civil contempt

In one sentence

Disobedience of a court order intended to coerce compliance rather than punish the offender.

Plain English

Civil contempt occurs when someone violates a court order, and the court's goal is to force them to comply—not to punish them for breaking the rule. For example, if a parent refuses to pay child support despite a court order, the judge might hold them in civil contempt and impose jail time that ends as soon as they pay. The key difference from criminal contempt is the purpose: civil contempt aims to make someone obey, while criminal contempt punishes defiance of the court.

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Example

A company was ordered to stop polluting a river but ignored the order. The judge found the company in civil contempt and imposed daily fines that would continue until the company complied with the cleanup order.

Used in a sentence

“The judge threatened civil contempt charges if the witness continued to refuse to answer questions.”

Related terms

Contempt of Court

Willful disobedience or disrespect toward a court or judge that disrupts justice.

criminal intent

The mental state or purpose required to commit a crime.

Remedy

A legal action or payment a court awards to fix a harm or enforce a right after a breach.

Notice

A formal written communication required by a contract to inform the other party of something important.

Summons

A court order requiring someone to appear in court or respond to a lawsuit.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.