HopefullyInLawSchool
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LSDefine
Simple English definitions for legal terms
contumacy
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A quick definition of contumacy:
Contumacy is when someone doesn't do what a judge tells them to do. This can happen when they don't show up to court when they're supposed to or when they don't follow a court order. If someone is found guilty of contumacy, the judge can punish them by making them pay a fine or by sending them to jail.
A more thorough explanation:
Contumacy is when someone refuses to appear in court after being legally summoned or refuses to follow a court order. This behavior can result in the judge finding the individual in contempt of court.
For example, if a person is summoned to appear in court as a witness but fails to show up, they could be found guilty of contumacy. Similarly, if a person is ordered by a judge to pay a fine but refuses to do so, they could also be found guilty of contumacy.
When someone is found guilty of contumacy, the judge has the power to punish them with fines or even jail time. This is because courts have implied powers, which means they have the authority to punish individuals who refuse to comply with court orders.