North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What authority does judges have to control courtroom behavior?

1. Power of hearings

2. Power to adjourn

3. Judges power of contempt

4. Order of the court

The correct answer is: Judges power of contempt

Judges have the authority known as the power of contempt to control courtroom behavior. This power allows judges to ensure that court proceedings run smoothly and are free from disruption. When a person disobeys a court order, shows disrespect for the court, or disrupts proceedings, the judge can hold that individual in contempt. This might involve penalties such as fines or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the behavior and the jurisdiction's laws. The power of contempt serves several functions: it maintains decorum in the courtroom, upholds the authority of the judicial system, and protects the rights of other participants in the legal process. This authority is critical for judges, allowing them to enforce rules and expectations that contribute to fair and orderly administration of justice. In contrast, while other options may relate to courtroom processes, they do not specifically address the direct authority regulating behavior within the courtroom.