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 South Carolina, contempt of court is an act of disobedience or disrespect towards the judicial system which interferes with its ability to administer justice. This can include behaviors such as failing to comply with court orders, disrupting court proceedings, or showing disrespect to judges and court personnel. South Carolina recognizes 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 individual complies with the court's directive. Criminal contempt, on the other hand, is punitive and is used to punish behavior that affronts the court's authority, such as outbursts during a hearing or failure to appear when summoned. Penalties for contempt of court in South Carolina can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the contempt and whether it is civil or criminal in nature. The specific statutes governing contempt of court in South Carolina can be found in the South Carolina Code of Laws, particularly in Title 63 for family court matters and Title 14 for general court procedures.