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 Idaho, contempt of court is addressed under Idaho Code §§ 7-601 to 7-623. Contempt of court can be either civil or criminal, depending on the nature of the contemptuous act. Civil contempt generally involves failing to comply with a court order, and the purpose of sanctions is to compel compliance with the court's directive. Criminal contempt involves actions that disrespect the court or obstruct the administration of justice, and the sanctions, which can include fines and imprisonment, are punitive. The specific penalties for contempt of court in Idaho vary based on the circumstances and severity of the offense but can include fines, imprisonment, or both. It is important for individuals to follow court orders and maintain proper conduct in court to avoid contempt charges. An attorney can provide guidance on how to comply with court orders and the potential consequences of contempt in Idaho.