Document: 348 U.S. 11 75 S.Ct. 99 L.Ed. Dorsey K. OFFUTT, An Attorney, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES of America. No. 27. Argued Oct. 22, 1954. Decided Nov. 8, Mr.Warren E. Magee, Washington, D.C., for petitioner. Mr. Gray Thoron, respondent. Justice FRANKFURTER delivered the opinion Court. 1 This case is here on review a modified affirmance by Court Appeals an order District summarily committing petitioner criminal contempt. 2 The proceeding grew out trial one Peckham abortion under D.C.Code 1951, § 22—201, 31 Stat. 1322. was Peckham's counsel. Almost from outset, clash between presiding judge and became manifest, which, it fair to say, colored course throughout its 14 days, with increasing personal overtones. again admonished what he deemed disregard rulings other behavior outside allowable limits aggressive advocacy, warned him consequences way punishment contempt which such conduct invited. On hand, these interchanges court counsel were marked expressions revealed attitude hardly reflected restraints conventional judicial demeanor. Such characterization necessity derives abiding impression left reading entire record. 3 At close trial, after jury had retired deliberation, judge, acting procedure prescribed Rule 42(a) Federal Rules Criminal Procedure1 invoking authority Sacher v. United States, 343 1, 72 451, 96 717, found guilty basis certificate filed Rule, containing 12 findings 'contumacious, unethical in open during trial,' ordered committed 10 days custody States Marshal Columbia. 4 that four amply supported commitment, but reduced 48 hours. It concluded 'the record does not support penalty imposed. Appellant's cannot fairly be considered apart judge. Each respondent great provocation other. judge's treatment appellant, examples are included appendix our (93) U.S.App.D.C. (136, 210 F.2d 693), chief factor leading majority this conclude conviction stand, leads us all appellant's sentence should hours.' 208 842, 843—844. As indicated above, reversed because barred 'from sustaining judgment as product impartial trial.' 93 136, 693, 702. 5 In view Court's 'supervisory over administration justice federal courts,' McNabb 318 332, 341, 63 608, 613, 87 819, importance assuring alert self-restraint exercise district judges summary power punishing contempt, we brought here. 347 932, 74 631. 6 We shall retrace ground so recently covered case, supra. enforcing 42(a), emphasized duty safeguard two indispensable conditions justice: (1) must protected right accused 'fearless, vigorous effective' no matter how unpopular cause employed; (2) equally will 'protect processes orderly supreme object lawyer's calling.' U.S., at pages 13—14, page 457. innovation. did confer upon possessed prior March 21, 1946. 327 821. 'This rule,' Advisory Committee rules stated, 'is substantially restatement existing law, Ex parte Terry, 128 289 (9 77, 32 405); Cooke 267 517, 534 (45 390, 394, 69 767).' pith rather extraordinary punish without formalities required Bill Rights prosecution crimes generally, necessities require dealing obstructions it. mode vindicating majesty active manifestation, against obstruction outrage. thus entrusted wholly unrelated his sensibilities, they tender or rugged. But also human, may, human way, quite unwittingly identify offense self law. Accordingly, has important guard easy confusion sitting themselves misconduct where charged entangled feeling lawyer. 7 Of attacks innuendoes lawyer provoking him, only aggravate may trial. vital point misbehaving himself give vent spleen respond grievance. These subtle matters, concern ingredients constitutes justice. Therefore, satisfy appearance 8 Duly mindful fact delicate one, care needed avoid arbitrary oppressive conclusions', supra, slightest condoning contemptuous part lawyer, desirable 'where do make impracticable, delay injure public private right, called act attack flinching duty, properly ask fellow take place.' 539, 45 396. 9 Government vigorously pressed leeway allowed assessing situation. mean imprison discretion within rigid mechanical rules. nature problem precludes Nor unmindful ultimate finding reprehensible sustained Appeals. That weight given lower courts rule wisdom reviewing enforcement discriminate more less subordinate facts their legal significance, conclusion—though concurred courts—that imply standard law entirety based. Baumgartner 322 665, 670—671, 64 1240, 1243, 88 1525; Appalachian Elec. Power Co., 311 377, 403 404, 61 291, 297, 85 243. intimating justified ample conclusion warranted deeming petitioner's contemptuous. real issue whether decision ruling have been made very purpose available, determination guilt meted first instance involved, misconduct. hours 'cannot judge,' compelling proof latter failed represent impersonal Plainly, thought court's disposition there infusion animosity. And indeed full consideration reason conviction. spoke excessive injection into examination witnesses, numerous comments defense counsel, indicating times hostility, though provocation,' 'demonstrated bias lack impartiality'. bears repeating whole supports Appeals.2 toward whom pass statement discharging them.3 question concerned reprehensibility suffer. Our discloses rare flareup, show evanescent irritation—a modicum quick temper even judges. persuasive instead representing permitted become personally embroiled There intermittently continuous wrangle unedifying level two. For another impose moral proceedings. His precluded atmosphere austerity especially dominate appropriate sense responsibility court, jury. dispatch insofar consonant manner conducted doubtless contributed wastefulness limited scope prosecution. 13 application pronounced for. imposed situation considerations expounded behalf Chief Taft. To sanction would encouragement. language change, 'We think, therefore, when reaches Court, remanded, who herein invite (Chief) Judge (District Court) assign sit second hearing charge petitioner.' See Reversed. 15 BLACK DOUGLAS join concur reversal remand before They go further, however, direct accorded reasons set dissents 23, 457—462, Isserman Ethics Committee, 345 927, 73 706, 97 1357. 16 REED BURTON dissent. affirm opinion. 17 MINTON, dissenting. 18 goes back charges record, admits guilty. much receive. Two circumstances, seem too reviewed nor me. I not, Sacher, apply circumstances proceeding. writ certiorari dismissed improvidently granted. 'Rule 42. Contempt '(a) Summary Disposition. A punished if certifies saw heard constituting actual presence court. recite signed entered record.' U.S.C.A. purposes sufficient quote specific instances: 'The Court: Motion denied. Proceed. 'Mr. Offutt: Your Honor yelling me raising your voice like that. Just moment. If you say word stick gag mouth.' (R. 215.) Don't argue am arguing Honor. answer either. Oh, Honor—I merely trying present my point. Proceed next question. Thank you, 'Your Honor, shouting me, urge Well, misbehaving, Offutt. right— function hold reins tight preserve decorum courtroom. yell 'And submit entitled, objections state putting You forfeited treated courtesy extends members Bar.' 250.) 'I realize difficult disagreeable task case. compelled through disgraceful disreputable performance unworthy being member profession; I, profession, blush specimen midst.' 260.)

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