Offutt v. United States

This case is here on review of a modified affirmance by the Court of Appeals of an order by the District Court summarily committing the petitioner for criminal contempt.

*12The proceeding grew out of the trial of one Peckham for abortion under D. C. Code, 1951, § 22-201, 31 Stat. 1322. The petitioner was Peckham’s trial counsel. Almost from the outset, a clash between the presiding judge and petitioner became manifest, which, it is fair to say, colored the course of the trial throughout its 14 days, and with increasing personal overtones. The judge again and again admonished petitioner for what…