Contempt Of Court (PBK2134)

What is the definition for contempt of court?

• Being disobedient and disrespectful towards courts of law, its officers and disregarding court order.

• Compliments the judge too much during trial, causing court to pause proceedings.

• Offense committed when a defendant refuses to applaud the judge's ruling.

• Lawyer deliberately addresses the judge by their first name during proceedings, violating formal requirement.

Types of contempt of court?

• Silent contempt

• Criminal contempt

• Technical contempt

• Civil contempt

Example of CRIMINAL CONTEMPT?

• Throwing a slipper, fruits, eggs towards the judge.

• Writing an insulting and vicious letter towards the judge.

• Disobeying a custody order.

• Failing to comply with court order, such as not appearing in court to testify.

Criminal contempt happens when a person...

• scandalises the court.

• assaulting and manhandling a judge.

• refuses to comply with the order of the court.

• interfering with court proceedings.

Choose the right definition for CRIMINAL CONTEMPT

• when contemnor interferes with ability of court to function properly.

• also known as "indirect contempt"

• also known as "direct contempt"

• occurs outside of the judge's immediate realm.

Choose the right definition for CIVIL CONTEMPT

• disrespecting the dignity and authority of the court.

• also known as "direct contempt".

• contemnor wilfully disobeys and refuses to comply with court order.

• evidence must be presented to judge in order to prove contempt.

Examples of CIVIL CONTEMPT?

• Disobeying a custody order.

• Fail to comply with court of law, by not appearing in court.

• Yelling and threatening at the judge.

• Suggesting publication that offends dignity of court.

Examples of contempt of court

• Eating food in court.

• Interference with witnesses and officers of the court.

• Insolence in court.

  eg: being noisy, interrupting proceedings

• Outrage on judges in court.

Who initiates contempt proceedings?

• Private person or party

• Police

• Attorney general

• Court itself

Judges must be neutral, unbiased and are free to make decisions without any pressure and interference.

• TRUE

• FALSE