What is the maximum fine for contempt in a justice or municipal court?

What is the maximum fine for contempt in a justice or municipal court?

• A. $50
• B. $25
• C. $75
• D. $100

Answer: (D)

Contempt of court is when someone disobeys a court order or otherwise disrupts the court’s proceedings. In justice or municipal courts, the monetary penalty for contempt is set by statute and kept intentionally modest to fit the court’s smaller jurisdiction. The maximum fine allowed for contempt in these courts is one hundred dollars, which reflects that aim of enforcing compliance without imposing heavy penalties. Note that the court may impose other sanctions or, in some situations, imprisonment for contempt, but the monetary cap remains $100.

Contempt of court is when someone disobeys a court order or otherwise disrupts the court’s proceedings. In justice or municipal courts, the monetary penalty for contempt is set by statute and kept intentionally modest to fit the court’s smaller jurisdiction. The maximum fine allowed for contempt in these courts is one hundred dollars, which reflects that aim of enforcing compliance without imposing heavy penalties. Note that the court may impose other sanctions or, in some situations, imprisonment for contempt, but the monetary cap remains $100.