Contempt of Court
 |
Victoria needs a new Contempt of Court Act to define different types of contempt and make the law clearer and fairer in the online era, according to this report published in 2020 by the Victorian Law Reform Commission.
The law of contempt of court protects public confidence in the courts and is essential to the rule of law. But it is outdated, confusing, and needs reform.
Online publishing and social media have changed the way people access and share information, but the courts have not kept up.
The VLRC has recommended contempt of court law reform to modernise the law, taking into account developments in communication technology.
Contents
2. Contempt of court and the need for reform
3. How to reform the law of contempt of court
4. Defining contempt of court in legislation
5. Procedure and penalties for contempt of court
6. Contempt powers of lower courts
7. Dealing with disruptive behaviour: contempt ‘in the face of the court’
8. Disobedience contempt: non-compliance with court orders and undertakings
10. Sub judice contempt: restricting the publication of prejudicial information
12. The Judicial Proceedings Reports Act
13. Enforcement in the online age
15. Penalties for breaches of restrictions on publication
Subscribe for Updates
Make a Submission
Make a Submission
The Hon. Anthony North KC
Chairman
Past Commissioner Example
Dr Vivian Waller
Director and Principal Solicitor, Waller Legal
Dan Nicholson
Executive Director, Criminal Law, Victoria Legal Aid
Professor Bernadette McSherry
Commissioner
Kathleen Foley SC
Commissioner
The Hon Jennifer Coate AO
Commissioner