Contempt of Court
Contents
Demystifying Contempt of Court: Understanding Its Types and Consequences
Understanding Contempt of Court
Contempt of court is a serious legal violation that occurs when an individual disobeys a judge or disrupts legal proceedings. It encompasses various acts of disrespect or interference with the administration of justice.
Unveiling the Categories of Contempt
Contempt of court is broadly categorized into criminal versus civil, and direct versus indirect. While criminal contempt involves punitive measures like fines or imprisonment, civil contempt aims to ensure future compliance with court orders.
Exploring Special Considerations
With the advent of online tools and social media, the justice system faces new challenges. Jurors must refrain from seeking external information or communicating about cases to maintain impartiality. Instances of internet-related misconduct by jurors have led to mistrial challenges.
Fact: A Reuters Legal study found that at least 90 verdicts in the United States since 1999 were challenged due to internet-related juror misconduct.
Examining Real-Life Examples
The case of Martin A. Armstrong illustrates civil contempt of court. Accused of a Ponzi scheme, Armstrong's failure to comply with court orders resulted in imprisonment and fines. His case underscores the serious consequences of contempt charges.