contempt legal definition

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.

Contempt that consists of the failure to comply with a court order that is issued for anotherÂ’s benefit. The usual penalty is the daily imposition of a fine or imprisonment until the person in contempt agrees to obey the order.

See constructive contempt.

Contempt that occurs outside of a judgeÂ’s presence or the immediate vicinity of a courtroom.

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.

Contempt that occurs openly in the presence of a judge or immediate vicinity of a courtroom.

See constructive contempt.

To comply with court order so as to have sentence of contempt lifted.