A. Randall Harris v. State of Mississippi

MAXWELL, JUSTICE,

FOR THE COURT:

¶ 1. On the morning of his client’s trial, defense attorney Randall Harris tried to withdraw as counsel. When the judge declined his request, Harris told the judge he was “wrong” for doing so, and he “was not going to participate” in the trial. Harris’s refusal to abide by the court’s order forced a continuance. And the judge held him in direct criminal contempt.

¶2. “Direct criminal contempt includes words or actions before the court that tend to embarrass the court or prevent the orderly administration of justice.” 1 We find Harris’s actions clearly fell within…