Louisiana Bail Bonds Practice Exam

What are the two kinds of contempt of court?

1. Written and verbal

2. Direct and constructive

3. Civil and criminal

4. Intentional and unintentional

The correct answer is: Direct and constructive

The correct answer identifies the two kinds of contempt of court as direct and constructive. Direct contempt occurs in the immediate presence of the court, such as when a person disrupts court proceedings, shows disrespect to the judge, or fails to follow court orders on the spot. This type of contempt is typically addressed by the judge right then and there. Constructive contempt, on the other hand, happens outside the immediate presence of the court. This includes failure to comply with court orders or violations of court rules that occur at a separate time or place. The court may need to hold a separate hearing to address these actions. Understanding the distinction between direct and constructive contempt is crucial for recognizing how the legal system enforces its authority and maintains respect for court proceedings.