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 Wyoming, 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 is typically used to compel someone to comply with a court order, such as paying child support or alimony, and may continue until the party complies with the order. Criminal contempt, on the other hand, punishes behavior that obstructs the administration of justice or that is disrespectful to the court, such as refusing to testify, disrupting court proceedings, or defying court orders. Penalties for criminal contempt can include fines and/or imprisonment. The specific procedures and penalties for contempt are governed by Wyoming statutes and case law, and the inherent power of the courts to enforce their orders and maintain the respect and dignity of the judicial process.