Should the congressional jail be brought back?

Leviticus

Diamond Member
Jan 6, 2021
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Not many know this, but as rcently as the 1930's, Congress didnt reply on the justice department to punish those held in contempt of congress. The had their own jail, manned by the capital police, whey those who were charged with contempt could be detained. Last time they did this was during the teapot-dome scandal. The brother of the,then, secretary of state refused an order to testify and the Sergeant-at-Arms went to his home and arrested him and he was held in this jail until he agreed to testify. Courts ruled multiple times that this was constitutional because congresshas to be able to indepently enforce its own authority. Just like federal courts having their own holding cells for those found in contempt, and the authority to order the US Marshals to arrest people for contempt.

Congress also could levy special fines for contempt back then.
 

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