Civil and Criminal Contempt

 The difference between civil contempt and criminal contempt is often misunderstood, writes Robert S. Held in his October Illinois Bar Journal article, “Civil and Criminal Contempt.” Yet, Held shows, the procedural and substantive differences between the two are vast. Practitioners should understand these differences to help them obtain their clients’ objectives and to prevent the potential for harsh consequences. Held begins with the basics: Civil contempt is used to coerce and obtain compliance with a court order, whereas criminal contempt seeks to punish past conduct. Sounds simple. But the lines can blur.

 Read the October Illinois Bar Journal’s article, "Civil and Criminal Contempt."