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 Louisiana, contempt of court is addressed under both state statutes and case law. It encompasses acts of disobedience or disrespect towards the court's authority, which can be categorized into two types: civil contempt and criminal contempt. Civil contempt is typically used to compel compliance with a court order, such as when an individual fails to pay court-ordered child support. The primary remedy for civil contempt is fines, but the court may also use coercive measures to ensure compliance. Criminal contempt, on the other hand, involves actions that obstruct the administration of justice or are directly disrespectful to the court, such as disrupting court proceedings or failing to adhere to subpoenas. Criminal contempt can result in punitive measures, including fines and jail time. The specific procedures and penalties for contempt of court in Louisiana are governed by the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure and relevant case law, and the enforcement of contempt sanctions is within the discretion of the presiding judge.