State Ex Rel. Johnson v. Schwartz

This contempt proceeding presents a single issue: Was the accused entitled to compel the production of the personnel records of the police officers who arrested him, for an in camera inspection by the trial court?

The accused, Cedric Johnson, a minor, was charged in the Multnomah County District Court with assault upon a police officer, and minor in possession of alcoholic liquor. Prior to trial Johnson caused a subpoena duces tecum to be served on the Portland Acting Chief of Police requiring the production of the above records. Defendants are the custodians of the records sought.

The police…