<P> In English law (a common law jurisdiction) the law on contempt is partly set out in case law, and partly specified in the Contempt of Court Act 1981 . Contempt may be a criminal or civil offence . The maximum sentence for criminal contempt is two years . </P> <P> Disorderly, contemptuous, or insolent behavior toward the judge or magistrates while holding the court, tending to interrupt the due course of a trial or other judicial proceeding, may be prosecuted as "direct" contempt . The term "direct" means that the court itself cites the person in contempt by describing the behavior observed on the record . Direct contempt is distinctly different from indirect contempt, wherein another individual may file papers alleging contempt against a person who has willfully violated a lawful court order . </P> <P> The Crown Court is a superior court of record under the Senior Courts Act 1981 and accordingly has power to punish for contempt of its own motion . The Divisional Court has stated that this power applies in three circumstances: </P> <Ol> <Li> Contempt "in the face of the court" (not to be taken literally; the judge does not need to see it, provided it took place within the court precincts or relates to a case currently before that court); </Li> <Li> Disobedience of a court order; and </Li> <Li> Breaches of undertakings to the court . </Li> </Ol>

The willful failure to obey the authority of congress is called