What Does Contempt Mean?

Contempt refers to a sentiment or manner of seeing a person or a thing as lesser than oneself, inferior. To look at a person with contempt is to regard him or her with scorn or disgust or extreme disdain.

In legal terms, an open and wilful act of defiance or disrespect towards the court of law, the arbitrator or judge, or a judicial system.

Contempt of court can be categorised into four types, either civil or criminal contempt, or directive or constructive contempt. Both civil and criminal contempts are differentiated by the objective of the punishment. If it is to justify the authority of the judiciary, it is a criminal contempt if the punishment is given to implement rights and find a solution for a party, it is a civil contempt.

A contempt can be called a direct one if it is performed in the court itself, while a session is going away. Something that is done away from the actual court and that inclines to block or challenge the impartation of justice is called constructive contempt.   

For example, refusing to give a response to a query even when asked by the judge, can be viewed as direct criminal contempt. For example, not obeying a court governed order to satisfy the judgement could be seen as a civil contempt.