What is the meaning of contempt of court?

Contempt of court refers to actions that show disrespect or disobedience toward the authority or orders of the court. This can occur in various forms, such as failing to comply with court orders, disrupting court proceedings, or failing to appear when required. The consequence of such behavior typically results in penalties designed to uphold the court's dignity and ensure the judicial process functions smoothly. The penalties can range from fines to incarceration, depending on the severity of the contemptuous behavior.

Other options do not accurately define contempt of court. Challenges to the validity of a subpoena are separate legal issues that involve questioning the authority or reasonableness of a directive issued by the court. Refusal to accept a court's decision involves a disagreement with the outcome of a case, which is not an act of contempt but rather a potential basis for appeal. Similarly, filing a false affidavit pertains to issues of perjury or fraud, which is a different legal matter altogether. Therefore, the correct definition of contempt of court is clearly represented by the description of acts that disrespect or disobey court orders, resulting in penalties.