n
The willful defiance,
disregard, or disrespect of judicial or legislative authority or dignity,
especially any disobedience of an order or any conduct that disrupts,
obstructs, or interferes with the administration or procedures of a court or
legislature. See also contemner.
civil contempt
Contempt that consists of the failure to comply with a court
order that is issued for another’s benefit. The usual penalty is the daily
imposition of a fine or imprisonment until the person in contempt agrees to
obey the order.
consequential contempt
See constructive
contempt.
constructive contempt
Contempt that occurs outside of a judge’s presence or the
immediate vicinity of a courtroom.
criminal contempt
An act or omission that is in disrespect of the court and
obstructs its administration or procedures. For example, a party who shouts
insults at a judge during a trial would be committing an act of criminal
contempt. The usual penalty is a fixed fine or term of imprisonment.
direct contempt
Contempt that occurs openly in the presence of a judge or
immediate vicinity of a courtroom.
indirect contempt
See constructive
contempt.
purge[ing] contempt
To comply with court order so as to have sentence of contempt
lifted.
