People v. L.A.S.

The State appeals from a decision of the appellate court reversing a judgment of the circuit court of Macon County which summarily found respondent, a minor, guilty of direct criminal contempt for failing to return to court at the conclusion of a short recess. A majority of the appellate court held that respondent’s failure to return to court could constitute only indirect criminal contempt and could not be punished summarily but required notice and hearing. (132 Ill. App. 3d 811.) We allowed the State’s appeal, which presents a single question for review: Did the respondent’s failure to…