Attorney Generals Office
August 10
16:01
2023
Contempt of court happens when someone risks unfairly influencing a court case. It may stop somebody from getting a fair trial and can affect a trials outcome.
Contempt of court includes:
- disobeying or ignoring a court order
- taking photos or shouting out in court
- refusing to answer the courts questions if youre called as a witness
- publicly commenting on a court case, for example on social media or online news articles
If youre found to be in contempt of court, you could go to prison for up to 2 years, get a fine, or both.
Publicly commenting on a court case
You might be in contempt of court if you speak publicly or post on social media.
For example, you should not:
- say whether you think a person is guilty or innocent
- refer to someones previous convictions
- name someone the judge has allowed to be anonymous, even if you did not know this
- name victims, witnesses and offenders under 18
- name sex crime victims
- share any evidence or facts about a case that the judge has said cannot be made public
Report contempt of court
If youve seen something that you think risks the fairness of a future or ongoing case, contact the court.
If youre reporting something youve seen online, share screenshots of the posts if you have them.