People v. Roush

This appeal requires us to determine whether a trial judge properly held directors of State mental institutions in criminal contempt of court following the escape of mental patients under their control. We are asked to determine the degree of control the judiciary can exercise over the administration of State mental hospitals and their employees. On July 17, 1981, a trial judge in the circuit court of Cook County entered a rule to show cause why Dr. Claude Roush and the Manteno Mental Health Center should not be held in indirect criminal contempt of court. This action followed two escapes by…