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criminal contempt

American  

noun

Law.
  1. any seriously disrespectful act committed against the dignity or authority of a court.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I think civil contempt is a real possibility, and criminal contempt may not be off the table.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

State Attorney for the Northern District of California will be left to determine whether to bring a possible criminal contempt proceeding.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2025

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said she was referring the matter to the US Attorney for Northern District of California to investigate whether a criminal contempt proceeding is appropriate.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2025

In his ruling, Boasberg found "probable cause" to begin proceedings on criminal contempt charges.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025

To this step, taken in the mere wantonness of tyranny, and in criminal ignorance or more criminal contempt of public feeling, England owes her freedom.

From The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 11 by Johnson, Rossiter