People ex rel. Hinckley v. Pirfenbrink

On the 20th day of September, 1879, it appears that the attachment and other papers under which Hinckley had previously been arrested for a contempt, were returned, and he was brought into court. This process had then served its purpose and became functus officio. Hence there is no necessity to discuss or determine whether his previous arrest was legal or not. But the question does arise, whether the order entered on that day for his commitment was legal, or irregular and void. The court seems to have heard evidence, and adjudged Hinckley to be in contempt for refusing to surrender the books,…