Definition

1. Noun:
   • An act of disrespect that impedes the administration of justice: "Criminal contempt" refers to a willful action that shows disrespect for the authority or dignity of a court, which obstructs or interferes with the judicial process. It is an offense punishable by law.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The judge held the disruptive spectator in criminal contempt for shouting during the trial.
  • Refusing to testify after being granted immunity can result in a charge of criminal contempt.

Advanced Usage

• "to be held in criminal contempt": to be formally declared by a judge to have committed an act of criminal contempt.

  • The witness was held in criminal contempt for repeatedly refusing to answer the prosecutor's questions.

• "to charge someone with criminal contempt": to formally accuse someone of the offense.

  • The attorney was charged with criminal contempt for violating a gag order.

Variants and Related Words

• Contempt of court (n): A broader legal category that includes both civil and criminal contempt. Criminal contempt is a subset of contempt of court.

  • His actions constituted a clear contempt of court.

• Civil contempt (n): A type of contempt involving disobedience to a court order, typically remedied by compliance.

  • Failure to pay court-ordered child support can lead to a finding of civil contempt.

Synonyms

• Obstruction of justice: Interfering with the procedures of a court or law enforcement.
• Disrespect to the court: A general term for behavior that shows a lack of respect for judicial authority.

Related Phrases

• Summary contempt: A finding of contempt (often criminal) made immediately by the judge during proceedings, without a separate, full trial.
  • The judge found the defendant in summary contempt for his outburst.

Related Idioms

• To be in contempt: A common shortened form meaning to be found guilty of contempt of court.
  • If you don't stop, you will be in contempt.

Noun

1. an act of disrespect that impedes the administration of justice