Everyone has heard the phrase being “held in contempt”. Recently our principal Justin Wong spoke with the Law Society Journal about the law of contempt in Australia and the United States.

In the article, he explained that contempt is “a broad concept, and can include…contempt in the face of the court, contempt by publication or sub judice contempt, breaching an order or undertaking, or interfering with witnesses.”

Contempt in the face of court might be someone refusing to answer a question in court, throwing an item in a court room, or even an inappropriate exchange between a lawyer and judge.

The ability of our courts to be able to manage their own proceedings, and ensure that parties comply with orders and behave appropriately, is central to the operation of our justice system. That’s why penalties for contempt can range from fines all the way up to periods of imprisonment.

The full article and Justin’s comments can be read here: