Courts generally presume that a lawsuit has been filed in good faith, and a party moving for sanctions against the party who filed a lawsuit or claim must overcome this presumption to prove abuse of the judicial process. Thus, courts distinguish between (1) claims that are ultimately found to be merely groundless (and thus not sanctionable) and (2) claims that are ultimately found to be both groundless and brought in bad faith or for the purpose of harassment (and thus sanctionable). The sanctions rules generally do not require a party or its attorney to be right; they require the party or its attorney to make a reasonable inquiry into the facts and the laws related to the claims.

Contempt of court is broadly defined as disobedience to or disrespect of a court by acting in opposition to its authority. Contempt of court may be punished by the court with civil and criminal sanctions or penalties.

In Massachusetts, the legal framework presumes that lawsuits are filed in good faith. A party seeking sanctions against another for filing a lawsuit must demonstrate that the lawsuit constitutes an abuse of the judicial process. This involves showing that the claim was not only groundless but also filed in bad faith or for purposes of harassment, which would make it sanctionable. Massachusetts courts adhere to rules that do not necessarily penalize a party or its attorney for being incorrect in their legal position, but rather for failing to conduct a reasonable inquiry into the facts and applicable laws before filing claims. Regarding contempt of court, Massachusetts recognizes it as an act of disobedience or disrespect towards the court's authority. This can include behaviors that disrupt the court's proceedings or disregard its orders, and it can result in civil or criminal sanctions imposed by the court to uphold its authority and ensure the proper administration of justice.