Conduct that is directed against the dignity and authority of the court shall be criminal contempt, and may be adjudicated summarily or nonsummarily. The sanction for a criminal contempt is punitive to vindicate the authority of the court.
Section 1-14.—Criminal Contempt
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule defines criminal contempt as conduct directed against the dignity and authority of the court, punishable summarily or nonsummarily to vindicate the court's authority rather than to remedy harm to a private party.
Full Text of Section 1-14
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 985.) (Amended June 28, 1999, to take effect Jan. 1, 2000.)
Plain-English Summary
Section 1-14 defines criminal contempt as conduct directed against the dignity and authority of the court. Such conduct may be adjudicated either summarily or nonsummarily, depending on the circumstances.
The sanction for criminal contempt is punitive — its purpose is to vindicate the authority of the court, not to compensate a party or coerce future compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is criminal contempt in Connecticut?
Under Section 1-14, criminal contempt is conduct directed against the dignity and authority of the court, and it may be adjudicated summarily or nonsummarily.
What is the purpose of a criminal contempt sanction?
The sanction is punitive — it exists to vindicate the authority of the court, according to the rule.
How is criminal contempt different from civil contempt?
This section defines criminal contempt as conduct against the court’s dignity and authority with a punitive sanction; Section 1-21A describes civil contempt, which is coercive and nonpunitive and arises from disputes between private litigants.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 1-14). Prescribed by the Judges of the Superior Court of Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 51-14). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
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