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 Maryland, contempt of court is an act that defies, disrespects or insults the authority or dignity of a court. There are two main types of contempt: civil and criminal. Civil contempt often involves failure to comply with a court order, and the aim of the sanction is to compel compliance. The penalties for civil contempt are typically fines or imprisonment until the individual complies with the court's order. Criminal contempt, on the other hand, punishes behavior that obstructs the administration of justice or that is intended to degrade the court's authority. This can include acts like disrupting court proceedings or failing to follow procedural orders. Criminal contempt can result in fines, imprisonment, or both, and is intended to preserve the power of the court and punish disobedience. The specific procedures and penalties for contempt of court in Maryland are governed by state statutes and case law, and can vary depending on the severity and nature of the contemptuous act.