Current:Home > InvestNorth Carolina court reverses contempt charge against potential juror who wouldn’t wear mask -Wealth Navigators Hub
North Carolina court reverses contempt charge against potential juror who wouldn’t wear mask
View
Date:2025-04-12 22:37:05
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina judge wrongly found a potential juror in criminal contempt for refusing to wear a mask in 2022 due to COVID-19, a state appeals court ruled Tuesday.
The three-judge Court of Appeals panel agreed unanimously to reverse the order against Gregory Hahn, saying in part that his actions didn’t interrupt court proceedings. Hahn had received a 24-hour jail sentence from Superior Court Judge Winston Gilchrist in October 2022. He asked that the state’s intermediate-level court hear his case.
The judge in 2022 declared that Hahn had been ordered three times to wear a mask. Gilchrist’s order also found that Hahn “willfully behaved in a contemptuous manner” and his conduct harmed the respect that the court’s authority was due.
According to Tuesday’s opinion, the Harnett County Courthouse at the time was under a mask directive — signed in part by Gilchrist — that said masks were optional in common areas and meeting rooms, but judges had discretion to require masks inside their courtrooms.
Hahn reported for jury duty and was directed to a jury assembly room. When a courthouse worker asked him there to wear a mask, he declined. He was removed from the room and taken to a courtroom where Gilchrist told him about the mask requirement in his courtroom where he’d be a potential juror and in the jury assembly room. Hahn responded that “with all due respect, I will not be wearing a mask, sir.” He was found in contempt after Gilchrist warned him about the potential punishments.
Writing the prevailing opinion, Court of Appeals Judge Michael Stading said the elements of criminal contempt weren’t present in this case. Hahn did not disrupt court, Stading wrote, pointing out that he was not a participant in ongoing proceedings in a courtroom and was respectful to Gilchrist.
The masking directive was also invalid because it came several months after state Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby issued a statewide order revoking all pandemic emergency directives, including those giving discretion to local courts, according to Stading.
Even so, there is nothing sufficient to support findings that Hahn “could have known his discussion with the courthouse employee in the jury assembly room might directly interrupt proceedings or interfere with the court’s order or business,” Stading wrote. Judge April Wood agreed with Stading’s opinion. Judge Jefferson Griffin agreed with the outcome but wrote a separate opinion.
The state Supreme Court could now hear the cause if there are further appeals, but the justices aren’t required to do so.
veryGood! (38923)
Related
- Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
- Why India's yogurt-based lassi is the perfect drink for the hottest summer on record
- 'Loki' season 2 is nearly here—here's how to watch
- 'Down goes Anderson!' Jose Ramirez explains what happened during Guardians-White Sox fight
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- Tens of thousands of young scouts to leave South Korean world jamboree as storm Khanun looms
- Democrats see Michigan and Minnesota as guides for what to do with majority power
- Former FBI agent to plead guilty in oligarch-related case
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- Trump effort to overturn election 'aspirational', U.S. out of World Cup: 5 Things podcast
Ranking
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- People are losing more money to scammers than ever before. Here’s how to keep yourself safe
- That's Billionaire 'Barbie' to you: The biggest movie of summer hits $1B at box office
- Moving to a college dorm? Here's how you can choose a reliable mover and avoid scams
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Father charged with helping suspect in July 4 shooting obtain gun license to ask judge to toss case
- Tired of Losing Things All the Time? Get 45% Off Tile Bluetooth Trackers
- Bachelor Nation's Kaitlyn Bristowe Taking Social Media Break After Jason Tartick Split
Recommendation
Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
Sales-tax holidays are popular, but how effective are they?
New York oncologist kills baby and herself at their home, police say
Penguins land 3-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson in trade with Sharks, Canadiens
The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
8-year-old Chicago girl fatally shot by man upset with kids making noise, witnesses say
Taylor Swift fan's 'Fantasy Swiftball' game gives Swifties another way to enjoy Eras Tour
When Concertgoers Attack: All the Stars Who've Been Hit With Objects at Their Shows