Contempt, in law, is willful disregard or disobedience of public authority, such as a court or legislative assembly. Contempt is usually shown by failure to obey specific demands, or by insults. Such acts are intended to challenge or reduce public authority and dignity. There are two kinds of contempt of court: those committed in a court, which disturb or interrupt its proceedings, and those that result from a refusal to comply with an order of the court. Both are punishable by fine or imprisonment. See also Attachment .
