What is contempt?

• The common definition of contempt is to be full of scorn for something.
• Contempt also has a distinct legal meaning. In this context it means to interfere with the proper course of justice.
• Allegations of contempt are taken most seriously by the courts. This is because courts can only operate properly if they are independent from all external interference.
• A journalist who discloses details of a defendant’s prior criminal convictions before the end of the trial would likely to be held in contempt.
• The underlying reason for this is that such a disclosure may prejudice the judge or jury against the defendant and reduce their chances of a fair trial.
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