Felix Frankfurter

“ Petitioner plainly must have known-and gave every indication that he knew-that he was required to answer all questions put to him by the grand jury in return for equivalent, compensating immunity. We find no merit in an argument which is contradicted by petitioner's own assertion, supported by his counsel's argument, that he refused to testify solely because of fear. ”

“ I fear for my life. I fear for the life of my wife, my two stepchildren, and my family. I can't do something like that. I want to live, too.'
After his counsel's elaboration of this argument, the judge again asked Piemonte if he would testify. Upon his refusal, the judge declared him guilty of contempt of court for willful failure to obey a lawful order. After hearing argument on the sentence, the judge once again offered to give petitioner the opportunity to answer the questions. ”

“ The district judge, having granted Piemonte immunity from 'prosecution which might arise from any answers that you give to this Grand Jury concerning the matter of their investigation,' ordered him to testify 'relative to the aforementioned inquiry of said Grand Jury * * *.' Piemonte was granted an opportunity to consult his lawyer and his duty to appear before the grand jury was delayed for a day. The next morning he renewed his refusal to answer the questions propounded to him about narcotics activities and again invoked his Fifth Amendment privilege. ”