1. (a) A judge may issue a summons for the attendance of a party, witnesses, or for the production of evidence in a case before the court. No judge may issue a blank summons.
2. (b) If a witness is summoned to attend a court and without sufficient excuse neglects to appear, he may be attached and fined an amount not exceeding $300. He is liable to answer the party for whom he was summoned in an action upon the case for the damage sustained for failure to appear to testify according to the summons.

Added by Acts 1973, 1st Sp. Sess., c. 2, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974. Amended by Acts 1974, c. 691, § 8.

Formerly Art. 26, § 148; Art. 35, § 14.