Opinion ID: 322534
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: the contempt citations

Text: 41 We next consider Judge Chandler's order of March 11, 1974, ordering the appellants-petitioners to show cause in writing why they should not be punished for both civil and criminal contempt. In passing, we note that this is not a final order within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. 1291. Since there has not been a final adjudication of contempt or a sentence, the appeal remedy is not available. See 9 J. Moore, Moore's Federal Practice 110.13(4) (1970). See also, Fox v. Capital Co., 299 U.S. 105, 57 S.Ct. 57, 81 L.Ed. 67 (1936); SEC v. Naftalin, 460 F.2d 471 (8th Cir. 1972); Hyde Construction Co. v. Koehring Co., 348 F.2d 643, 647 (10th Cir. 1965), rev'd on other grounds, 382 U.S. 362 (1966). Cf. Massengale v. United States, 278 F.2d 344 (6th Cir. 1960) re necessity for punishment. 42 However, the matter is before us on the writ of mandamus, No. 74-1120, as well as appeal. We recognize that this writ is not to be used as a substitute for an appeal. See Ex parte Fahey, 332 U.S. 258, 67 S.Ct. 1558, 91 L.Ed. 2041 (1947); In re Chicago, R.I. & Pacific Ry., 255 U.S. 273, 275-276, 41 S.Ct. 288, 65 L.Ed. 631 (1921); In re Tiffany, 252 U.S. 32, 40 S.Ct. 239, 64 L.Ed. 443 (1920); Erie Bank v. United States Dist. Court for Dist. of Colo., 362 F.2d 539, 540 (10th Cir. 1966). We consider circumstances here to be exceptional and justifying entertaining the mandamus. See Will v. United States, 389 U.S. 90, 95, 88 S.Ct. 269, 19 L.Ed.2d 305 (1967). 43 The order to show cause stems from the identical conduct that Judge Chandler relied on in the disbarment proceedings, and there is no necessity for repeating the evaluations already given. We merely say that the dearth of evidence in support of the adjudications is so plain that the accused attorneys are not to be subjected to meaningless procedure in connection with these contempt citations. It would be time consuming, expensive and would hinder performance of official duties. In addition, further proceedings would continue the turmoil. It is our opinion in view of this that the mandamus is an appropriate remedy here. 44 In United States v. Hemphill, 369 F.2d 539 (4th Cir. 1966) the federal district judge had ordered the Secretary of Labor to answer interrogatories in an enforcement proceeding under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The Court of Appeals there held that compelling the Secretary of Labor to respond would impose great hardship and little countervailing value, and that it was proper for the Court of Appeals to issue the writ. The same is true here. 45 We repeat that we have not condoned refusal to obey an incorrectly entered order. Cf. Hyde Construction Co. v. Koehring Co., supra. We will meet this issue if and when there exists a need to do so. 46 Viewing the record as a whole, we conclude that while Mr. Burkett was unenthusiastic in his responses to the suggestions and exhortations of Judge Chandler to cooperate, we find no evidence establishing contemptuous refusal to obey specific orders and find no evidence that Burkett Usled the court or failed in any obligations to serve the court. The lack of responsiveness to suggestions does not suffice. 47 Accordingly, then, since there is a dearth of evidence to support the allegations of the order to show cause, the writ must issue. 7 48 It is the order of this court that No. 74-1297 be reversed and remanded with directions to appellee, Judge Chandler, to vacate and set aside the disbarment judgments against the several appellants. It is the further order of the court that the writ of mandamus presented to us in No. 74-1120 be made final and absolute and that the order or orders to show cause why petitioners should not be held in contempt be vacated, set aside and held for naught.