If a child defendant fails to obey a court order under circumstances that would constitute contempt, the court must give the child notice of a hearing.

• A. Not specified
• B. Only with counsel present
• C. True
• D. False

Answer: (C)

Contempt in juvenile court is treated with due-process protections. Before a child can be found in contempt for disobeying a court order, the court must provide notice and an opportunity to be heard. That notice gives the child a chance to prepare and, typically, to consult with counsel, and the hearing allows the court to determine whether the conduct actually meets the criteria for contempt and what, if any, remedy is appropriate. This safeguard helps prevent unfair surprise and ensures the child’s rights are protected in a potential punishment scenario. So the statement is true: the court must give the child notice of a contempt hearing.