I.  Contempt



Contempt may occur in the presence of the court or outside the presence of the court, and may involve sanctions that are remedial or punitive.

C.R.C.P. 107(a)(1)
Courts have power to punish for contempt of court.  Contempt is:
  • Disorderly or disruptive behavior;
  • A breach of the peace;
  • Boisterous conduct or violent disturbance toward the court;
  • Conduct that unreasonably interrupts the court;
  • Behavior that obstructs the administration of justice;
  • Disobedience or resistance by any person to or interference with any lawful writ, process, or order of the court;
  • Any other act or omission designated as contempt by statute or rule.



C.R.C.P. 107(a)(2)
There are two forms of contempt that apply to both civil and criminal cases: direct contempt and indirect contempt.

Direct contempt is contempt the court has seen or heard, and is so extreme that no warning is necessary, or that has been repeated despite the court’s warning to desist.


C.R.C.P. 107(a)(3)
Indirect contempt is contempt that occurs out of the direct sight or hearing of the court.