In re Ryan

Decided August 18, 1883

Detroit Recorder's Court · decided 1883-08-18

On August 14,1883, police officer Dealer went to John T. Ryan’s place of business on Woodbridge street, Detroit, for the purpose of serving a subpoena issued out of the Recorder’s Court, upon one of Ryan’s employees. The officer failed to serve the subpoena, because, as he claimed, Ryan refused him access to the employee, and indulged in threats against the officer.

Decided 1883-08-18

¶1The Court,

Sweet, J.,

¶2Held: That no rule of a business house could interrupt the prompt service of process or of the order of the court on employees.

¶3The respondent was held guilty of contempt, and the court imposed a fine of twenty dollars or thirty days in. jail.