Document: 404 U.S. 553 92 S.Ct. 659 30 L.Ed.2d 708 In the Matter of Larry LITTLE. No. 71—244. Jan. 24, 1972. PER CURIAM. 1 Petitioner was convicted committing a direct contempt judge District Court Division Forsyth County, North Carolina, General Justice. He sentenced to days in jail as summary punishment authorized by Statutes Carolina §§ 5—1(1) and 5—6. sought habeas corpus Superior Court. That court denied relief after hearing oral argument but without receiving evidence. Both Appeals Supreme Court, 181 S.E.2d 602 review certiorari. 2 Neither order nor judgment details events leading conviction. The petition recites these events, however, State's response does not challenge accuracy recital. Petitioner's trial on charge carrying concealed weapon scheduled for March 8, 1971, at Winston-Salem. appeared filed written motion continuance reason another engagement his retained counsel Charlotte. proceeded with trial. Without benefit petitioner attempted defend himself. summation following close evidence made statements that biased had prejudged case political prisoner. adjudged statements. court's '(t)he this point informed (petitioner) he felt remarks were very disrespectful tended subvert prevent justice,' further concludes foregoing facts conduct words spoken him presence contemptuous, they reflected integrity justice.' 3 also recites, 'As defendant being removed from courtroom deputy sheriff (following adjudication), spoke out called undersigned presiding M_ _ F_ _.' This language is, course, reprehensible cannot be tolerated. But relied upon either or conviction sentence State defends any reference it. We therefore lay it aside purpose our decision. 4 before no other tracks statutory reciting petitioner's 'directly interrupt its proceedings impair respect due Court's authority,' and, further, conclusion "reflected justice' amounted finding wilful intentionally used authority.'* 5 hold context did constitute criminal contempt. denial forced argue own cause. clearly entitled much latitude conducting defense we have held is enjoyed vigorously espousing client's re McConnell, 370 230, 82 1288, 8 434 (1962). There indication, argue, uttered boisterous tone wise actually disrupted proceeding. Therefore, 'The vehemence alone measure power punish fires which kindles must an imminent, merely likely, threat administration justice. danger remote even probable; immediately imperil . .. (T)he law protection judges who may sensitive winds public opinion. Judges are supposed men fortitude, able thrive hardy climate.' Craig v. Harney, 331 367, 376, 67 1249, 1255, 91 L.Ed. 1546 (1947). 'Trial courts guard against confusing offenses their sensibilities obstruction Brown United States, 356 148, 153, 78 622, 626, 589 (1958). 6 reversal necessarily required under holding Holt Virginia, 381 131, 85 1375, 14 290 (1965). attorneys motions recuse himself change venue, alleging biased. venue alleged intimidated harassed attorneys' client. filing motions. reversed reasons applicable here: 7 'It charged petitioners here disobeyed valid order, talked loudly, acted boisterously, officer duties. Their convictions rest nothing whatever except allegations disqualification Judge Holladay because bias part.' Id., 136, S.Ct., 1377. certiorari granted reversed. 9 It so ordered. 10 Reversed. 11 Mr. Chief Justice BURGER, whom REHNQUIST joins, concurring. 12 I agree disposition something more needs said. 13 A depends special way setting, such elusive factors voice, facial expressions, physical gestures contemnor; dealt full ventilation facts. Those present often totally different impression what would appear faithful transcript record. Some flavor really occurred episode, attitude demeanor, how impressed those present, gleaned utterances described per curiam free promptly summon observing strictures Mayberry Pennsylvania, 400 455, 499, 27 532 (1971), issue process requiring show cause why should adjudication. * Section makes punishable '(d)isorderly, insolent behavior committed during sitting justice, immediate view court, directly tending proceedings, authority.'

Category: 0