Alabama § 12-1-8 - Cases in Which Courts May Issue Attachments and Inflict Summary Punishment for Contempt.

Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 12-1-8 — Cases in Which Courts May Issue Attachments and Inflict Summary Punishment for Contempt., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12-1-8. Cases in Which Courts May Issue Attachments and Inflict Summary Punishment for Contempt.

The powers of the several courts in this state to issue attachments and inflict summary punishment for contempts shall not extend to any other cases than:

(1) Disrespectful, contemptuous or insolent behavior in court, tending in any way to diminish or impair the respect due to judicial tribunals or to interrupt the due course of trial;

(2) A breach of the peace, boisterous conduct, violent disturbance or any other act calculated to disturb or obstruct the administration of justice, committed in the presence of the court or so near thereto as to have that effect;

(3) The misbehavior of any officer of the court in his official transactions or the disobedience or resistance of any officer of the court, party, juror, witness or any other person to any lawful writ, process, order, rule, decree or command thereof;

(4) Deceit or the abuse of the process of the proceedings of the court by any person or party or any unlawful interference with the processor proceedings of the court;

(5) Refusing to be sworn or to answer, either in the court or before the grand jury, any lawful question as a witness or garnishee;

(6) When summoned as a juror in a court, improperly conversing with a party to an action to be tried at such court or with any other person in relation to the merits of such action or receiving a communication from a party or other person, in respect to it, without immediately disclosing the same to the court; or

(7) Conversing with a juror, knowing him to be such, in relation to the merits of any action which he is engaged in the trial of or supplying any juror with refreshments of any kind, except water, during the time he is engaged in the trial of any cause, without leave of the court.

Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 12-1-8

What does Code of Alabama § 12-1-8 cover?

Section 12-1-8 ("Cases in Which Courts May Issue Attachments and Inflict Summary Punishment for Contempt.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Alabama § 12-1-8?

A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 12-1-8" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Alabama law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.

How does Alabama § 12-1-8 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.