Indirect contempt can include which of the following?

• A. An act occurring in the judge's presence
• B. Failure to comply with a valid court order
• C. Willful disobedience of a court order
• D. Obstructing justice during trial

Answer: (B)

Indirect contempt covers actions outside the courtroom that undermine the court’s authority, especially failing to follow a court order. This is the clearest example because it shows a deliberate disregard for a directive issued by the judge, which the court must enforce even when proceedings aren’t happening.

In contrast, acts that occur in the judge’s presence disrupt the proceedings directly and are classified as direct contempt, while obstructing justice during a trial isn’t the classic indirect contempt scenario. Willful disobedience of a court order is related, but the most straightforward illustration of indirect contempt is not complying with a valid court order.