Paris Hilton: Habeus Corpus, Contempt, and English Common Law

If the interest in Paris Hilton's troubles in going back to jail continues, looks as if we are all going to be learning advanced criminal law this weekend. Who knew it would take a celebrity to teach us? By Monday, we will all be discussing English common law, the "Great Writ" of Habeus Corpus, the meaning of contempt of court, and the traditional power of the "shire reeve" or sheriff.

Will Paris' lawyers argue that once Paris Hilton was sent to the Century Regional Detention Facility, she was in the custody of Los Angeles County Sheriff, and no longer subject to the initial court order for the period of incarceration? If that is the case, she might just get to go back home. One glitch: Judge Michael T. Sauer is a jurist with 35 years experience who has also argued in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. Chances are he knows what he is doing, and Paris' lawyers will lose. The interesting twist is that Paris' health problems may not be common to a prison population--assuming that its more than poly-substance abuse--which possibly could affect the outcome.

Paris' antics have given the public hours of pleasure. We hope that the young lady who once said in a David Letterman show interview, "I like to entertain," and "I want to be alone," is feeling better.

Paris' heath problem

Order: Bring Defendant to court!

Order: Paris sent to jail; contempt discharged

Update: Cheated! Just as Paris' lawyers seemed to be on the verge of a unique application of habeus corpus, teaching the world about some arcane remedy heretofore unknown, Paris decided to stay in jail after all. So much for common law, sheriffs, and judges. Paris, who first came on public radar due to some extremely private video matter, suddenly developed inhibitions? Apparently modesty and camera shyness sent her home; no wonder the judge sent her back. In the meantime, Paris gets what Paris wants--she's in the infirmary "heavily sedated."