What Is Contempt Of Court?

Understanding the Concept of Contempt

Before diving into the matter at hand, let’s first comprehend what ‘Contempt of Court‘ actually implies.

In layman’s terms, it refers to any conduct that disrespects or defies the authority and dignity of a court.

Contempt can manifest itself in two ways: criminal and civil.

Criminal contempt is an act of direct disobedience, such as refusing to remove a hat in court or shouting at the judge, which can disrupt the court’s order.

Civil contempt, on the other hand, is not adhering to the court’s orders in a civil proceeding.

This can include not complying with a court-ordered child support or not following an injunction.

Is Contempt of Court Classified as a Felony?

The answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as it might seem because it varies depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the contemptuous act.

In the United States, contempt of court is not universally categorized as a felony or a misdemeanor; instead, it’s a unique area of law with its own set of rules and punishments.

Generally, contempt charges are considered a less serious offense, and in many cases, are treated as a misdemeanor or even less than that, as petty offenses, infractions, or violations.

However, in certain situations, particularly where the act of contempt was severe and had significant negative impact, it might be considered a more serious crime.

Potential Punishments for Contempt of Court

Being found in contempt of court can have various consequences.

The judge has a wide discretion to determine what constitutes contempt and to decide on the appropriate punishment.

For criminal contempt, the court’s aim is to uphold its authority and dignity, and the punishment can include fines or imprisonment.

This is more akin to punitive measures meted out in criminal cases, but generally the jail time or fines are less severe than in felonies.

For civil contempt, the punishment is often remedial, designed to coerce the offending party into compliance with the court’s order.

In this case, the contemnor might be fined or imprisoned until they comply with the court order.

The ‘key’ to their release is thus in their hands.

Can Contempt Ever be Considered a Felony?

Although contempt is generally not considered a felony, there have been instances where the act was so severe that it resulted in harsher penalties, similar to those for felonies.

This largely depends on the jurisdiction, the specific legislation in place, and the extent to which the act of contempt disrupts the court’s proceedings or disrespects its dignity.

For instance, in federal courts in the United States, if a person is found guilty of criminal contempt and the act of contempt does not occur in the presence of the court, they could be indicted and, if convicted, be subject to a fine and imprisonment for up to six months.

If the act of contempt is determined to have risked causing a serious threat to the administration of justice, the punishment can be even more severe, potentially including a prison term of more than a year, which would make it a felony under federal law.

Wrapping Up: A Matter of Jurisdiction and Severity

So, is contempt of court a felony? The answer is that it depends on the severity of the contempt, the specific legislation in place, and the jurisdiction in which it occurs.

While contempt of court is not universally classified as a felony, the consequences can be severe, particularly in cases where the contemptuous act significantly undermines the authority and dignity of the court or disrupts its proceedings.

Understanding the nuances of contempt charges can help individuals navigate their interactions with the legal system more effectively.

If you or someone you know is facing a contempt charge, it’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable contempt attorney who can provide guidance based on the specifics of the case and the jurisdiction.