Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Limits of Free Speech When Criticism of the Judiciary Becomes Contempt of Court in the Philippines
Philippine law balances free speech with judicial integrity. Learn when criticism of judges crosses the line into contempt of court.
Lawyer Suspended for Contempt of Court: Upholding Attorneys’ Duty to Obey Court Orders
A lawyer's defiance of a writ of execution led to a one-month suspension, reaffirming that attorneys must obey court orders or face disciplinary action.
Understanding Contempt of Court When Persistence Crosses the Line
When does relentless filing become punishable contempt? The Supreme Court explains the limits of persistence in Alcantara v. Ponce.
Contempt OF Court Balancing Freedom OF Speech AND Judicial Integrity IN THE Philippines
Contempt OF Court Balancing Judicial Authority AND THE Right TO DUE Process IN Preliminary Investigations
Contempt of Court: Due Process and the Authority of Judicial Orders in Family Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that indirect contempt requires a full hearing, reaffirming due process rights even when court orders are defied.
Contempt of Court for Disobeying a Final Judgment in a Disbarment Case
A disbarred lawyer's repeated refusal to return client funds leads to indirect contempt, fines, and a writ of execution.
Contempt of Court for Re-Entering Property After Execution of Judgment
When a final judgment orders you to vacate property, re-entering it can lead to contempt of court. Learn from this Philippine case.
Limits to Free Speech: Protecting Judicial Independence From Public Pressure
The Supreme Court held that statements pressuring justices to rule a certain way are not protected free speech but indirect contempt of court.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Judicial Authority and Attorneys' Rights to Advocate
A look at Frani v. Pagayatan on when a judge's loss of composure in court crosses the line, and when it does not.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Judicial Authority and Individual Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on indirect contempt, fines versus indefinite incarceration, and the courts' coercive power to enforce orders.
Limits of Contempt Power: When Can You Actually Be Held in Contempt of Court in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the limits of contempt power—when a court order binds you and when it does not.
Direct Contempt of Court: Limits on Punishment and Judicial Authority in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies direct contempt penalties, judicial authority limits, and accountability in Veluz v. Babaran.
Contempt of Court When Legal Actions Cross the Line: A Philippine Law Analysis
The Supreme Court explains when filing repeated complaints against judges becomes contempt of court, abuse of process, and forum-shopping.
Contempt of Court and Forum Shopping: When Persistence Becomes Obstruction
The Supreme Court explains when filing multiple cases to stop a movie showing crosses the line from persistence to forum shopping and contempt.
Upholding Court Authority: Consequences of Disobedience in the Philippine Legal System
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial insubordination, contempt of court, and the consequences of defying court orders.
Understanding Finality of Judgments and Avoiding Contempt of Court
Learn how the Supreme Court defines finality of judgments and why filing repeated motions can lead to contempt of court.
Contempt of Court: Navigating the Boundaries of Respect and Legal Advocacy in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a motion for judicial inhibition crosses the line into direct contempt, and what lawyers and litigants should avoid.