What is usually the outcome of an act of criminal contempt of court?

An act of criminal contempt of court typically results in immediate punishment by the court. This is because criminal contempt is intended to uphold the authority and dignity of the court. The punishment can take various forms, such as a fine or imprisonment, depending on the jurisdiction and severity of the contemptuous behavior. The court acts swiftly to address actions that disrupt proceedings, showing that rule of law and respect for the judicial system are paramount.

While there may be opportunities in some situations for a defendant to explain their actions or for the court to impose a fine, the defining characteristic of criminal contempt is the court's immediate response to uphold its authority. Reinstatement of bail is not relevant in the context of contempt; the primary concern is addressing the behavior that disrespects the court.