What is "contempt of court"?

Contempt of court refers to actions that show disrespect or defiance toward the authority of the court and its proceedings. This can manifest in various ways, such as refusing to follow court orders, disrupting court proceedings, or showing disrespectful behavior towards court officials or the judicial process itself.

When someone engages in contempt of court, they are undermining the authority and integrity of the judicial system, which is crucial for maintaining order and upholding the rule of law. The court must be able to function without interruptions or challenges to its decisions and orders.

Other options, while related to court contexts, do not accurately encapsulate the broader definition of contempt of court. Failing to appear for a court date is a specific action that can lead to penalties but does not necessarily indicate a contemptuous attitude toward the court overall. Substance abuse during legal proceedings may affect a party’s ability to participate effectively but isn't inherently contemptuous behavior unless it disrupts the court. Invalidating a court ruling is a legal process that can occur through appeals or higher court interventions, rather than contempt, which deals more with behavior directly in the court's presence.