Which action best describes the authority of the professional association regarding contempt proceedings?

Which action best describes the authority of the professional association regarding contempt proceedings?

• A. It may initiate criminal contempt proceedings against a witness.
• B. It does not have authority to bring criminal contempt proceedings against a witness.
• C. It may arrest witnesses in contempt.
• D. It may impose penalties without court order.

Answer: (B)

Contempt proceedings are a matter for the courts. A professional association handles disciplinary matters under its own bylaws, not criminal or civil contempt of court. That means it cannot initiate criminal contempt against a witness, cannot arrest someone for contempt, and cannot impose penalties without a court order. The court is the body that punishes contempt and enforces compliance with its orders. Therefore, the association does not have authority to bring criminal contempt proceedings against a witness.

Contempt proceedings are a matter for the courts. A professional association handles disciplinary matters under its own bylaws, not criminal or civil contempt of court. That means it cannot initiate criminal contempt against a witness, cannot arrest someone for contempt, and cannot impose penalties without a court order. The court is the body that punishes contempt and enforces compliance with its orders. Therefore, the association does not have authority to bring criminal contempt proceedings against a witness.