For the effectual exercise of its powers, every court is vested with the power to punish for contempt, as provided for in this code.
Code 1858, § 4100; Shan., § 5912; Code 1932, § 10111; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-103.
Cross-References. Punishment for contempt, title 29, ch. 9.
Textbooks. Tennessee Criminal Practice and Procedure (Raybin), § 24.14.
Attorney General Opinions. Authority of city court to punish an individual for contempt of court when the person fails to appear in court for an appointed court date. OAG 11-17, 2011 Tenn. AG LEXIS 19 (2/15/11).
A court has authority to enter a default judgment of contempt in a proceeding for civil contempt if the alleged contemnor fails to respond or appear, as long as the alleged contemnor has been provided with proper notice and the opportunity to respond. OAG 15-36, 2015 Tenn. AG LEXIS 36 (4/21/15).
Cited: In re Throneberry, 754 S.W.2d 633, 1988 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 138 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1988); State ex rel. Comm'r DOT v. Cox, 840 S.W.2d 357, 1991 Tenn. App. LEXIS 1006 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1991); In re Drake L., — S.W.3d —, 2010 Tenn. App. LEXIS 445 (Tenn. Ct. App. July 13, 2010); Sloan v. Poff, — S.W.3d —, 2011 Tenn. App. LEXIS 153 (Tenn. Ct. App. Mar. 29, 2011); Furlong v. Furlong, 370 S.W.3d 329, 2011 Tenn. App. LEXIS 559 (Tenn. Ct. App. Oct. 14, 2011); State v. Beeler, 387 S.W.3d 511, 2012 Tenn. LEXIS 810 (Tenn. May 9, 2012).