Contempt of Court

[Professor]

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ss ... t_133.html

How can a judge charge someone with contempt of court? If I understand a separation of powers, the legislative makes the law, the executive enforces it (charges with a crime) and the judiciary adjudicates.

There are laws against it, so that part is OK. But, who charges the person? The judge. Then, who decides the case? The judge.

Is there any way to defend yourself against the charge? Is there an appeal process? Is there a bail hearing? Can you plead not-guilty?

Aren't our judges supposed to be "impartial"? Well if you've made a judge mad enough to hold you in contempt, can anyone say that he's impartial?

[The Dharma Bum]

Those seem like valid concerns to me.

[eynon81]

[exploited]

I've always taken issue with this. There ought to be clear guidelines about its use, and it would more or less be: "If you withhold information you are legally required to give" or "You create a disturbance so disruptive the court cannot function."

All contempt charges should be reviewed by a grand jury.

[jimmyz]

I guarantee Mr. Prince will never claim ignorance nor disregard a US Marshall again. Good. I hate the types who walk around engrossed in their smart phones oblivious to all. I especially love the 40 year old guys with $400 phones on $150 phone plans riding through town on $50 bicycles. Losers can't even procure and maintain insurance on an automobile but have some oh so important phone business going on. Probably meth heads receiving the next drop's address so the dealer man kicks him his free sack. But I digress.

[eynon81]

[Kane]