Blythe v. State

One Rodgers stood charged with larceny in the Common Pleas; and the Court being satisfied that the accused was entitled to his defence in forma pauperis, assigned James E. Blythe, Esq., an attorney of the Court, as counsel to defend Rodgers. Blythe thereupon denied the right of the state, or of the Court, to demand his professional services without compensation, and thereupon refused to act. For such refusal the Court adjudged him guilty of a contempt, and ordered him to make his fine to the state in the sum of 5 dollars, and stand committed, &c. The facts are all set out in a bill of…