A North Carolina lawyer has been held in criminal contempt for reading a magazine during a court session. District Court Judge Kevin Eddinger issued the contempt order against attorney Todd Paris after witnessing him reading Maxim, a men's magazine, while seated on a bench in court reserved for lawyers. The cover of the magazine prominently featured a female topless model.

According to the court's order, Mr. Paris apologized and "stated in his view the magazine was not pornography, was available at local stores and that he didn't intend contempt." Judge Eddinger found Mr. Paris' conduct to be "grossly inappropriate" and "patently offensive" and "impaired the respect due" the court. Mr. Paris was issued a $300 fine and a 15-day suspended prison sentence.

According to news reports, Maxim is sending both Judge Eddinger and Mr. Paris a one-year complimentary subscription.

—Source: The Wall Street Journal