contempt of court
"Contempt of court" involves actions that defy or disrespect the authority of a court, potentially disrupting the judicial process.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1Legal Proceedings
(technical, formal)Disobedience or disrespect towards a court that disrupts its proceedings or undermines its authority.
Example
- The judge held the witness in contempt of court for refusing to answer questions.
- Disrupting the courtroom by shouting can lead to a contempt of court charge.
C1Legal Sanctions
(technical, formal)A legal declaration that someone has defied or insulted the court's authority, often resulting in penalties.
Example
- She faced a contempt of court order for ignoring the subpoena.
- Contempt of court can result in fines or imprisonment.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "contempt of court":