Contempt of Court Act 1981

Strict liability U.K.

1 The strict liability rule. U.K.

In this Act “the strict liability rule” means the rule of law whereby conduct may be treated as a contempt of court as tending to interfere with the course of justice in particular legal proceedings regardless of intent to do so.

2 Limitation of scope of strict liability. U.K.

(1) The strict liability rule applies only in relation to publications, and for this purpose “publication” includes any speech, writing, [F1 programme included in a cable programme service] or other communication in whatever form, which is addressed to the public at large or any section of the public.

(2) The strict liability rule applies only to a publication which creates a substantial risk that the course of justice in the proceedings in question will be seriously impeded or prejudiced.

(3) The strict liability rule applies to a publication only if the proceedings in question are active within the meaning of this section at the time of the publication.

(4) Schedule 1 applies for determining the times at which proceedings are to be treated as active within the meaning of this section.

[F2 (5) In this section “programme service” has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Act 1990.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words substituted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 203(1), Sch. 20 para. 31(1)(a): words were previously added by Broadcasting Act 1984 (c. 46 SIF 96), s. 57(1), Sch. 5 para. 39(1)

F2 S. 2(5) inserted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 203(1), Sch. 20, para. 31(1)(b)

3 Defence of innocent publication or distribution. U.K.

(1) A person is not guilty of contempt of court under the strict liability rule as the publisher of any matter to which that rule applies if at the time of publication (having taken all reasonable care) he does not know and has no reason to suspect that relevant proceedings are active.

(2) A person is not guilty of contempt of court under the strict liability rule as the distributor of a publication containing any such matter if at the time of distribution (having taken all reasonable care) he does not know that it contains such matter and has no reason to suspect that it is likely to do so.

(3) The burden of proof of any fact tending to establish a defence afforded by this section to any person lies upon that person.

(4) F3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F3 S. 3(4) repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 Group 4

4 Contemporary reports of proceedings. U.K.

(1) Subject to this section a person is not guilty of contempt of court under the strict liability rule in respect of a fair and accurate report of legal proceedings held in public, published contemporaneously and in good faith.

(2) In any such proceedings the court may, where it appears to be necessary for avoiding a substantial risk of prejudice to the administration of justice in those proceedings, or in any other proceedings pending or imminent, order that the publication of any report of the proceedings, or any part of the proceedings, be postponed for such period as the court thinks necessary for that purpose.

[F4 (2A) Where in proceedings for any offence which is an administration of justice offence for the purposes of section 54 of the M1 Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (acquittal tainted by an administration of justice offence) it appears to the court that there is a possibility that (by virtue of that section) proceedings may be taken against a person for an offence of which he has been acquitted, subsection (2) of this section shall apply as if those proceedings were pending or imminent. ]

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1) of this section F5 . . . a report of proceedings shall be treated as published contemporaneously—

(a) in the case of a report of which publication is postponed pursuant to an order under subsection (2) of this section, if published as soon as practicable after that order expires;

[F6 (b) in the case of a report of allocation or sending proceedings of which publication is permitted by virtue only of subsection (6) of section 52A of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (“ the 1998 Act ”), if published as soon as practicable after publication is so permitted;

(c) in the case of a report of an application of which publication is permitted by virtue only of sub-paragraph (5) or (7) of paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 to the 1998 Act, if published as soon as practicable after publication is so permitted.]

(4) F7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F4 S. 4(2A) inserted (E.W.,N.I.) (4.7.1996 with effect as mentioned in s. 54(4)(7)(8) of the amending Act) by 1996 c. 25, ss. 54(4)(7)(8), 57(3) (with s. 78(1)); S.I. 1997/1504

F5 Words in s. 4(3) repealed (4.9.1996 so far as consequential on ss. 1, 5, 6, 12, 13, 16 of the repealing Act and 1.4.1999 so far as consequential on ss. 14, 15, 17, Sch. 1 of the repealing Act and 28.2.2000 (E.W.) so far as not already in force and 31.3.2001 (S.) so far as not already in force and 6.1.2010 (N.I.) so far as not already in force) by 1996 c. 31, s. 16 {Sch. 2} (with s. 20(2)); S.I. 1999/817, art. 2(b); S.I. 2000/222, art. 3(b); S.S.I. 2001/98, art. 3(a)(b)(i); S.I. 2009/2858, art. 3(d)

F6 S. 4(3)(b)(c) substituted for s. 4(3)(b) (18.6.2012) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(3)(4), Sch. 3 para. 53; S.I. 2012/1320, art. 3(d)(iv) (with art. 6(2))

F7 S. 4(4) repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 Group 4

Marginal Citations

M1 1996 c. 00.

5 Discussion of public affairs. U.K.

A publication made as or as part of a discussion in good faith of public affairs or other matters of general public interest is not to be treated as a contempt of court under the strict liability rule if the risk of impediment or prejudice to particular legal proceedings is merely incidental to the discussion.

6 Savings. U.K.

Nothing in the foregoing provisions of this Act—

(a) prejudices any defence available at common law to a charge of contempt of court under the strict liability rule;

(b) implies that any publication is punishable as contempt of court under that rule which would not be so punishable apart from those provisions;

(c) restricts liability for contempt of court in respect of conduct intended to impede or prejudice the administration of justice.

7 Consent required for institution of proceedings. E+W+N.I.

Proceedings for a contempt of court under the strict liability rule (other than Scottish proceedings) shall not be instituted except by or with the consent of the Attorney General or on the motion of a court having jurisdiction to deal with it.

Other aspects of law and procedure U.K.

8 Confidentiality of jury’s deliberations[F8 : Scotland and Northern Ireland]. U.K.

[F9 (1) [F10 In Scotland and Northern Ireland,] Subject to subsection (2) below, it is a contempt of court to obtain, disclose or solicit any particulars of statements made, opinions expressed, arguments advanced or votes cast by members of a jury in the course of their deliberations in any legal proceedings.

(2) This section does not apply to any disclosure of any particulars—

(a) in the proceedings in question for the purpose of enabling the jury to arrive at their verdict, or in connection with the delivery of that verdict, or

(b) in evidence in any subsequent proceedings for an offence alleged to have been committed in relation to the jury in the first mentioned proceedings,

or to the publication of any particulars so disclosed.

(3) Proceedings for a contempt of court under this section (other than Scottish proceedings) shall not be instituted except by or with the consent of the Attorney General or on the motion of a court having jurisdiction to deal with it.]

Textual Amendments

F8 Words in s. 8 heading inserted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 74(4), 95(1); S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 59 (with Sch. 2 para. 4(a))

F9 S. 8 repealed (E.W.) (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 74(2), 95(1); S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 59 (with Sch. 2 para. 4(a))

F10 Words in s. 8(1) inserted (S.N.I.) (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 74(3), 95(1); S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 59 (with Sch. 2 para. 4(a))

9 Use of tape recorders. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (4) below, it is a contempt of court—

(a) to use in court, or bring into court for use, any tape recorder or other instrument for recording sound, except with the leave of the court;

(b) to publish a recording of legal proceedings made by means of any such instrument, or any recording derived directly or indirectly from it, by playing it in the hearing of the public or any section of the public, or to dispose of it or any recording so derived, with a view to such publication;

(c) to use any such recording in contravention of any conditions of leave granted under paragraph (a).

[F11 (d) to publish or dispose of any recording in contravention of any conditions of leave granted under subsection (1A).]

[F12 (1A) In the case of a recording of Supreme Court proceedings, subsection (1)(b) does not apply to its publication or disposal with the leave of the Court.]

(2) Leave under paragraph (a) of subsection (1)[F13 , or under subsection (1A),] may be granted or refused at the discretion of the court, and [F14 if granted—

(a) may, in the case of leave under subsection (1)(a),]

be granted subject to such conditions as the court thinks proper with respect to the use of any recording made pursuant to the leave and;

[F15 (b) may, in the case of leave under subsection (1A), be granted subject to such conditions as the Supreme Court thinks proper with respect to publication or disposal of any recording to which the leave relates; and]

where leave has been granted the court may at the like discretion withdraw or amend it either generally or in relation to any particular part of the proceedings.

(3) Without prejudice to any other power to deal with an act of contempt under paragraph (a) of subsection (1), the court may order the instrument, or any recording made with it, or both, to be forfeited; and any object so forfeited shall (unless the court otherwise determines on application by a person appearing to be the owner) be sold or otherwise disposed of in such manner as the court may direct.

(4) This section does not apply to the making or use of sound recordings for purposes of official transcripts of proceedings.

[F16 (4A) This section does not apply to anything done in accordance with a direction under section 85A of the Courts Act 2003 (remote observation and recording of court and tribunal proceedings).]

[F17 (5) See section 32 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 for power to provide for further exceptions.]

Textual Amendments

F11 S. 9(1)(d) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 31(4), 61(6)

F12 S. 9(1A) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 31(2), 61(6)

F13 Words in s. 9(2) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 31(3)(a), 61(6)

F14 Words in s. 9(2) substituted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 31(3)(b), 61(6)

F15 S. 9(2)(b) and word inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 31(3)(c), 61(6)

F16 S. 9(4A) inserted (28.4.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 198(4), 208(4)(aa)

F17 S. 9(5) inserted (E.W.) (15.7.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 32(8), 61(3); S.I. 2013/1725, art. 2(f)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 9: power to exclude conferred (E.W.) (15.7.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 32(1)(2)(b), 61(3) (with s. 32(6)); S.I. 2013/1725, art. 2(f)

C2 S. 9 excluded (E.W.) (30.10.2013) by The Court of Appeal (Recording and Broadcasting) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/2786), arts. 1, 4

C3 S. 9 excluded (E.W.) (27.5.2016) by The Crown Court (Recording) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/612), arts. 1, 4 (with art. 3)

C4 S. 9 excluded (E.W.) (20.6.2020) by The Crown Court (Recording and Broadcasting) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/637), arts. 1, 4 (with art. 3)

C5 S. 9 excluded (temp.) (E.W.) (24.7.2020) by The Competition Appeal Tribunal (Coronavirus) (Recording and Broadcasting) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/801), arts. 1, 4-8 (with art. 9)

C6 S. 9 excluded (E.W.) (11.2.2022) by The Competition Appeal Tribunal (Recording and Broadcasting) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/156), arts. 1, 4-9

10 Sources of information. U.K.

No court may require a person to disclose, nor is any person guilty of contempt of court for refusing to disclose, the source of information contained in a publication for which he is responsible, unless it be established to the satisfaction of the court that disclosure is necessary in the interests of justice or national security or for the prevention of disorder or crime.

11 Publication of matters exempted from disclosure in court. U.K.

In any case where a court (having power to do so) allows a name or other matter to be withheld from the public in proceedings before the court, the court may give such directions prohibiting the publication of that name or matter in connection with the proceedings as appear to the court to be necessary for the purpose for which it was so withheld.

12 Offences of contempt of magistrates’ courts. E+W+N.I.

(1) A magistrates’ court has jurisdiction under this section to deal with any person who—

(a) wilfully insults the justice or justices, any witness before or officer of the court or any solicitor or counsel having business in the court, during his or their sitting or attendance in court or in going to or returning from the court; or

(b) wilfully interrupts the proceedings of the court or otherwise misbehaves in court.

(2) In any such case the court may order any officer of the court, or any constable, to take the offender into custody and detain him until the rising of the court; and the court may, if it thinks fit, commit the offender to custody for a specified period not exceeding one month or impose on him a fine not exceeding [F18 £2,500], or both.

[F19 (2A) A fine imposed under subsection (2) above shall be deemed, for the purposes of any enactment, to be a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction.]

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F20

(4) A magistrates’ court may at any time revoke an order of committal made under subsection (2) and, if the offender is in custody, order his discharge.

(5) [F21 [F22 Section 123 of the Sentencing Code] (limit on fines in respect of young persons) and] the following provisions of the M2 Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 apply in relation to an order under this section as they apply in relation to a sentence on conviction or finding of guilty of an offence [F23 ; and those provisions of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 are] sections 75 to 91 (enforcement); section 108 (appeal to Crown Court); section 136 (overnight detention in default of payment); and section 142(1) (power to rectify mistakes).

Extent Information

E1 In its application to Northern Ireland, s. 12 has effect as set out in Sch. 4, see s. 18

Textual Amendments

F18 Words in s. 12(2) substituted (E.W.) (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 17(3), 102(2), Sch. 4 Pt. I (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2.

F19 S. 12(2A) inserted (E.W.) (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 17(3), Sch. 4 Pt. V (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 and substituted (E.W.)(20.9.1993) by 1993 c. 36, s. 65(3), Sch. 3 para. 6(4); S.I. 1993/1968, art. 2(2), Sch. 2.

F20 S. 12(3) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 78, Sch. 16

F21 Words in s. 12(5) inserted (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165(1), 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 83(a)

F22 Words in s. 12(5) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 65 (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F23 Words in s. 12(5) substituted (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165(1), 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 83(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 12(2): power to amend conferred (E.W.) by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), s. 143(2)(f), Sch. 6A as inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 5 and substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 17(3), Sch. 4 Pt. IV (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2.

C8 S. 12(2) amended (E.W.) (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 100, Sch. 11 para. 29(1)(2); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2.

Marginal Citations

M2 1980 c. 43.

F24 13 Legal Aid U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Extent Information

E2 In its application to Northern Ireland, s. 13 has effect as set out in Sch. 4, see s. 18.

Textual Amendments

F24 S. 13 repealed by Legal Aid Act 1988 (c. 34, SIF 77:1), s. 45, Sch. 6 (and repealed (N.I.) (prosp.) by Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/435), arts. 1(2), 49, Sch. 5 (with art. 45)) (see also Sch. 4 to this Act)

Penalties for contempt and kindred offences U.K.

14 Proceedings in England and Wales. E+W+N.I.

(1) In any case where a court has power to commit a person to prison for contempt of court and (apart from this provision) no limitation applies to the period of committal, the committal shall (without prejudice to the power of the court to order his earlier discharge) be for a fixed term, and that term shall not on any occasion exceed two years in the case of committal by a superior court, or one month in the case of committal by an inferior court.

(2) In any case where an inferior court has power to fine a person for contempt of court and (apart from this provision) no limit applies to the amount of the fine, the fine shall not on any occasion exceed [F25 £2,500].

[F26 (2A) A fine imposed under subsection (2) above shall be deemed, for the purposes of any enactment, to be a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction.]

[F27 (2A) In the exercise of jurisdiction to commit for contempt of court or any kindred offence the court shall not deal with the offender by making an order under [F28 section 60 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000] (an attendance centre order) if it appears to the court, after considering any available evidence, that he is under 17 years of age.]

(3) F29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) Each of the superior courts shall have the like power to make a hospital order or guardianship order under [F30 section 37 of the M3 Mental Health Act 1983] [F31 or an interim hospital order under] [F30 section 38 of that Act] in the case of a person suffering from [F32 mental disorder within the meaning of that Act] who could otherwise be committed to prison for contempt of court as the Crown Court has under that section in the case of a person convicted of an offence.

[F33 (4A) Each of the superior courts shall have the like power to make an order under [F34 section 35 of the said Act of 1983] (remand for report on accused’s mental condition) where there is reason to suspect that a person who could be committed to prison for contempt of court is suffering from [F32 mental disorder within the meaning of that Act] as the Crown Court has under that section in the case of an accused person within the meaning of that section.]

[F35 (4A) For the purpose of the preceding provisions of this section [F36 the county court] shall be treated as a superior court and not as an inferior court.]

[F37 (4B) The preceding provisions of this section do not apply to the family court, but—

(a) this is without prejudice to the operation of section 31E(1)(a) of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (family court has High Court's powers) in relation to the powers of the High Court that are limited or conferred by those provisions of this section, and

(b) section 31E(1)(b) of that Act (family court has county court's powers) does not apply in relation to the powers of the county court that are limited or conferred by those provisions of this section.]

X1 (5) The enactments specified in Part III of Schedule 2 shall have effect subject to the amendments set out in that Part, being amendments relating to the penalties and procedure in respect of certain offences of contempt in coroner’s courts, county courts and magistrates’ courts.

Extent Information

E3 In its application to Northern Ireland, s. 14 has effect as set out in Sch. 4, see s. 18.

Editorial Information

X1 The text of ss. 3(4), 4(4), 14(5), 16(6), Sch. 2 Pt.II and Pt. III paras. 1, 6 and 7 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991

Textual Amendments

F25 Words in s. 14(2) substituted (E.W.) (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 17(3), Sch. 4 Pt. I; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2.

F26 S. 14(2A) commencing "Section 18 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991..." inserted (E.W.) (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 17(3), Sch. 4 Pt. V para. 3 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 and substituted (20.9.1993) by 1993 c. 36, s. 65(3), Sch. 3 para. 6(5); S.I. 1993/1968, art. 2(2), Sch. 2..

F27 S. 14(2A) commencing "In the exercise of jurisdiction..." inserted (24.5.1983) by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 14 para. 60

F28 Words in s. 14(2A) (inserted by the Criminal Justice Act 1982) inserted (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165, 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 84

F29 S. 14(3) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

F30 Words substituted by Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20, SIF 85), Sch. 4 para. 57(a)

F31 Words inserted by Mental Health (Amendment) Act 1982 (c. 51, SIF 85), Sch. 3 para. 59(a)

F32 Words in s. 14(4) and the first subsection (4A) substituted (3.11.2008) by Mental Health Act 2007 (c. 12), s. 56(1), Sch. 1 para. 19; S.I. 2008/1900, art. 2(a) (with art. 3, Sch.)

F33 S. 14(4A): first (4A) inserted (30.9.1983) by Mental Health (Amendment) Act 1982 (c. 51, SIF 85), Sch. 3 para. 60

F34 Words substituted (30.9.1983) by Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20, SIF 85), Sch. 4 para. 57(b)

F35 S. 14(4A): second (4A) inserted by County Courts (Penalties for Contempt) Act 1983 (c. 45, SIF 39:3) (Royal Assent 13.5.1983), ss. 1, 2

F36 Words in s. 14 substituted (E.W.S.) (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 9 para. 52; S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(c) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F37 S. 14(4B) inserted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 53; S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 S. 14(2): power to amend conferred (E.W.) by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), s. 143(2)(f), Sch. 6A as inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 48, Sch. 5 and substituted (E.W.) (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 17(3), Sch. 4 Pt. IV (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2.

Marginal Citations

M3 1983 c. 20.

15 Penalties for contempt of court in Scottish proceedings. E+W+S

(1) In Scottish proceedings, when a person is committed to prison for contempt of court the committal shall (without prejudice to the power of the court to order his earlier discharge) be for a fixed term.

(2) The maximum penalty which may be imposed by way of imprisonment or fine for contempt of court in Scottish proceedings shall be two years’ imprisonment or a fine or both, except that—

(a) where the contempt is dealt with by the sheriff in the course of or in connection with proceedings other than criminal proceedings on indictment, such penalty shall not exceed three months’ imprisonment or a fine of [F38 level 4 on the standard scale] or both; and

(b) where the contempt is dealt with by the district court, such penalty shall not exceed sixty days’ imprisonment or a fine of [F38 level 4 on the standard scale] or both.

[F39 (3) The following provisions of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 shall apply in relation to persons found guilty of contempt of court in Scottish proceedings as they apply in relation to persons convicted of offences—

(a) in every case, section 207 (restrictions on detention of young offenders);

(b) in any case to which paragraph (b) of subsection (2) above does not apply, sections 58, 59 and 61 (persons suffering from mental disorder);

and in any case to which the said paragraph (b) does apply, subsection (5) below shall have effect.]

(5) Where a person is found guilty by a district court of contempt of court and it appears to the court that he may be suffering from mental disorder, it shall remit him to the sheriff in the manner provided by [F40 section 7(9) and (10) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995] and the sheriff shall, on such remit being made, have the like power to make an order under [F40 section 58(1)] of the said Act in respect of him as if he had been convicted by the sheriff of an offence, or in dealing with him may exercise the like powers as the court making the remit.

[F41 (6) For the purposes of section [F42 22 of the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989] (release on licence of prisoners serving determinate sentences) a penalty of a period of imprisonment imposed for contempt of court shall be treated as a sentence of imprisonment with the meaning of that Act.]

Textual Amendments

F38 Words in s. 15(2) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 40, ss. 5, 7(2), Sch. 4 paras. 36(2), 99

F39 s. 15(3) substituted (1.4.1996) for s. 15(3)(4) by 1995 c. 40, ss. 5, 7(2), Sch. 4 para. 36(3)

F40 Words in s. 15(5) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 40, ss. 5, 7(2), Sch. 4 para. 36(4)

F41 S. 15(6) inserted by Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1987 (c. 41, SIF 39:1), ss. 47(4)(a), 70(1), Sch. 1 para. 19(1)(2) and repealed (S.) (1.10.1993) by 1993 c. 9, s. 47(3), Sch. 7 Pt. I (with Sch. 6 paras. 1, 2); S.I. 1993/2050, art. 3(4).

F42 Words substituted by Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989 (c. 45, SIF 39:1), s. 45(1), Sch. 2 para. 18

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 S. 15 excluded (25.4.2000) by 1999 c. 17 ss. 3(5), 4(6), 5(12), Sch. 3 Pt. IV para. 23(3) (with s. 15); S.I. 2000/880, art. 2, Sch. 2

16 Enforcement of fines imposed by certain superior courts. E+W+N.I.

(1) Payment of a fine for contempt of court imposed by a superior court, other than the Crown Court or one of the courts specified in subsection (4) below, may be enforced upon the order of the court—

(a) in like manner as a judgment of the High Court for the payment of money; or

(b) in like manner as a fine imposed by the Crown Court.

(2) Where payment of a fine imposed by any court falls to be enforced as mentioned in paragraph (a) of subsection (1)—

(a) the court shall, if the fine is not paid in full forthwith or within such time as the court may allow, certify to Her Majesty’s Remembrancer the sum payable;

(b) Her Majesty’s Remembrancer shall thereupon proceed to enforce payment of that sum as if it were due to him as a judgment debt; . . . F43

(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F44

(3) Where payment of a fine imposed by any court falls to be enforced as mentioned in paragraph (b) of subsection (1), the provisions of [F45 sections 130 to 132 of the Sentencing Code] shall apply as they apply to a fine imposed by the Crown Court.

(4) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to fines imposed by the criminal division of the Court of Appeal or by the [F46 Supreme Court] on appeal from that division.

(5) The Fines Act 1833 shall not apply to a fine to which subsection (1) of this section applies.

F47 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Extent Information

E4 In its application to Northern Ireland, s. 16 has effect as set out in Sch. 4, see s. 18.

Textual Amendments

F43 Word repealed (1.1.1982) by Supreme Court Act 1981 (c. 54), Sch. 7

F44 S. 16(2)(c) repealed (1.1.1982) by Supreme Court Act 1981 (c. 54), Sch. 7

F45 Words in s. 16(3) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 66 (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F46 Words in s. 16(4) substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 148(1), Sch. 9 para. 35(2); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

F47 S. 16(6) repealed (E.W.S) (22.8.1996) by 1996 c. 17, ss. 45, 46, Sch. 3 Pt. I (with s. 38)

17 Disobedience to certain orders of magistrates’ courts. E+W

(1) The powers of a magistrates’ court under subsection (3) of section 63 of the M4 Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (punishment by fine or committal for disobeying an order to do anything other than the payment of money or to abstain from doing anything) may be exercised either of the court’s own motion or by order on complaint.

(2) In relation to the exercise of those powers the provisions of the Magistrates’ Court Act 1980 shall apply subject to the modifications set out in Schedule 3 to this Act.

Marginal Citations

M4 1980 c. 43.

Supplemental U.K.

18 Northern Ireland. E+W+N.I.

(1) In the application of this Act to Northern Ireland references to the Attorney General shall be construed as references to the Attorney General for Northern Ireland.

(2) In their application to Northern Ireland, sections 12, 13, 14 and 16 of this Act shall have effect as set out in Schedule 4.

19 Interpretation. U.K.

In this Act—

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F48

• “court” includes any tribunal or body exercising the judicial power of the State, and “legal proceedings” shall be construed accordingly;

• “publication” has the meaning assigned by subsection (1) of section 2, and “publish” (except in section 9) shall be construed accordingly;

• “Scottish proceedings” means proceedings before any court, including the [F49 Court Martial Appeal Court], F50 ... and the Employment Appeal Tribunal, sitting in Scotland, and includes proceedings before the [F51 Supreme Court] in the exercise of any appellate jurisdiction over proceedings in such a court;

• “the strict liability rule” has the meaning assigned by section 1;

• “superior court” means [F52 the Supreme Court] the Court of Appeal, the High Court, the Crown Court, the [F49 Court Martial Appeal Court], F50 ... the Employment Appeal Tribunal and any other court exercising in relation to its proceedings powers equivalent to those of the High Court F53 . . . .

Textual Amendments

F48 Definition inserted by Cable and Broadcasting Act 1984 (c. 46, SIF 96), s. 57(1), Sch. 5 para. 39(2) and repealed by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 203(1)(3), Sch. 20 para. 31(2), Sch. 21

F49 Words in S. 19 substituted (28.3.2009 for specified purposes otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), s. 383(2), Sch. 16 para. 91; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3(a)(b) (with S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

F50 Words in s. 19 repealed (10.3.2013) by The Competition Act 1998 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/294), arts. 1, 2, Sch.

F51 Words in s. 19 substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 148(1), Sch. 9 para. 35(3); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

F52 Words in s. 19 inserted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 148(1), Sch. 9 para. 35(3); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

F53 Words in s. 19 repealed (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 148(1), Sch. 9 para. 35(3), Sch. 18 Pt. 5; S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)(f)

20 Tribunals of Inquiry. U.K.

(1) In relation to any tribunal to which the M5 Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921 applies, and the proceedings of such a tribunal, the provisions of this Act (except subsection (3) of section 9) apply as they apply in relation to courts and legal proceedings; and references to the course of justice or the administration of justice in legal proceedings shall be construed accordingly.

(2) The proceedings of a tribunal established under the said Act shall be treated as active within the meaning of section 2 from the time when the tribunal is appointed until its report is presented to Parliament.

Marginal Citations

M5 1921 c. 7.

21 Short title, commencement and extent. U.K.

(1) This Act may be cited as the Contempt of Court Act 1981.

(2) The provisions of this Act relating to legal aid in England and Wales shall come into force on such day as the Lord Chancellor may appoint by order made by statutory instrument; and the provisions of this Act relating to legal aid in Scotland and Northern Ireland shall come into force on such day or days as the Secretary of State may so appoint.

Different days may be appointed under this subsection in relation to different courts.

(3) Subject to subsection (2), this Act shall come into force at the expiration of the period of one month beginning with the day on which it is passed.

(4) Sections 7, 8(3), 12, 13(1) to (3), 14, 16, 17 and 18, Parts I and III of Schedule 2 and Schedules 3 and 4 of this Act do not extend to Scotland.

(5) This Act, except sections 15 and 17 and Schedules 2 and 3, extends to Northern Ireland.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 Power of appointment conferred by s. 21(2) not exercised