Direct contempt means that the act occurred in the judge's presence.

Direct contempt means that the act occurred in the judge's presence.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only in writing
• D. Only if accompanied by a defense attorney

Answer: (A)

Direct contempt is conduct that happens in the courtroom while the judge is watching, such as disrupting proceedings, insulting the court, or willfully disobeying a direct order during the hearing. Because the act is witnessed by the judge in real time, the court can respond immediately, often with a quick sanction to preserve order, without waiting for a separate hearing. This is different from indirect (constructive) contempt, which occurs outside the judge’s presence and typically requires a notice and a hearing. So the statement that direct contempt means the act occurred in the judge’s presence is correct.

Direct contempt is conduct that happens in the courtroom while the judge is watching, such as disrupting proceedings, insulting the court, or willfully disobeying a direct order during the hearing. Because the act is witnessed by the judge in real time, the court can respond immediately, often with a quick sanction to preserve order, without waiting for a separate hearing. This is different from indirect (constructive) contempt, which occurs outside the judge’s presence and typically requires a notice and a hearing. So the statement that direct contempt means the act occurred in the judge’s presence is correct.