contempt of court

noun3

1. •
   Open disrespect for or willful disobedience of the authority of a court of law or legislative body, typically punishable by such sanctions as a fine or incarceration.

   • If a researcher refused, a contempt of court order might result in incarceration of the researcher (see Hagan 1984). — 1994
2. •
   A particular act of open disrespect for or willful disobedience of the authority of a court of law.

   • For my part, I am quite satisfied that there may also be consecutive or successive contempts of court constituted by repeated omissions to comply with a mandatory order positively to do something. — 2011
3. •
   A court order which, in the context of a court trial or hearing, declares a person or organization to have disobeyed or been disrespectful of the court's authority.

   • Certain reports have appeared in the media that the Hon’ble Delhi High Court has issued a contempt of Court against the Chief of Army Staff. — 2010