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Simple English definitions for legal terms

contempt of Congress

Read a random definition: casual negligence

A quick definition of contempt of Congress:

Contempt of Congress is when someone tries to stop Congress from doing its job. Congress has the power to punish people who do this. It's like when someone disobeys a judge in court. Even though the Constitution doesn't say Congress can punish people for contempt, it's an important power they need to do their job. In the past, people were held in contempt for trying to bribe Congress or refusing to answer questions. Today, people can be held in contempt if they don't show up or answer questions during a Congressional investigation. If someone is found guilty of contempt, they can be fined or even go to jail. But Congress can only punish people for things they have the power to investigate. For example, they can't investigate someone's private life or something that's not related to their job. One famous example of contempt of Congress was during the Watergate scandal when President Nixon refused to give Congress tapes of his conversations. Recently, the January 6th House Committee has issued subpoenas to investigate the January 6th riot, and some people may be held in contempt if they don't cooperate.

A more thorough explanation:

Contempt of Congress is when someone intentionally interferes with the work of Congress. This can include refusing to answer questions or provide information during a Congressional investigation or hearing. Congress has the power to punish individuals who interfere with its work, which is considered an implied power of the legislature.

For example, in 1974 during the Watergate scandal, President Nixon refused to comply with Congressional subpoenas for tapes of his conversations. Congress considered holding him in contempt for refusing to cooperate with their investigation. More recently, in 2021, the January 6th House Committee issued subpoenas to investigate the January 6th riot. Some individuals who were subpoenaed may face contempt charges if they refuse to comply.

It is important to note that Congress can only hold individuals in contempt for actions related to a subject over which Congress has legislative power. Additionally, the power to investigate must not be confused with law enforcement powers, which are assigned to the Executive and Judiciary branches of government.

contempt | contempt of court

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i cant i would go crazy
JumpySubsequentDolphin
20:50
i need to know who decided to do that.
JumpySubsequentDolphin
20:50
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20:50
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20:50
it says ur c/o 2027
JumpySubsequentDolphin
20:51
@SplitterusClitterus: HAHAH yes
ur user is hilarioussss and no i just graduated this may and am now applying ---also im out of messages so ill take a lil
20:52
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im back, r u applying this cycle too
JumpySubsequentDolphin
21:32
this child fell asleep on me
JumpySubsequentDolphin
21:32
im so uncomfortable
just push him off the entire seat
JumpySubsequentDolphin
21:34
LMAOOOO
JumpySubsequentDolphin
21:35
no he’s literally like 8 and he fully just put his head on my bicep and slept
JumpySubsequentDolphin
21:35
he has since moved
22:12
@SplitterusClitterus: me yesterday
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22:23
i just went into a discord vc and yelled "YALL I JUST GOT INTO J.M. SCHOOL OF LAW"
22:24
people were getting excited :sob:
22:25
then someone was like "what does jm stand for" and i was like .. well
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JumpySubsequentDolphin
22:39
@splitty Oregon!
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JumpySubsequentDolphin
22:45
haha my brother and sister in law live there
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soyalmondoatmilk
8:38
good morning! hoping waves will come our wave today
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