We have all seen the movies where a witness is out of control
and the Judge asks for "order in the courtroom" followed
the witness being removed for contempt of court. Is that how it really
works?
The judge has the authority to keep control of his court room.
He has the authority to issue fines or even place a party or a witness
in jail.
How is contempt used in child support and alimony cases? For
example, can the judge order jail time for failure to pay child support
... wouldn’t
that be the same thing as debtors prison?
If someone refuses to pay their court-ordered child support or alimony,
a contempt of court order is one way to force them into compliance. It
may result in fines or jail time.
Let’s say that an attorney for a large company is ordered
to produce key records, and claims they don’t exist ... when
in fact they do exist, is that attorney in contempt of court?
In addition to contempt of court, the court has the power to issue sanctions
against the attorney.
The court can even strike the companies defenses or pleadings.
What is contempt of Congress?
Contempt of Congress is the crime of obstructing the work of Congress.
This usually takes the form of refusing to testify before a committee
or refusing to supply documents.
Presidents, cabinet members and other members of the executive branch
has on occasion been the target of contempt of Congress charges.
An attorney’s highest duty is to the Court.
Proper respect and decorum must be followed ... otherwise,
you may be held in contempt of court.
