Which of the following is a characteristic of contempt of court?

Contempt of court refers to behavior that shows a lack of respect or defies the authority of the court. The characteristic of contempt includes actions or attitudes that disrupt or undermine the court's ability to perform its functions effectively. This can manifest as disrespectful conduct, such as refusing to obey a court order, showing insolence during proceedings, or otherwise failing to follow court protocols.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of contempt of court. Providing additional evidence typically supports a legal proceeding rather than showing disrespect. Making a legal appeal is part of the legal process used to challenge a court decision, which does not inherently relate to contempt. Filing for bankruptcy is a legal action that deals with financial solvency, unrelated to the court’s authority or conduct. Therefore, disrespectful conduct towards the court is the defining characteristic of contempt of court.