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Contempt is criminal, while a contravention is civil. 

The differences are not that subtle, but I’ve had Australian lawyers argue with me that I’m wrong. Makes for a fun day in my life when lawyers act like this, but it’s what happens when you challenge the rarified air of the the legal profession. 

FAMILY LAW ACT 1975 - SECT 112AP

Contempt

             (1)  Subject to subsection (1A), this section applies to a contempt of a court that: 

                     (a)  does not constitute a contravention of an order under this Act; or 

                     (b)  constitutes a contravention of an order under this Act and involves a flagrant challenge to the authority of the court. 

          (1A)  This section does not apply to a contempt that constitutes a contravention of a maintenance order if the order has been complied with before the matter of the contravention comes before the court. 

             (2)  In spite of any other law, a court having jurisdiction under this Act may punish a person for contempt of that court. 

             (3)  The applicable Rules of Court may provide for practice and procedure as to charging with contempt and the hearing of the charge. 

             (4)  Where a natural person is in contempt, the court may punish the contempt by committal to prison or fine or both. 

             (5)  Where a corporation is in contempt, the court may punish the contempt by sequestration or fine or both. 

             (6)  The court may make an order for: 

                     (a)  punishment on terms; 

                     (b)  suspension of punishment; or 

                     (c)  the giving of security for good behaviour. 

             (7)  Where a person is committed to prison for a term for contempt, t

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