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 Vermont, contempt of court is an act that defies, disrespects, or insults the authority or dignity of a court. There are two types of contempt: civil and criminal. Civil contempt often involves failure to comply with a court order, and the purpose of the sanction is to compel compliance with the order. Criminal contempt involves behavior that obstructs the administration of justice or is intended to degrade the court, and punishment is imposed to preserve the court's authority and to act as a deterrent. The penalties for contempt of court in Vermont can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity and nature of the contemptuous action. The specific statutes governing contempt proceedings in Vermont can be found in the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure and Vermont's statutes, which outline the procedures and potential penalties for acts of contempt.