Ex Parte Eastland

This original habeas corpus action arises out of a contempt action brought to enforce a judgment ordering relator, Donald East-land, disbarred. The question presented in this action is whether the order holding Eastland in contempt and committing him to the county jail is void because the judge presiding over the contempt action exceeded the scope of his assignment.

In May 1988, the State Bar of Texas, the real party in interest, filed a disciplinary petition against Donald Eastland, Relator, in the 66th Judicial Court, Hill County, Texas. The Honorable Clyde Ashworth was assigned to preside…