County of Cook v. Lloyd A. Fry Roofing Co.

Defendant, Lloyd A. Fry Roofing Co., was adjudged in contempt in the circuit court of Cook County. It was ordered to pay $10,000 on account as a credit toward the total amount due and- owing. The appellate court reversed (13 Ill. App. 3d 244 (abstract opinion)), and we granted leave to appeal. The principal issues are whether the defendant’s intent is relevant to a finding of civil contempt under the circumstances presented and whether defendant’s inability to comply with the court order relieves it of liability for contempt.

On February 11, 1971, plaintiff, the County of Cook, filed a…