What is a court's order of contempt?

• A. A formal warning issued by the judge to a party.
• B. A coercive order punishing noncompliance to compel obedience to a court's order.
• C. A court order to seal records.
• D. A verdict of guilt.

Answer: (B)

A court’s order of contempt is the court’s tool to enforce obedience to its orders. When someone defies or ignores a court directive, an order of contempt can be issued to compel compliance, typically through coercive measures like fines or jail time until the person complies, and it can also punish willful disobedience in criminal contempt. It isn’t merely a warning, a seal-records order, or a verdict of guilt—the contempt remedy specifically uses the court’s authority to enforce or punish for noncompliance with its orders.