The first seven subdivisions of this section specify the particular classes of cases in which punishment for a civil contempt may be imposed. This general clause applies only to matters ejusdem generis, and is not a grant of plenary power to punish for contempt. Civil, Criminal Contempt Civil contempt differs from criminal contempt. The power to punish for civil contempt is much broader than the power to punish for criminal contempt. It includes the power to punish a party for any abuse of a mandate or proceeding of a court.
Criminal contempt is an offense against the public justice.
The penalty is purely punitive. The purpose of civil contempt is to vindicate the rights of a party to the action. The penalty is compensation to the injured party, for loss of or interference with the benefits of the court's mandate. Criminal contempt must be committed in the presence and hearing of the court. The offender may be immediately apprehended and punished, without further examination or proof, because the court, having personally observed the offense, needs no further explanation.