Posted on 09/25/2020 6:46:53 PM PDT by marshmallow
Thomas More Society Attorneys Label LA County’s Contempt Order “Constitutionally Invalid”
Attorneys for Pastor John MacArthur and Grace Community Church prevailed in yet another hearing today in Los Angeles Superior Court, arguing that MacArthur and the Church are entitled to a full trial on the merits of their challenge to the constitutionality of the government shut-down orders and the preliminary injunction. Los Angeles County has sought to shut down the church and hold MacArthur in contempt, but Thomas More Society attorneys argued that a final determination on the constitutionality of the orders must occur before the county could seek contempt against MacArthur for merely holding church.
Judge Mitchell L. Beckloff indicated that he agreed there are serious constitutional concerns that have not been fully tried, and he reiterated that his prior ruling on the preliminary injunction was not a decision on the merits regarding the constitutionality of those orders. Because a contempt hearing is a quasi-criminal proceeding, Beckloff agreed that MacArthur and Grace Community Church are entitled to constitutional protections at any such trial.
Thomas More Society Special Counsel Jenna Ellis explained, “This is significant because no person can or should be held in contempt of a constitutionally invalid order. Los Angeles County continues to presume that its order is valid, with utter disregard for First Amendment protections. It’s tyranny to even suggest that a government action cannot be challenged and must be obeyed without question. This case goes to the heart of what our founders designed for the purpose of legitimate government—not to be above the rule of law. Pastor MacArthur is simply holding church, which is clearly his constitutionally protected right in this country.”
Thomas More Society Special Counsel Charles LiMandri stated, “This ruling prevents Los Angeles County’s attempted rush to judgment in its continued prosecution of Pastor........
(Excerpt) Read more at thomasmoresociety.org ...
Ping
Lord Jesus come quickly with your rod of iron.
Bravo!
You know that whole rod of iron thing comes after a seven year ride on an angry bull.
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