NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

What type of offence is contempt of court?

1. Summary offence

2. Indictable offence

3. Strict liability offence

4. Common law offence

The correct answer is: Strict liability offence

Contempt of court is classified as a common law offence. This means that it is not defined by statute but rather by judicial decisions and established legal principles. Contempt of court encompasses actions that disrespect, interfere with, or undermine the functioning of the judicial system, such as disobeying court orders or disrupting court proceedings. The rationale for this classification stems from the historical context of contempt, which developed through court rulings that aimed to uphold the integrity of the judicial process. As a common law offence, it can be dealt with by the courts under their inherent powers to maintain order and reverence towards legal proceedings, rather than through specific legislated guidelines. Understanding contempt of court as a common law offence helps clarify the court's authority in protecting its proceedings and ensuring justice is served without obstruction.