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contempt of court

Cultural  
  1. The deliberate obstruction of a court's proceedings by refusing to obey a court order or by interfering with court procedures. Contempt of court can be punished by fine, imprisonment, or both.


Example Sentences

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Could your ex-husband be held in contempt of court based on his actions?

From MarketWatch Jul. 9, 2026

Health minister Aden Duale was held in contempt of court this week after failing to follow a ruling that halted its preparations and had to beg for a pardon.

From Barron's Jun. 24, 2026

Tracey Lloyd-Clarke asked for the two men to be detained on suspicion of contempt of court.

From BBC Jun. 17, 2026

Johnson was imprisoned late last year for contempt of court after being found civilly liable for $71 million in damages in a civil racketeering case.

From Slate May 28, 2026

Instead of citing them for contempt of court, the magistrate would then pose the questions they would not answer from me.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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