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 New Jersey, contempt of court is addressed under both civil and criminal statutes. Civil contempt typically involves failure to comply with a court order, and the purpose of sanctions is to compel compliance. The penalties may include fines or other remedies that the court finds just. Criminal contempt, on the other hand, involves actions that disrespect the court or obstruct the administration of justice, such as disrupting court proceedings or failing to obey a subpoena. Criminal contempt can be punished by fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offense. The specific procedures and penalties for contempt are outlined in the New Jersey Court Rules and the New Jersey Statutes. It is important for individuals to follow court orders and behave appropriately in court to avoid contempt charges.