ANNOUNCER: Arthur Obiadazie from Minneapolis, Minnesota asks: What is the meaning of "gag order" in law terms?</s>GRETA VAN SUSTEREN, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: Arthur, the term "gag order" is not in the law dictionary. It is a term, perhaps even legal slang, describing a court order barring certain persons from discussing certain matters. The orders are directed at a specific person or persons. A judge could impose a court order on a husband and wife and their lawyers in a divorce case so that they could not discuss it with anyone. That would not, however, bar a courtroom spectator from discussing the matter. If you violate a gag order that is directed at you, the penalty is contempt of court. This could result in a fine. Note that gag orders are designed not to silence a party, but to make sure that the proceedings are not tainted by statements made by the parties. After the matter is over, the courts routinely lift the gag orders.
Ask CNN: What is the Legal Meaning of a Gag Order?