Legal Document

389 U.S. 15 88 Supreme Court Reporter 6 19 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 Harvey R. BITTERv.UNITED STATES. Number 201. Oct. 16, 1967. Ray T. McCann, for petitioner. Solicitor General Marshall, Assistant Attorney Vinson, Beatrice Rosenberg and Kirby W. Patterson, the States. PER CURIAM. 1 Petitioner was tried on 18 counts of violating mail fraud statute, Code KF62 § 1341, one count using an assumed name, a violation 1342. On third day trial, Government rested its case. This earlier than it had announced or petitioner anticipated. At recess time sought leave court to go his office in order gather additional evidence defense. Permission this granted. Forty-five minutes were allotted recess. 2 Petitioner, who previously appeared promptly at every session tardy by 37 returning court. Without warning, hearing, explanation, trial judge ordered into custody balance trial. Attempts petitioner's counsel offer explanations lateness no avail. 3 Defense then advised that would be kept county jail located some miles from In fact, taken about 40 distant, different jail. Counsel's endeavors throughout obtain release proved fruitless. remained duration He convicted seven given sentence year each count, sentences run concurrently. also fined total $3,500. 4 contended incarceration unjustified materially interfered with right severely impeded The Appeals Seventh Circuit affirmed conviction. 374 Federal Reporter, 2nd 744 (1967). We grant certiorari reverse. 5 A indisputably has broad powers ensure orderly expeditious progress For purpose, he power revoke bail remit defendant custody. But must exercised circumspection. It may invoked only when extent justified danger which defendant's conduct presents significant interference trial.1 See Fernandez versus States, 365 397, 81 642, 683 (1961) (memorandum Mr. Justice Harlan chambers); Carbo 288 282 (C.A.9th Cir. 1961); Christoffel 89 U.S.App.D.C. 341, 196 560 (1951). record case shows single, brief incident tardiness, resulting commitment ofthe distant courtroom. these circumstances, judge's commitment, made without hearing statement reasons, appearance effect punishment rather designed solely facilitate Punishment not so inflicted. Cf. Rule 42 Fed.Rules Crim.Proc. (governing contempt power). therefore hold constituted unwarranted burden upon 7 Accordingly, we reverse judgment. 8 Judgment reversed. 9 MARSHALL took part consideration decision does appear whether large remitting him same principle apply if been liberty own recognizance. Bail Reform Act 1966, 3146 (1964 ed., Supp. II).

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