What is the burden of producing evidence for the purposes of contempt?

Second, once the government has presented its prima facie case, the witness must provide some explanation on the record for his failure to comply. See United States v. O'Henry's Film Works, Inc., 598 F.2d 313, 318 (2nd Cir. 1979). If the witness fails to meet this "burden of producing evidence," the government's prima facie case is sufficient to meet its burden of proof for a finding of contempt. See, N.L.R.B. v. Trans Ocean Export Packing, Inc., 473 F.2d 612, 617-18 (9th Cir. 1973). The witness may meet his burden, however, where, as here, he testifies that he does not remember the events in question. ¹

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