(a) Limited Authority.
Bankruptcy judges may not exercise powers of criminal contempt, except when
the conduct is committed in the presence of the court.
(b) Certification to District Court.
(1) When there is an allegation that a person or a representative of an entity,
who is subject to the bankruptcy court’s jurisdiction, has committed an act
Local Rules of Civil Practice - District of Utah Eff. December 2025
or engaged in conduct that may constitute criminal contempt outside the
presence of the court, the bankruptcy judge may certify the facts to the
district court by serving an Order to Show Cause upon any person or entity
whose behavior is at issue.
(2) The Order to Show Cause must direct the person or representative of the
entity to appear before a district court judge on a specific date and time to
show cause why they should not be held in contempt.
(c) Hearing Before District Court.
After receipt of the Order to Show Cause, the district court, in a summary
manner, will hear the evidence and rule.
