Chapter 3: Procedural Requirements

3.1Scope Note and Quick Reference Material

This chapter addresses the rights of alleged contemnors, the procedural requirements for commencing a contempt action, the procedures applicable to presiding over a contempt action, the requirements for the trial court’s opinion and order in a contempt case, and appeals in contempt cases.

For relevant quick reference material, see the Michigan Judicial Institute’s checklist describing summary punishment proceedings; the Michigan Judicial Institute’s checklist describing indirect criminal contempt proceedings; the Michigan Judicial Institute’s checklist describing indirect civil contempt proceedings; the Michigan Judicial Institute’s flowchart depicting different contempt of court proceedings; the Michigan Judicial Institute’s flowchart depicting due process requirements; and the Michigan Judicial Institute’s table detailing procedures and sanctions for common forms of contempt.