Opinion ID: 2225003
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Certiorari Action.

Text: In the original certiorari action, which has been consolidated with this appeal, Damstra challenges a district court order finding him in contempt for failure to make installment payments under the trial court's decree of specific performance and imposing a jail sentence. The court of appeals believed that the contempt issue was mooted as a result of its decision invalidating the decree in the specific performance action. We cannot agree with that conclusion. The record entry of the contempt finding and jail sentence remains in the district court and must be dealt with on the merits. Damstra's challenge to the contempt finding and resulting jail sentence presents substantial issues concerning whether the contempt judgment constitutes an improper imprisonment for debt in violation of article I, section 19 of the Iowa Constitution, or is an invalid use of the contempt power under the limitations contained in Iowa Code section 626.1 (1985). However, we do not reach these issues. The record reflects that in appealing the decree of specific performance Damstra was earnestly attempting to stay its execution by means of posting a supersedeas bond. He was eventually successful in accomplishing that result. The district court's finding of a willful violation of the decree related to the period of time before a stay had been obtained. For purposes of a finding of contempt, we have said that willful disobedience of a court order requires evidence of conduct that is intentional and deliberate with a bad or evil purpose, or wanton and in disregard of the rights of others, or contrary to a known duty.... Lutz v. Darbyshire, 297 N.W.2d 349, 353 (Iowa 1980). Because we find that Damstra, at all times relevant to the issue of willful violation, intended to obtain a lawful stay of the execution of the decree, we conclude that his disregard of its requirements was not sufficiently willful to sustain a finding of contempt. For the reasons discussed, we affirm the decision of the court of appeals and reverse the decree of the district court in the specific performance action. We vacate the decision of the court of appeals and sustain the writ of certiorari with respect to the contempt issue. (ON APPEAL) DECISION OF COURT OF APPEALS AFFIRMED; DISTRICT COURT JUDGMENT REVERSED; (ON CERTIORARI) DECISION OF COURT OF APPEALS VACATED; WRIT SUSTAINED.