Insubordination

The arrest of three VOC council men in Batavia in 1741 which showcases insubordination, or challenging authorities

Insubordination is when people do not obey an authority. In the military, for example, insubordination is when a serviceman or servicewoman disobeys the orders of a higher-ranking officer.

A person may refuse to obey a law or order that he or she thinks is wrong. This is called civil disobedience.