Contempt

— [Lat. contemptus.l In practice. A disobedience to the rules, orders or process of a court of justice, or a disturbance or interruption of its proceedings.* 4 Bl, Com. 285. Contempts are either direct, which openly insult or resist the powers of the court, or the persons of the judges who preside there;

— or consequential, which, (without such gross insolence or direct opposition,) plainly tend to create an universal disregard of their authority. Id, 283, 284. Or they may be divided into such as are committed in the face of the court, (in facie curies,) which are punishable by commitment and fine, and such as are committed out of court, which are punishable by attachment. 1 Tidd's Pract. 479, 480. 4 Bl. Com. 285. 286. 4 Steph. Com. 348—353. See 1 Kent's Com. 300, note. 1 Hil Vs N, Y, Rep, 154. U. S. Dig. and Supplement, Contempt. A party disobeying a rule or process of court is said to be in contempt, 4 Steph, Com, 19. ^QQ Attachment, Commitment,