法律英语词汇“contempt of court”的翻译、意思、用法、释义-法律词典

contempt of court
1. (civil contempt) Disobedience to a court order or process, such as breach of an injunction. If an injunction is served on a defendant with a penal notice attached, breach of the injunction can result in the defendant being imprisoned. 2. (criminal contempt) Conduct that obstructs or tends to obstruct the proper administration of justice. At common law criminal contempt includes the following:

• deliberately interfering with the outcome of legal proceedings, e.g. by bribing or intimidating witnesses, the jury, or a judge;

• contempt in the face of the court, e.g. using threatening language or creating a disturbance in court;

• scandalizing the court by “scurrilous abuse” of a judge going beyond reasonable criticism or attacking the integrity of the administration of justice;

• interfering with the general process of administration of justice, e.g. by disclosing the deliberations of a jury, even though no particular proceedings are pending.

Under the Contempt of Court Act 1981 it is a statutory contempt to publish to the public, by any means, any communication that creates a substantial risk that the course of justice in particular legal proceedings will be seriously impeded or prejudiced, if the proceedings are active. It is also contempt under the Act to obtain or disclose any particulars of jury discussions and to bring into court or use a tape recorder without permission. Contempt of court is a criminal offence punishable by a prison sentence and/or a fine.