What constitutes contempt of court?

Contempt of court encompasses actions that disrespect or disrupt the court and its proceedings. Acts that impede the court, including disrespectful conduct, directly undermine the authority and functioning of the judicial system. This can include behaviors such as interrupting court proceedings, speaking out of turn, using offensive language towards court officials, or failing to follow court directives. When such actions occur, they not only discredit the court but can also hinder its ability to administer justice effectively. Thus, option B accurately captures a key definition of contempt of court by highlighting the importance of maintaining respect and order during legal proceedings.

In contrast, the other choices, while related to the legal process, either focus on specific actions that may not directly reflect contempt (like appearing in court, which could be due to legitimate reasons), or do not necessarily disrupt the functioning of the court itself. Disregarding legal advice from an attorney, for example, may reflect a client’s choice, but it does not constitute contempt unless it directly affects court proceedings.