What is the legal term for refusing to comply during an arrest?

The legal term for refusing to comply during an arrest is "resisting arrest." This term specifically refers to actions taken by an individual to oppose or prevent a law enforcement officer from carrying out a lawful arrest. It can involve physical actions, such as pulling away from an officer, or verbal actions that can interfere with the arrest process. The focus here is on the direct resistance to the arrest itself, which is considered a criminal act that can result in additional charges.

Obstruction of justice, while related, generally refers to broader actions that impede law enforcement or judicial proceedings, such as providing false information or tampering with evidence. Interference with a law officer could encompass various actions that disrupt an officer's duties but is not as specific as resisting arrest. Contempt of court relates to actions that show disrespect or defiance toward the court and its proceedings, which is a different legal context altogether.