has the same authority as a magistrate to enforce the attendance of witnesses and to punish them and jurors for contempt in disobeying the process.

Source: SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 34.1008; SL 1974, ch 153, § 42; SL 1998, ch 145, § 1.