Evers v. State

The appellant, Medgar Evers, was convicted of constructive contempt of court, by publishing a statement criticizing a conviction of another for burglary, after the jury’s verdict and sentence had been rendered. We hold the State’s evidence wholly failed to show beyond a rea sonable donbt that the publication had a reasonable and substantial tendency to corrupt or hinder the administration of justice in the courts. Hence the conviction is reversed and appellant is discharged.

The regular term of the Circuit Court of Forrest County began on November 14, 1960. On November 21 Clyde Kennard, a…