Contempt of Court
/kənˈtɛmpt əv kɔrt/
Definitions
- (n.) An offense of disobedience or disrespect toward a court's authority, obstructing justice or breaching court rules.
The defendant was held in contempt of court for refusing to answer the judge's questions.
- (n.) A willful disregard of a court order, which may result in sanctions such as fines or imprisonment.
She was found guilty of contempt of court for violating the restraining order.
Forms
- contempts of court
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Contempt of court includes civil and criminal forms; defining the context is essential because sanctions and proceedings differ.
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.