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Simple English definitions for legal terms

contempt of Congress

Read a random definition: Statute of Winchester

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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RoaldDahl
16:05
dodged the mich r wave what does this mean
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:06
it means you will not be rejected today and may be accepted or WL in the future
Just got my Michigan rejection
BookwormBroker
16:10
same
RoaldDahl
16:10
@HopefullyInLawSchool: what if i already got rejected. does it mean anything
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:12
@RoaldDahl: Likely not however it could mean nothing
RoaldDahl
16:15
So if it means nothing does that mean something?
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:17
Possibly
RoaldDahl
16:26
Cool
RoaldDahl
16:26
thank you!!!! i hope it means something
pinkandblue
16:31
fart
IrishDinosaur
16:36
Mich R gang lesgooo
Did anyone else get that random get to know nova email?
HopefullyInLawSchool
17:21
Ya it was sent to all YM applicants
starfishies
17:37
Anyone get the NDLS email inviting you to apply for something even though they haven’t made a decision on your app yet
17:38
Better yet I got the email and I was rejected last month
starfishies
17:38
Wtf
starfishies
17:39
and the deadline is in like a week what is this
any cardozo movement?
BatmanBeyond
18:01
Sent a LOCI via portal, but I'm wondering if email would have gotten me a swifter response
BatmanBeyond
18:02
This whole hold/wait-list/reserve system is a headache
loci already?
BatmanBeyond
18:09
If the odds are like 1-2% I don't think it matters much by the numbers
12:11
I got the same NDLS email
OrangeThing
12:18
I think the user profiles are broken
19:29
Any word out of Notre Dame?
19:29
Only the invitation to apply for LSE
19:29
Anyone received a decision from NDLS?
19:50
when did u guys apply that just heard from umich? they havent even glanced at my app yet
0:30
how am i supposed to spy on people when profile links are broken?
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