What constitutes "contempt of court"?

Contempt of court refers to actions that show disrespect towards the court or that disobey its authority, which aligns with the concept described in the correct answer. This can manifest in several forms, including disrupting court proceedings, refusing to comply with a court order, or showing disrespect to the judge or court officials. Such actions can undermine the judicial process and authority, prompting legal consequences aimed at upholding the court's dignity and effectiveness.

The other options, while related to legal proceedings, represent different types of misconduct. Failure to appear can lead to specific penalties, but is categorized as a separate legal issue under failure to comply with court summons. Providing false evidence is considered perjury or obstruction of justice, which carries its own set of legal repercussions. Violating rules regarding evidence presentation can result in the exclusion of evidence, but is not classified as contempt unless it involves direct disobedience or contemptuous behavior towards the court itself. Understanding these distinctions is key to comprehending the broader legal context surrounding contempt of court.