Opinion ID: 1491821
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The contempt sentence.

Text: Finally, we take note of Doherty's sentence. We have recognized that the principal justification for contempt lies in the need for upholding public confidence in the majesty of the law and in the integrity of the judicial system and when we have found these ends will be met despite a reduction or even a remission of a jail sentence for contempt it has been our practice to modify the judgment. Carle v. Burnett, 311 Ark. 477, 845 S.W.2d 7 (1993) (quoting Garner and Rosen v. Amsler, 238 Ark. 34, 377 S.W.2d 872 (1964)); see also Page v. State, 266 Ark. 398, 583 S.W.2d 70 (1979); Dennison v. Mobley, 257 Ark. 216, 515 S.W.2d 215 (1974). Given the circumstances of this case, in which Doherty's authority as area manager for DHS was limited to implementation of DHS policy set by senior officials at DHS, some of whom were served with the December 4 show-cause order but did not appear at the December 11 hearing, we are convinced that the ends of justice do not require that Doherty be confined to jail for the length of time imposed by the trial court. Accordingly, we remit the jail sentence to two days to reflect Doherty's shared culpability in the matter. Affirmed as modified. GLAZE, J., concurring. ARNOLD, C.J., BROWN and THORNTON, JJ., concurring in part, dissenting in part.