Which term defines the legal practice of resisting authority in a courtroom?

The term that defines the legal practice of resisting authority in a courtroom is contumacy. This concept refers specifically to a stubborn or willful disobedience to the authority of a court or legislative body. Contumacy typically involves ignoring court orders, which undermines the judicial process and can lead to serious consequences, including potential fines or imprisonment.

Understanding contumacy is important because it reflects a direct challenge to the court's authority, distinguishing it from other forms of disobedience that may not involve this specific context. Unlike contempt, which generally applies to behaviors that disrespect the court, contumacy specifically emphasizes the willful resistance to the authority of a judicial body. This nuanced differentiation highlights the specific focus of contumacy on the judicial dynamic, setting it apart from broader terms like obstruction or disobedience, which can apply in different contexts and do not necessarily involve a court setting.