The violation of any court order qualifies for criminal contempt sanctions. Where, however, the dispute is between private litigants and the purpose for judicial intervention is remedial, then the contempt is civil, and any sanctions imposed by the judicial authority shall be coercive and nonpunitive, including fines, to ensure compliance and compensate the complainant for losses. Where the violation of a court order renders the order unenforceable, the judicial authority should consider referral for nonsummary criminal contempt proceedings.
Section 1-21A.—Civil Contempt
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceDistinguishes civil contempt from criminal contempt, explaining that civil contempt applies to private disputes and calls for coercive, compensatory remedies rather than punishment.
Full Text of Section 1-21A
Amendment History
(Adopted June 28, 1999, to take effect Jan. 1, 2000.)
Plain-English Summary
Section 1-21A explains that violating any court order can support criminal contempt sanctions. But when the dispute is between private litigants and the point of the court’s intervention is remedial rather than punitive, the contempt is civil instead. Sanctions for civil contempt, including fines, must be coercive and nonpunitive — designed to secure compliance with the order and to compensate the complainant for losses caused by the violation.
If a violation of a court order makes that order unenforceable, the judicial authority should consider referring the matter for nonsummary criminal contempt proceedings instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt in Connecticut?
Civil contempt arises from a dispute between private litigants and aims to coerce compliance and compensate the complainant, while criminal contempt is punitive and vindicates the court’s authority.
Can a judge fine someone for civil contempt?
Yes, but the fine must be coercive and nonpunitive — meant to ensure compliance with the order and compensate the complainant for losses, not to punish.
When does a civil contempt matter turn into a criminal contempt referral?
Where the violation of a court order renders the order unenforceable, the judicial authority should consider referring the matter for nonsummary criminal contempt proceedings.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 1-21A). 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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