whsy does it mean when a jidge can hold a lawyer in contempt

by Ida Hill Sr. 9 min read

When a Judge holds an attorney in contempt, the goal is to punish the attorney for his conduct or his behavior. Punishment is the key. The trial Judge can punish an attorney in many ways.

Direct contempt involves improper conduct by a lawyer that is done in the presence of the judge so that the judge sees or hears it. An obvious example would be if the judge orders the lawyer to do something in court and the lawyer refuses to do it in court.Jan 7, 2016

Full Answer

What makes a difference if you are held in contempt of court?

The final thing that makes a HUGE difference in whether you’re held in contempt of court or not is the judge who is presiding in your case. Some judges will cut you some slack. Others are not so forgiving.

What are the types of contempt of court?

There are two types of contempt: criminal and civil. Criminal contempt occurs when the contemnor actually interferes with the ability of the court to function properly. For example, by yelling at the judge.

Do I need an attorney to pursue a contempt of court petition?

Trying to pursue a contempt of court petition on your own can work, but it can also be frustrating and time-consuming. You will have a much better chance of success if you get help from an attorney.

How do you enforce a contempt of court order?

If you want to enforce a court order, you’ve got to go back to court to do it. If you are going back to court, I recommend getting help from a good divorce attorney in your area. Trying to pursue a contempt of court petition on your own can work, but it can also be frustrating and time-consuming.

What does it mean when a judge says hold you for contempt?

Contempt of court is used when an individual intentionally disobeys a court order. In family law, if someone is held in contempt, he/she has violated a child support, spousal support, domestic violence protective order, child custody, and/or visitation order, which must then be enforced.

What are the two types of contempt of court?

There are two types of contempt of court: criminal contempt of court and civil contempt. Civil contempt often involves the failure of someone to comply with a court order. Judges use civil contempt sanctions to coerce such a person into complying with a court order the person has violated.

What are the punishment for contempt of court?

(1) Save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act or in any other law, a contempt of court may be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, or with both: —(1) Save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act or in any other law, ...

Can a judge commit contempt of court?

The Judge, Magistrate or any other person who is acting judicially can also be contempt for their actions. Also, this Act gives certain limitations where this Act does not apply.

Daniel Lee O'Neil

Just like in junior high debate, there is a certain amount of professional decorum expected in the courtroom. Standing doesn't indicate you think the judge is a nice guy or anything, it's just decorum.

Philip Douglas Cave

Because he is keeping order in the court and following established court rules.

Jack Richard Lebowitz

If you could cite a bona fide religion or creed that didn't allow standing for civil officials like judges, only allowing standing up or kneeling before God or a priestly representative, similar to religions that don't allow photo IDs without a headscarf, or serving in the military without a beard, well....maybe you have an argument that falls within the meaning of that case....

When you walk into a courtroom, there's a level of decorum that's expected

If an attorney were to walk into court in a t-shirt and shorts, he'd be disrespecting the court.

The Judge is the authority in the courtroom

That authority is backed up with a show of force; an armed court officer.

That means he'd likely open up the likelihood of being sued for legal malpractice by his client

That would most certainly result in added expenses, hiring a legal malpractice attorney and dealing with appeals.

But here's a more important point..

When a Judge finds an attorney in contempt of court, it usually happens during a trial.

An attorney needs to generate good will and trust with the jury

If a lawyer is obnoxious and antagonizes the judge, do you think the jury will believe the attorney?

Maybe the judge said that he cannot refer to a photograph since it's not admissible as evidence

What if the attorney kept waiving that photo around and kept refering to it?

To learn how an attorney introduces evidence at trial, I invite you to watch the quick video below..

"Your Honor, I Offer These Records Into Evidence!" NY Attorney Gerry Oginski Explains

What is contempt of court?

Contempt of Court - Civil or Criminal. A judge who feels someone is improperly challenging or ignoring the court's authority has the power to declare the defiant person (called the contemnor) in contempt of court. There are two types of contempt: criminal and civil.

What is civil contempt?

In family law, civil contempt is one way a court enforces alimony, child support, custody, and visitation orders which have been violated. However, many courts have realized that, at least regarding various procedural matters such as the appointment of counsel, the distinction between civil and criminal contempt is often blurred and uncertain.

What is the difference between civil contempt and criminal contempt?

A criminal contemnor may be fined, jailed, or both as punishment for his act. Civil contempt occurs when the contemnor willfully disobeys a court order.

What is a willful disobedience?

A Willful Disregard or Disobedience of a Public Authority. By the Constitution of the United States, each house of Congress may determine the rules of its proceeding's, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member.

What are the two types of contempt?

There are two types of contempt: criminal and civil. Criminal contempt occurs when the contemnor actually interferes with the ability of the court to function properly. For example, by yelling at the judge. This is also called direct contempt because it occurs directly in front of the judge.

What is the power to make rules?

The power to make rules carries that of enforcing them, and to attach persons who violate them and punish them for contempt. This power of punishing for contempt is confined to punishment during the session of the legislature and cannot extend beyond it, and it seems this power cannot be exerted beyond imprisonment.

Can a contemnor be jailed?

A civil contemnor, too, may be fined, jailed, or both. The fine or jailing is meant to coerce the contemnor into obeying the court, not to punish him, and the contemnor will be released from jail just as soon as he complies with the court order.

What is Contempt of Court?

If you’ve never been involved in a court case before (and, maybe even if you have!) you might not really know what being held “in contempt of court” means.

What Are the Penalties for Being in Contempt of Court?

The penalties for violating court orders can range from having the judge reprimand you in court, to putting you in jail. You may have to pay a fine. Or, you may have to give your spouse extra parenting time to make up for keeping your kids when you weren’t supposed to do so.