5 Comments
тна Return to thread

Who is supposed to stop them, and why aren't they doing it? Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy sent the national guard to Mississippi to enforce the law.

Expand full comment

All federal Article III judges have inherent contempt authority. They have court officials, the US Marshals' Service execute their orders.

However, a person charged with contempt has a right to a hearing. A person accused of contempt has a right to purge contempt. https://www.justice.gov/archives/jm/criminal-resource-manual-757-tests-distinguishing-between-civil-and-criminal-contempt-purging

Most of the time, "progressive" discipline is used. First a threat, then a fine and finally civil coercive contempt. Jail time until the contempt is purged.

As to RFK and Mississippi, when James Meredith sought to legally become the first black person to attend the University of Mississippi, "the duty of upholding the federal law allowing him to do so fell upon the shoulders of 127 deputy marshals from all over the country." https://www.usmarshals.gov/who-we-are/history/historical-reading-room/us-marshals-and-integration-of-university-of-mississippi

Expand full comment

So, who is charged with contempt for not redrawing district maps when a court has ordered it and who does the charging?

Expand full comment

A lawyer before the court makes a motion to compel enforcement. DOJ may/may not be involved.

Expand full comment

I thought it was the Mississippi National Guard, army and air, called to active service. I was a child and remember seeing it on the news. Thanks for the link.

Expand full comment