Court Opinion

ID: 9568336
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 20:02:45.609861+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T10:24:38.195350
License: Public Domain

Justice Sharp
concurring in result:
I am in complete accord with the majority’s decision that Judge Ervin erred in placing the burden of proof upon plaintiffs to show that defendant Ritter is in violation of Judge Falls’ order and that the cause must be remanded to the Superior Court. Judge Falls’ order of 28 February 1972 directed defendant “to remove that portion of construction of said pilot lounge or club and auxiliary hangar already completed within 90 days from the date of this judgment.” The stipulations establish that, without removing any portion of the structure as it existed on 23 February 1972 and without obtaining any modification of the court’s order, defendant made certain alterations within the existing walls and roof by building two bedrooms, a kitchen, garage, hobby-tool shop, and changing the bathrooms. The stipulations, therefore, establish defendant’s violation of the order and his contumacy. No further hearing is necessary to determine that fact; the only question remaining for the court is what punishment should be imposed.
The majority opinion, as I interpret it, requires the demolition of the altered structure. It is my view that, if appropriate, alternative sanctions may be imposed, and, in determining what penalty should be imposed for defendant’s contempt, the court may take into consideration whether the present building is in violation of the zoning ordinance and, if so, to what extent. Any portion of the structure which does not conform must, of course, be removed. The vindication of judicial authority, however, does not necessarily require the wasteful demolition of a building which could legally be reconstructed immediately after it has been razed. Such an order would seem to confuse judicial vindication with judicial vindictiveness.
Chief Justice Bobbitt and Justice Branch join in this concurring opinion.