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 Pennsylvania, contempt of court is an act that defies, disrespects, or insults the authority or dignity of a court. There are two main types of contempt: civil and criminal. Civil contempt often involves failure to comply with a court order, and the primary remedy is to compel compliance with the order. The person held in civil contempt may face fines or imprisonment until they comply with the court's directive. Criminal contempt, on the other hand, involves actions that obstruct the administration of justice or that degrade the court's authority, such as disrupting court proceedings or failing to follow procedural orders. Criminal contempt can result in fines and a definite term of imprisonment. The specific procedures and penalties for contempt of court in Pennsylvania are governed by state statutes and case law, and the courts have broad discretion in enforcing their orders and maintaining proper court conduct.