Contempt of court
鈥楥ontempt of court鈥� happens when someone risks unfairly influencing a court case. It may stop somebody from getting a fair trial and can affect a trial鈥檚 outcome.
Contempt of court includes:
- disobeying or ignoring a court order
- taking photos or shouting out in court
- refusing to answer the court鈥檚 questions if you鈥檙e called as a witness
- publicly commenting on a court case, for example on social media or online news articles
If you鈥檙e 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 someone鈥檚 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 you鈥檝e seen something that you think risks the fairness of a future or ongoing case, contact the court.
If you鈥檙e reporting something you鈥檝e seen online, share screenshots of the posts if you have them.