Definition

Noun: A legal concept describing behavior that disrespects, disobeys, or obstructs the authority, dignity, or proceedings of a court or legislature.

Usage

This term is used in legal contexts to describe actions that interfere with the administration of justice or show willful disregard for a court's authority. It is a charge that can result in fines or imprisonment.

Examples

• The judge held the disruptive spectator in contempt of court.
• Refusing to answer a subpoena can be considered contempt of court.
• The lawyer was fined for contempt of court after repeatedly ignoring the judge's rulings.

Advanced Usage

• Direct contempt: Occurs in the immediate presence of the court (e.g., shouting at the judge).
• Indirect (or constructive) contempt: Occurs outside the court's presence but obstructs its proceedings (e.g., witness tampering, disobeying a court order).
• Civil contempt: Typically aims to compel compliance with a court order for the benefit of the opposing party (e.g., failing to pay court-ordered child support).
• Criminal contempt: Punishes an act that defies the court's authority or obstructs justice, seen as an offense against the state.

Variants and Related Words

• Contempt (noun): The feeling that a person or a thing is worthless or beneath consideration. In law, it is the specific offense of being disobedient to or disrespectful of a court.
• Contemptuous (adjective): Showing contempt; scornful.

Synonyms

• Disobedience of court
• Defiance of the court
• Disrespect for the judiciary

Related Phrases

• To be held in contempt: The formal finding by a judge that an individual has committed contempt of court.
  • The journalist was held in contempt for refusing to reveal her source.
• To cite for contempt / To charge with contempt: The act of a judge formally accusing someone of this offense.
  • The judge threatened to cite the attorney for contempt.

Noun

1. disrespect for the rules of a court of law