What constitutes “contempt of court”?

Contempt of court primarily includes actions that show disrespect to the court or defy its authority. This can manifest in various ways, such as interrupting proceedings, refusing to comply with court orders, or exhibiting behavior that undermines the dignity of the court. By definition, contempt serves to protect the court's ability to function effectively and ensure that justice is administered fairly.

While failing to appear in court and misrepresenting evidence can lead to serious legal consequences, they do not inherently encompass the broader notion of showing disrespect or defiance that characterizes contempt of court. Filing a lawsuit without proper standing, on the other hand, pertains more to procedural issues and does not fall under the contempt definition, which focuses on behavior that directly challenges or disrespects the court's authority.