Commonwealth ex rel. Johnson v. Police Commissioner

Alexander, J.,

This matter is before the court upon relator’s petition for a writ of habeas corpus.

Relator, A. Benjamin Johnson, a member of the Philadelphia bar, was arrested on February 10, 1960, by two Philadelphia police officers. Following a preliminary hearing on February 11 and 12, 1960, relator was held for court on the charges of interfering with a police officer and breach of the peace.

At the close of the preliminary hearing, the magistrate set bail in the amount of $500. Relator declined the proffered opportunity to be released in his own recognizance and remained in custody. He…