Which of the following is an example of constructive contempt of court?

• A. Ignoring a court order inside the courtroom
• B. Willfully disobeying a court order outside of court proceedings
• C. Refusing to testify
• D. Filing a frivolous appeal

Answer: (B)

Constructive contempt happens when someone defies a court order while not in the courtroom, so the disobedience occurs outside the judge’s direct sight and control. The example that fits this is willfully disobeying a court order outside of court proceedings, because the violation isn’t happening in the judge’s presence but still violates a binding order the court issued. The court can respond with sanctions later to compel compliance.

Other scenarios fit different ideas. Ignoring a court order inside the courtroom is direct contempt, since the disobedience occurs in the judge’s immediate presence and is addressed on the spot. Refusing to testify can amount to contempt if there’s a court order to testify, but the key distinction here is the outside-the-court setting. Filing a frivolous appeal isn’t contempt; it’s typically sanctioned as improper or frivolous litigation, not punishable as contempt.