State v. Johnson

Lewis, Justice.

The defendants Joseph L. Johnson and Joseph G. Grace have appealed from their conviction of contempt of court for alleged jury tampering. They contend, generally, that their convictions should be set aside because (1) neither the charges nor the evidence constitute contempt, and (2) prejudicial error was committed in the conduct of the trial.

On September 14, 1964 the Charleston County Grand Jury indicted Joseph L. Johnson, Jr., (son and nephew, respectively of the defendants Joseph L. Johnson and Joseph G. Grace), along with two others, for rape, assault with intent to ravish,…