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 Minnesota, contempt of court is addressed under state statutes and can be categorized as either civil or criminal contempt. Civil contempt typically involves failure to comply with a court order, and the purpose of sanctions is to compel compliance with the court's directive. Criminal contempt, on the other hand, involves actions that disrespect the court or obstruct the administration of justice, and the sanctions aim to punish the offender and uphold the court's authority. Penalties for contempt of court in Minnesota can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity and nature of the contemptuous act. The specific procedures and penalties are outlined in Minnesota Statutes, and the court has discretion in determining the appropriate sanctions based on the circumstances of each case.