What Is it Called When You Disrupt a Courtroom?
When a person disrupts a courtroom, it is called being in contempt of court. According to lawyers.com, contempt of court is also present when someone is in direct violation of a court order, or when someone purposely disrespects or insults a judge.
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Criminal Contempt of Court
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Criminal contempt of court is one of the most common offenses seen in television courtroom dramas. According to lawyers.com, criminal contempt is present when someone disrupts a courtroom proceeding with an outburst. This type of contempt is called direct contempt because it occurs in front of a judge.
Civil Contempt of Court
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Civil contempt of court differs from criminal contempt. According to lawyers.com, civil contempt occurs when someone does not comply with a court order. Civil contempt is very common in divorce proceedings. Someone can also be held in civil contempt for refusing to testify or when a journalist refuses to reveal sources.
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Sanctions
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Contempt of court sanctions for disrupting a courtroom proceeding can include thousands of dollars in fines and jail time, or both.
Considerations
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A 2009 article published to The Wall Street Journal's online edition states that because criminal contempt of court is meant to punish unacceptable behaviors (i.e. courtroom disruption), the accused is offered traditional due-process rights and may be afforded a jury trial to prove innocence or guilt.
Fun Fact
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In 1999, President Bill Clinton became the first president to be held in contempt of court for giving false testimony about his sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky.
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