contempt

Contempt is a feeling of disdain or lack of respect for someone or something that is considered unworthy of admiration. It can refer to a social emotion experienced toward people, institutions, or norms, as well as a legal concept that regards disobedience or disrespect toward a court or other authority.

Etymology traces the term to Latin contemptus, from contemnere meaning to despise or neglect. In everyday language, contempt can arise from moral judgments about others’ behavior or from perceived affronts to social norms. Psychologically, it is often described as a blend of anger and disgust directed at a target perceived as morally inappropriate or inferior.

In a legal context, contempt refers to acts that obstruct the authority of a court or legislative body. Contempt of court typically falls into two categories: civil contempt and criminal contempt. Civil contempt is coercive and intended to compel compliance with a court order, such as a subpoena or injunction, and may result in ongoing imprisonment until the party complies. Criminal contempt is punitive for acts that willfully disobey or disrespect the court, such as deliberate strife or insolence, and carries a fixed sentence or fines. Direct contempt occurs in the presence of the court, while constructive contempt involves actions outside the court that obstruct judicial proceedings.

Various jurisdictions recognize contempt in other contexts, such as contempt of Parliament or contempt of Congress, where actions that obstruct legislative processes or demean members can be sanctioned. Due process protections typically apply to contempt proceedings, including warnings, hearings, and the right to defense.

Overall, contempt encompasses both a felt attitude of scorn and, in law, a formal mechanism to enforce respect for judicial and legislative authority.