Writ of Body Attachment

A writ of body attachment is a process issued by the court directing the U.S. Marshal to bring a person who has been found in civil contempt before the court. The process may also be called an order of commitment for civil contempt or a warrant for civil arrest.

Territorial Limits

An order of civil commitment of a person held to be in contempt of a decree or injunction issued to enforce the laws of the United States may be served and enforced anywhere in the United States. An order of civil commitment of a person held to be in contempt of a decree or injunction not involving the enforcement of federal law may only be served at any place within the state in which the district court is located, or at any place outside of the state that is within 100 miles of the courthouse.

Issued By

The writ is issued as an order of a U.S. District Court judge, U.S. magistrate judge, or U.S. bankruptcy judge under the seal of the clerk of the court.

Served By

The writ is served by the U.S. Marshal or by a Deputy U.S. Marshal.

Manner of Service

Service is accomplished by taking the named individual (the contemnor) into custody and bringing the individual before the court without undue delay.

Return

The individual who effects service will make proof of service to the court promptly according to local rules within the district.