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 penalties (fines) and criminal punishment (confinement in jail).
In Arizona, contempt of court is addressed under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) and court rules. Contempt of court can be either civil or criminal. Civil contempt typically involves failing to comply with a court order, and the purpose of sanctions is to compel compliance. Criminal contempt involves actions that disrespect the court or obstruct the administration of justice, and sanctions aim to preserve the court's authority and punish the disobedient party. Penalties for contempt can include fines, attorney's fees, and even jail time. The specific procedures and penalties can vary depending on whether the contempt is considered civil or criminal, and whether it occurs in a superior court or a lower court. Judges have broad discretion in determining what constitutes contempt and the appropriate punishment.