27-10-01.1. Definitions.
313 words·~1 min read·
/nd/title-27/chapter-27-10-contempts/27-10-01-1·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Contempt of court" means:
a. Intentional misconduct in the presence of the court which interferes with the court
proceeding or with the administration of justice, or which impairs the respect due
the court;
b. Intentional nonpayment of a sum of money ordered by the court to be paid in a
case when by law execution cannot be awarded for the collection of the sum;
c. Intentional disobedience, resistance, or obstruction of the authority, process, or
order of a court or other officer, including a referee or magistrate;
d. Intentional refusal of a witness to appear for examination, to be sworn or to affirm,
or to testify after being ordered to do so by the court;
e. Intentional refusal to produce a record, document, or other object after being
ordered to do so by the court;
f. Intentional behavior in derogation of any provision of a summons issued pursuant
to rule 8.4 of the North Dakota Rules of Court; or
g. Any other act or omission specified in the court rules or by law as a ground for
contempt of court.
2. "Court" means a court of record of this state.
3. "Punitive sanction" includes a sanction of imprisonment if the sentence is for a definite
period of time. A sanction requiring payment of a sum of money is punitive if the
sanction is not conditioned upon performance or nonperformance of an act, and if the
sanction's purpose is to uphold the authority of the court.
4. "Remedial sanction" includes a sanction that is conditioned upon performance or
nonperformance of an act required by court order. A sanction requiring payment of a
sum of money is remedial if the sanction is imposed to compensate a party or
complainant, other than the court, for loss or injury suffered as a result of the
contempt.