Direct Contempt
/ˈdaɪrɛkt kənˈtɛmpt/
Definitions
- (n.) Willful disobedience or disrespect toward a court or judge in the presence of the court, disrupting proceedings.
The lawyer was held in direct contempt for interrupting the judge during the trial.
Related terms
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Commentary
Direct contempt occurs in the immediate presence of the court and may be punished summarily, unlike indirect contempt which requires separate proceedings.
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.