In Re Stafford

Proceeding in habeas corpus to determine the validity of orders of the superior court finding petitioner in contempt, sentencing him to the county jail, imposing fines, and directing that he be imprisoned until the fines are satisfied.

On May 13, 1952, a judgment was entered in an action in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County titled Stafford v. Russell, Number 568668, which “perpetually enjoined, restrained, and debarred” petitioner “from making, asserting, claiming or demanding any estate, right, title or interest whatsoever by action, proceeding or in any other manner whatsoever adverse or hostile to ’ ’ certain defendants named therein in or to certain described property or in or to the leasehold estate of G-. M. Russell covering said property. The judgment became final.

On August 25, 1955, the People brought suit to condemn certain of the property described in the judgment in action 568668. The defendants in action 568668 were named parties defendants in the condemnation suit. Petitioner was not named as a party therein.

On June 4,1956, petitioner filed an answer in the condemnation suit and also filed a cross-complaint against the defendants therein. The answer and…