criminal contempt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/Very SpecializedFormal/Legal
Quick answer
What does “criminal contempt” mean?
A willful act of disobedience to, or disrespect for, the authority and dignity of a court, which obstructs the administration of justice and is punishable as a crime.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A willful act of disobedience to, or disrespect for, the authority and dignity of a court, which obstructs the administration of justice and is punishable as a crime.
In legal contexts, this term refers to conduct that is so egregiously disruptive or defiant toward a court that it is treated as a criminal offense, separate from any underlying civil case. It signifies an attack on the judicial system itself, often involving disobedience of a court order, witness intimidation, or disruptive behavior in the courtroom, and can result in fines or imprisonment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The fundamental legal concept is identical in both jurisdictions. In the UK, the terminology 'criminal contempt' is standard, but proceedings are often summary (heard immediately by the judge). In the US, the distinction between civil and criminal contempt is more sharply defined in statute and case law, with greater procedural protections for criminal contempt.
Connotations
Carries the same severe connotation of an offense against the state's judicial authority in both regions.
Frequency
Used exclusively within legal professionals, court reporting, and academic law. Extremely rare in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “criminal contempt” in a Sentence
[Person/Entity] + be + held/charged/convicted + of + criminal contempt[Court/Judge] + find + [Person] + in + criminal contemptTo commit criminal contemptVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “criminal contempt” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The judge warned the barrister that his outburst could amount to criminal contempt.
- The new legislation clarified the penalties for criminal contempt.
American English
- The defendant was found guilty of criminal contempt for threatening a witness.
- The prosecutor filed a motion for a criminal contempt sanction.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except potentially in the context of high-stakes litigation.
Academic
Used in law schools and legal scholarship discussing judicial power and procedure.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be encountered in news reports about high-profile trials.
Technical
Core term in legal practice, court rulings, and procedural rules.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “criminal contempt”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “criminal contempt”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “criminal contempt”
- Using it interchangeably with 'civil contempt'.
- Using it in non-legal contexts.
- Misspelling as 'criminal contempt'.
- Incorrectly assuming it requires a jury trial in all instances (summary disposition is common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Civil contempt is coercive and aims to force compliance with a court order (e.g., jail until you pay child support). Criminal contempt is punitive and aims to punish a completed act of disobedience or disrespect to the court.
Yes, imprisonment is a common penalty for criminal contempt, along with significant fines.
Not always. For less severe "petty" contempt, a judge can rule summarily. For more serious contempt where a lengthy imprisonment is sought, the right to a jury trial may attach, especially in the US.
"Contempt of court" is the broad category. "Criminal contempt" is a specific type within that category, distinguished by its punitive purpose. Not all contempt is criminal; much is civil.
A willful act of disobedience to, or disrespect for, the authority and dignity of a court, which obstructs the administration of justice and is punishable as a crime.
Criminal contempt is usually formal/legal in register.
Criminal contempt: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɪmɪnəl kənˈtempt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɪmənəl kənˈtɛmpt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be in contempt (shorter form, context clarifies type)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CRIMINAL CONTEMPT = Crime against the Court. It's not just rude; it's a punishable offense against the system.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE COURT IS A SOVEREIGN / AN ATTACK ON THE COURT IS A CRIME.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a finding of criminal contempt?