Civil Contempt
/ˈsɪvəl kənˈtɛmpt/
Definitions
- (n.) A court’s power to coerce compliance with its orders by punishing noncompliance through fines or imprisonment without criminal sanctions.
The judge held him in civil contempt for refusing to turn over the requested documents.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Civil contempt is remedial, aiming to enforce compliance, unlike criminal contempt which punishes past disobedience.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.