Chapter 4: Sanctions for Contempt of Court

4.1Scope Note

This chapter addresses the sanctions applicable to both civil and criminal contempt. Two general provisions of the Revised Judicature Act provide sanctions for contempt of court: MCL 600.1715 limits the amount of any fine imposed and addresses the proper term of imprisonment,1 and MCL 600.1721 provides for the payment of damages.2 These provisions apply in all contempt cases unless another statute provides specific sanctions for a particular type of contempt.3

This chapter also addresses recovery of damages through the assignment of bond. Finally, this chapter examines the applicability of double jeopardy protections in contempt proceedings.

1   See Section 4.2 for discussion of issues involving MCL 600.1715.

2   See Section 4.3 for discussion of issues involving MCL 600.1721.

3    See Section 4.4 for a discussion of statutory exceptions.