Legislative contempt is a term used to describe the act of a person or group failing to comply with the orders or directives of a legislative body. Synonyms for legislative contempt include disobedience, defiance, noncompliance, insubordination, and resistance. These terms highlight the refusal to follow the rules or laws set forth by a governing body and may be punishable by fines or imprisonment. Other words that can be used to describe legislative contempt include obstructive behavior, defiance of authority or institutional power, and disregard for the mandates of the legislative branch. Regardless of the terminology used, legislative contempt is a serious offense, which undermines the ability of a democratic society to function effectively.