Contempt
/kənˈtɛmpt/
Definitions
- (n.) The offense of being disobedient or disrespectful toward a court of law or legislative body.
The judge held the witness in contempt for refusing to answer questions.
- (n.) The feeling that a person or thing is beneath consideration or deserving scorn.
She looked at the rude comment with utter contempt.
Forms
- contempts
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Used primarily in legal contexts to describe offenses against court authority; precision in describing the nature of contempt (civil vs. criminal) is important.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.