Opinion ID: 1386400
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Denial of Petition for Contempt Affirmed

Text: We turn now to whether that violation subjects Gotham to being held in contempt. A federal court has the authority to punish contempt of a consent decree. United States v. Int'l Bhd. of Teamsters, 899 F.2d 143, 146 (2d Cir.1990). However, the judicial power of contempt is circumscribed and Wile failure to meet the strict requirements of an order does not necessarily subject a party to a holding of contempt. Dunn, 47 F.3d at 490. A party may be held in civil contempt only where a plaintiff establishes (1) the decree was clear and unambiguous, and (2) the proof of non-compliance is clear and convincing. Id. Although the defendant's conduct need not be willful, a plaintiff must also prove that (3) the defendant has not been reasonably diligent and energetic in attempting to comply. City of New York v. Local 28, Sheet Metal Workers' Int'l Ass'n, 170 F.3d 279, 283 (2d Cir.1999); Dunn, 47 F.3d at 490; see also Levin v. Tiber Holding Corp., 277 F.3d 243, 250 (2d Cir.2002) (noting plaintiffs burden of proof). While we disagreed with the district court's determination that the unauthorized work was not compensable as overtime, we now affirm its alternative holding that the Secretary did not carry her burden to prove contempt.