In re Snyder

Robert Snyder (plaintiff), an attorney, was appointed under the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) to represent an individual before a federal district court. After concluding the representation, Snyder submitted a claim for reimbursement to the court for services and expenses. The chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit (chief judge) (defendant) reduced the claim’s amount, reasoning that Snyder had not adequately documented his expenses. Snyder then wrote to the court expressing his displeasure and informing the court that Snyder would no longer accept cases under the CJA. Writing to the district-court judge, the chief judge described Snyder’s letter as “totally disrespectful” and expressed his intention to issue an order to show cause why Snyder should not be suspended from the practice of law within the circuit should Snyder not apologize. When Snyder failed to apologize, the chief judge issued an order to show cause, but only for Snyder’s refusal to accept cases under the CJA. During the hearing, however, the chief judge focused on Snyder’s refusal to apologize. Snyder did not apologize, and the chief judge suspended Snyder from practice within the Eighth Circuit for six months. The Eighth Circuit sitting en banc held that Snyder did not have to take cases under the CJA but affirmed the chief judge’s order, although it issued a 10-day stay to allow Snyder to apologize. Snyder did not apologize, and the suspension went into effect. Snyder petitioned the United States Supreme Court for review of the suspension order, and the Court granted certiorari.