Which term describes stubborn resistance to authority?

The term that describes stubborn resistance to authority is "contumacy." This term is often used in legal contexts to refer to the willful disobedience or contempt shown towards a court or a governing authority. Contumacy implies not just a refusal to comply with orders or judgments, but also a deliberate and obstinate defiance that can undermine the legal process or authority being challenged.

While "defiance," "noncompliance," and "rebelliousness" are related concepts and also denote resistance to authority, they do not capture the specific legal connotation that "contumacy" does. Defiance can be broader and may not necessarily convey a sense of formal legal disobedience. Noncompliance simply indicates failure to follow rules or regulations without emphasizing the obstinate aspect. Rebelliousness implies a more active revolt against established authority but does not specifically connote the legal implications of contempt or willful disobedience that contumacy does. Thus, "contumacy" is the precise term suited for describing stubborn resistance to authority in a legal framework.