People v. Freer
New York Supreme Court
■The defendant being brought into court, Kent, J., thus delivered their opinion. The defendant is brought before the court, for publishing paragraphs in the Ulster Gazette, of August last, containing remarks on the trial of Harry Crosvvell.
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■The defendant being brought into court, Kent, J., thus delivered their opinion. The defendant is brought before the court, for publishing paragraphs in the Ulster Gazette, of August last, containing remarks on the trial of Harry Crosvvell. The paper being laid before the court at the last August term, it appeared to be intended to prejudice and influence the public mind against the court, before which the trial was held, and to intimidate and influence this court in deciding on the motion pending before it, for a new trial in the cause. A rule was accordingly granted, that the defendant show…
1Opinion of the Court
This proceeding was correct and necessary. Publications scandalizing the court, or intending unduly to influence, or overawe their deliberations, are con-tempts which they are ^authorized to punish by [*5191 attachment; and, indeed, it is essential to their dignity of character, their utility and independence, that they should possess and exercise this authority. The defendant did not show cause in person, in pursuance of the rule, but he appeared by attorney, and in an affidavit disavowed any intentional disrespect to the court, or any intent that was contemptuous and unlawful. He stated, that…
2Cited by3 opinions
- State ex inf. Crow v. ShepherdSupreme Court of Missouri · 1903
- In re SturocSupreme Court of New Hampshire · 1869
- People ex rel. Barnes v. Court of SessionsNew York Supreme Court · 1894