A person present in court, or before a judicial officer, may be required to testify in the same manner as if he were in attendance upon a subpoena issued by such court or officer.

[(9-706) C.C.P. 1881, sec. 946; R.S., R.C., & C.L., sec. 6040; C.S., sec. 7986; I.C.A., sec. 16-706.]