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Simple English definitions for legal terms
contempt of court, civil
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A quick definition of contempt of court, civil:
Civil contempt of court is when someone disobeys a court order and can be punished with fines or even jail time. The goal is to make the person follow the court's order. This is different from other civil penalties because it can result in jail time. For example, if someone doesn't give documents to the court when they're supposed to, they could be charged with civil contempt of court. The punishment only lasts as long as the person doesn't do what the court ordered them to do. There are two types of civil contempt of court: direct and indirect. Direct happens in the courtroom and indirect happens outside of it. Direct is used to keep order during court and indirect is used to make someone follow a court order like probation terms.
A more thorough explanation:
Civil contempt of court is when someone disobeys a court order and faces penalties that are like those for a crime, but not exactly the same. The goal of civil contempt charges is to get the person to follow the court order. Unlike other civil penalties, civil contempt can result in jail time.
For example, if someone is asked to give documents during a court case and they refuse, they may be charged with civil contempt of court. This charge could result in a fine or even being put in jail for a short time.
Civil contempt of court can lead to jail time because the person being charged has the power to end the punishment by following the court order. Once they do what the court asked, they can be released from any punishment.
There are two types of civil contempt of court: direct and indirect. Direct contempt happens in the courtroom and is used to keep order during the court case. Indirect contempt happens outside of the courtroom and is used to get someone to follow a court order, like probation terms.
Overall, civil contempt of court is a way for the court to make sure people follow their orders, even if it means using punishments that are usually reserved for crimes.
- Refusing to pay child support as ordered by the court
- Ignoring a court order to stop harassing someone
- Not showing up to court when ordered to do so
These examples illustrate civil contempt of court because in each case, someone is disobeying a court order and could face penalties like fines or jail time. The goal of the punishment is to get the person to follow the court order.