contumacy etymology

Etymology and Meaning

The word "contumacy" derives from the Latin word "contumacia," which means "disobedience, resistance, stubbornness." It is derived from the Latin verb "contumare," meaning "to trample on, despise."

Origin

The concept of contumacy has a long history in law and religion. In Roman law, contumacy referred to a person's refusal to appear before a court or obey a court order. In ecclesiastical law, it denoted the offense of refusing to submit to the authority of the church.

In English common law, the term was used to describe a refusal to obey a lawful command or order from a court. It became associated with behaviors that showed contempt or disobedience towards the legal system.

Meaning

Contumacy today encompasses various forms of willful disobedience or defiance of authority. It can refer to:

• Refusing to appear in court or comply with a court order
• Resisting arrest or other police action
• Failing to pay child support or other legal obligations
• Obstructing justice by refusing to cooperate with investigations
• Showing contempt or disrespect for authority figures, such as judges or government officials

Consequences

Contumacy is typically treated as a serious offense. It can lead to various consequences, including:

• Fines or jail time
• Contempt of court proceedings
• Negative effects on legal proceedings, such as the dismissal of a case or a default judgment
• Loss of privileges, such as driving licenses or professional licenses
• Damage to one's reputation and credibility

contumacy relate terms

• contumely

  Etymology Latin contumelia insult abuse Proto Indo European ḱent to be shar

• disobedience

  Etymology Late Middle English in the sense lack of obedience from Old French d

• excelsior

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• adaptation

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• jubilee

  Etymology The word jubilee originates from the Hebrew word yowbel which means ram

• mask

  Etymology Middle English maske from Old French masque from Italian maschera from Ar

• holiday

  Etymology The word holiday originates from the Old English term hālīgdæg which me

• syncope

  Etymology From Ancient Greek sunkopē συγκοπή Derived from sun together

• cultivate

  Etymology Latin colere to tend cultivate Old French cultiver Middle English cul

• luxury

  Etymology The word luxury derives from the Latin term luxus which means excess ex

• philosophy

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