Opinion ID: 2220653
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: jurisdiction

Text: In the absence of a final judgment or final order in the court from which an appeal is taken, an appellate court acquires no jurisdiction. Schaad v. Simms, 240 Neb. 758, 759, 484 N.W.2d 474, 475 (1992). A final judgment or order determines a substantial right of a party to an action. See id. An order imposing a coercive sanction in a civil contempt proceeding is not a final order because the coercive order is always subject to modification by the contemner's conduct. In re Contempt of Liles, 216 Neb. 531, 534, 344 N.W.2d 626, 629 (1984). Although Dunning's appeal arises from a proceeding initiated concerning civil contempt, Dunning has appealed from an unconditional judgment, namely, the fine of $20,000, which is a final order and is, therefore, appealable. See Neb.Rev.Stat. § 25-1902 (Reissue 1989) (definition of final order).