MA · rules
Mass. Juv. Ct. R. Care & Prot. 18
Sanctions and contempt
A. Sanctions
If a party, or an attorney, or both, engages in conduct that either delays the progress of litigation, wastes judicial resources or causes an unnecessary increase in expenses on a party, or otherwise impedes the full and effective administration of justice, without sufficient justification as determined by the court, the court may order the party, or the attorney, or both to pay reasonable costs and expenses. The court shall provide notice and a hearing before final imposition of costs or expenses. The court shall articulate, in writing, the reasons for the imposed sanctions.
B. Contempt
Enforcement of compliance with court orders may be sought by means of civil contempt, which shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of Mass. R. Civ. P. 65.3 (b) - (h). Proceedings for summary contempt shall be held in accordance with the provisions of Mass. R. Crim. P. 43. Prosecutions for criminal contempt shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of Mass. R. Crim. P. 44.
History
Amended July 27, 2018, effective November 5, 2018 Amended May 1, 2025, effective August 4, 2025 (Changed rule number)
Provenance
- Source
- www.mass.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-09-17
- Edition
- 2026-09-16
- Content hash
0cb2995e68921c4cd0c1ad0141ad2c46fe25b5ac02a267771fd945e7b09ffe52
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