Contempt of Court refers to actions that show disrespect or defy the authority of a court. This can include behaviors like refusing to follow a court order, disrupting court proceedings, or failing to appear when summoned. The purpose of contempt laws is to maintain order and ensure that the judicial process runs smoothly. There are two main types of contempt: civil contempt and criminal contempt. Civil contempt typically involves failing to comply with a court order, while criminal contempt involves actions that disrespect the court itself. Penalties for contempt can include fines or even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense.