Supreme Court of New Jersey
In the Matter of John W. Yengo, Esq., Charged With Contempt
August 4, 198084 N.J. 111
Summary
The Supreme Court of New Jersey reversed the Appellate Division and reinstated the trial judge's contempt conviction and $500 fine against attorney John W. Yengo for an unexcused, unexplained absence from a complex criminal trial. The Court held that such conduct constitutes direct contempt in the presence of the court, justifying summary disposition under R. 1:10-1, and that a petty contempt offense does not require indictment or a jury trial. A concurring opinion agreed with the result, emphasizing the direct affront to judicial authority.