New York Court of Appeals
In the Matter of Alvin Katz v. John Murtagh, as Supreme Court Justice, New York County
April 8, 197128 N.Y.2d 234
Summary
The Court of Appeals affirmed the criminal contempt conviction of a courtroom spectator who rose, gave a defiant salute, and declared he had no respect for the court. It held that his conduct fell within §750 of the Judiciary Law, that a summary proceeding without a evidentiary hearing was proper, and that no constitutional rights, including the privilege against self‑incrimination, were violated. The decision also rejected the petitioner's claims for an adjournment, a different judge, and due‑process violations.