Contempt

Contempt is a complex emotion and legal concept that refers to the feeling of not respecting someone or something. It is often associated with feelings of disdain, scorn, or intense dislike. The legal concept of contempt refers to behavior that disrespects or obstructs the functioning of a court or legislature.

Emotional Contempt

In the realm of psychology, contempt is considered one of the basic human emotions. It is a mix of the primary emotions disgust and anger. The emotion is often associated with a feeling of superiority over the person for whom one feels contempt. This can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding for that person, which can further exacerbate feelings of contempt.

Legal Contempt

In the legal context, contempt is a specific offense which involves disrespect towards or defiance of the authority, justice, or dignity of a court or legislative body. There are two types of legal contempt: direct and indirect.

Direct contempt is contempt committed in the presence of the court. It includes behaviors such as insulting the judge, refusing to answer questions, or disrupting proceedings.

Indirect contempt, also known as constructive contempt, involves actions not in the presence of the court that nonetheless obstruct the functioning of the court. This can include actions such as refusing to comply with court orders, or publishing material that prejudices a trial.

Contempt in Relationships

Contempt can also play a significant role in interpersonal relationships. According to relationship expert John Gottman, contempt is one of the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" that can predict divorce in married couples. Contempt in a relationship can manifest as sarcasm, name-calling, eye-rolling, and other forms of disrespectful behavior.

See Also

• Disgust
• Anger
• Respect
• John Gottman
• Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Gottman)

References

Contempt Resources
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