United States v. Irving North. Appeal of William D. Eyler, an Immunized Witness in the Case of United States v. North

OPINION OF THE COURT

GARTH, Circuit Judge.

This appeal requires us to ascertain the nature, and therefore the consequences of a contempt sentence imposed upon William Eyler, who, having been immunized, thereafter refused to testify at the trial of Irving North, when he (Eyler) was called by the Government. Eyler now appeals the denial of his motion to reduce the term of the six-month contempt sentence imposed upon him. It is Eyler’s contention that his contempt was civil in nature and must therefore be governed by 28 U.S.C. § 1826.1 *1257Thus, he argues that he must be released, since the proceeding…