Williams International Corp. v. Smith

INTRODUCTION

Appellants in these consolidated cases challenge the validity of two civil contempt orders. The circuit judge found appellants in civil contempt of court for violating a June 29, 1983, permanent injunction enjoining them from trespassing on, and obstructing ingress or egress to, Williams International Corporation’s plant at Walled Lake, Michigan.1 The appellants were ordered incarcer*87ated until they purged their contempt by promising to obey the injunction in the future.

Appellants argue before this Court that their contempt was criminal and that the trial court’s sentencing…