Case ID: how-pr_12/html/0550-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Dean, Justice.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

SUPREME COURT.
    The People, on the petition of Thomas Darlington, agt. John Orser, sheriff, &c.
    
    Where a court of competent jurisdiction decides a jurisdictional question, (a commitment for contempt of court,) a justice of this court, at chambers, has . no right to review such decision collaterally.
    
      At Chambers,
    
      Dec. 20, 1855.
    Application, by petition, for the discharge of John B. Over-ton from imprisonment.
    H. Z. Hayner, for petitioner.
    
    S. F. Clarkson, contra.
    
   Dean, Justice.

The prisoner, John B. Overton, is imprisoned by virtue of a commitment by the court of common pleas of New-York, for an alleged contempt. The cause of the commitment is plainly charged, and set out in the commitment.

The proof taken before me shows that the question on which the want of jurisdiction in the court of common pleas is charged, was raised in that court, and decided at general term.

It will not do for an officer acting at chambers, collaterally, to review the decisions of courts of competent jurisdiction.

The prisoner must be remanded.