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 Indiana, contempt of court is an act that defies, disrespects, or insults the authority or dignity of a court. There are two types of contempt: civil and criminal. Civil contempt is typically used to compel someone to comply with a court order, such as paying child support or alimony, and may continue until the party complies with the court's directive. Criminal contempt, on the other hand, punishes behavior that obstructs the administration of justice or that insults the court, such as disrupting court proceedings or failing to follow procedural orders. Penalties for contempt of court in Indiana can include fines, attorney's fees, and/or imprisonment. The specific statutes governing contempt of court in Indiana can be found in the Indiana Code, including but not limited to IC 34-47-3 for civil contempt and IC 34-47-2 for criminal contempt. The exact punishment often depends on the severity of the contemptuous act and the discretion of the court.