Criminal Contempt
/ˈkrɪmɪnəl kənˈtɛmpt/
Definitions
- (n.) A willful disobedience or disrespect toward a court of law that obstructs justice, punishable by fine or imprisonment.
The defendant was held in criminal contempt for interrupting the judge during the trial.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Criminal contempt is distinct from civil contempt; it is punitive, addressing offenses against court authority rather than compliance with court orders.
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.