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 judge's orders, disrupting court proceedings, or failing to appear when summoned. Such actions undermine the legal process and can lead to penalties. There are two main types of contempt: civil contempt, which aims to compel compliance with court orders, and criminal contempt, which punishes actions that disrespect the court. Penalties for contempt can include fines or even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense and the jurisdiction.