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Law vocabulary · Courts & Judges

Contempt of court

Meaning in law, with examples

nounCommon term

In law, contempt of court means: Behaviour that disobeys a court order or interferes with justice, such as ignoring an injunction or disrupting a hearing; it can be punished with a fine or prison.

In Turkish: mahkemeye saygısızlık, mahkeme kararına uymama

How it is used

A person is 'in contempt of court' or is 'held in contempt'. In common law countries it is the main way courts make people obey their orders. Publishing material that could prejudice an ongoing jury trial can also be contempt.

Example sentences

  1. The director was found in contempt of court for destroying documents after the order was made.

  2. Taking photographs in the courtroom may be treated as contempt of court.

Common collocations

  • in contempt of court
  • held in contempt
  • contempt proceedings
  • civil contempt
  • criminal contempt
  • court orderAn official instruction from a court telling a person or organisation to do something or to stop doing something; ignoring it can lead to serious penalties.
  • injunctionA court order that tells a person or company to stop doing something, or sometimes to do something, often made quickly to prevent serious harm.
  • judgeA public official who runs a court hearing, listens to both sides and decides the case, or tells the jury how the law applies.
  • enforceTo make sure that a law, rule, contract or court decision is obeyed, if necessary by using official powers such as seizing property.
  • courtroomThe room in a court building where hearings and trials take place, with places for the judge, the parties, their lawyers, witnesses and the public.

More terms: Courts & Judges

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.