476.120. Punishment for contempt.

476.120. Punishment for contempt may be by fine orimprisonment in the jail of the county where the court may besitting, or both, in the discretion of the court.

(RSMo 1939 § 2029)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 1865; 1919 § 2360; 1909 § 3882

(1964) Court has no authority in habeas corpus proceeding to reduce the fines or sentences imposed, nor to order circuit court to do so. Curtis v. Tozer (A.), 374 S.W.2d 557.

(1976) Proceedings to cite defendant for contempt for failure to pay court ordered support and maintenance for plaintiff and their minor children classified as civil contempt and subject to review on appeal. Judgment, with sentence of imprisonment, reversed and remanded since there was no evidence from which trial court could have concluded that defendant was financially able to pay the award. Teefey v. Teefey (Mo.), 533 S.W.2d 563.

(1977) Held, that purpose of contempt citation is to vindicate the authority of the court and deter future defiance by disobedient parties. Chemical Fireproofing Corp. v. Bronska (A.), 533 S.W.2d 710.