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 Iowa, contempt of court is addressed under Iowa Code Chapter 665. Contempt of court can occur in various forms, including but not limited to, willful disobedience of court orders, disruption of court proceedings, or any act that is seen as disrespectful to the court's authority. Iowa law distinguishes between civil and criminal contempt. Civil contempt is typically used to compel compliance with a court order, such as paying child support or alimony, and may involve fines or imprisonment until compliance is achieved. Criminal contempt, on the other hand, is punitive and aims to preserve the court's authority and punish the act of contempt; it may result in fines, imprisonment, or both. The specific penalties for contempt of court in Iowa depend on the nature of the contemptuous act and the discretion of the court.