| At common law, conduct tending to interfere with the couse of justice in particular legal proceedings constitutes criminal contempt. Because contemptuous conduct interferes with the administration of justice, it is punishable,usually by fine or imprisonment. Criminal contempt is crime that is punishable by fine or imprisonment or both. He is in danger of being in contempt of court. He refused to obey the court order and was sent to prison for contempt. His conduct tending to disregard the judge's order constituted contempt of court. The judge imposed an instant fine upon the contemnor. The judge's decision sets a precedent for future cases of contempt of court. The lawyer was fined $500 for contempt of court. The sanctions for civil contempt end upon compliance with order. |
