Birkenshaw v. City of Detroit

Six consolidated cases are involved in this appeal, all of which arose from the trial court’s finding defendant City of Detroit guilty of criminal contempt of court.

Bisco’s Lounge is an establishment which features sexually oriented entertainment. It is owned and operated by plaintiff Birkenshaw. Plaintiffs Halmaghi, David, Magnes and Huggins were employees of Bisco’s who were individually charged with fostering or participating in various acts of lewd and lascivious behavior.

In 1974, plaintiff Birkenshaw sued the City of Detroit, the Police Commissioner, the Detroit Police Department and…