Session 4 Flashcards
Can journalists report on matters that are aired before a jury?
Yes, as long as it is fair and accurate.
Can journalists report on matters that are aired before a magistrate?
Yes, as long as it is fair accurate.
When can journalists not report on matters aired before a jury?
When otherwise directed by a judge.
When can journalists not report on matters aired before a magistrate?
When otherwise directed by a magistrate.
Who is open court open to?
The public at large.
Who can sit in and watch open court?
Any person can sit in and watch proceedings.
What is the general rule on when information is safe to report?
If it has been discussed in open court.
What is anyone who provides oral or written evidence in court covered by?
Absolute privilege.
What does absolute privilege provide protection from?
Defamation suits.
Can one be sued for defamation based on a testimony?
No.
Is reporting on evidence safe?
Yes, if it is fair and accurate reporting.
What is contempt (in everyday sense)?
It is a disregard for something that should not be considered.
What are three synonyms for contempt?
The synonyms for contempt include disrespect, disdain or scorn.
What is contempt (in a legal sense)?
It is an act or words that interfere with the administration of justice or has a real tendency to interfere with the administration of justice.
What are the two principles underpinning contempt?
To maintain the dignity of the courts and to keep the legal system from external interference.
Are journalists and commentators particularly liable for contempt of court?
Yes.
In Queensland, contempt is covered under three pieces of legislation. What are they?
Magistrates Court Act 1921, District Court of Queensland Act 1967 and the Supreme Court of Queensland Act 1991.
What are the two types of contempt?
Civil based contempt and criminal based contempt.
Is civil based contempt or criminal based contempt the most relevant?
Criminal based contempt.
What is civil contempt concerned with?
Failures to comply with judgements or orders of a civil court
What is criminal contempt?
Criminal contempt is the act or omissions that have a tendency to interfere with or undermine authority, performance or dignity of the courts of justice or those who participate in their proceedings or interference with the course of justice.
Why is criminal contempt more serious?
A jury is more likely to be involved.
Is a jury or a judge more susceptible to undue influence?
A jury.
What is the overlap between criminal contempt and civil contempt?
It is defiance of civil court’s order renders criminal what would otherwise be civil contempt.
What do penalties for both criminal contempt and civil contempt include?
Imprisonment.
What is the first reason that contempt law is controversial?
The same person be judge/victim/assigner of penalties, no presumption of innocence, the penalty can be open ended and changes in technology increases avenues for committing and detecting contempt.
Can the penalties for contempt be open ended?
Yes.
What are the five types of contempt of court?
Contempt in the face of the court, scandalising the court, revealing deliberations of juries, disobedience contempt and sub judice contempt.
What does contempt in the face of the court?
Contempt in the face of the court involves improper/disruptive/rude/disrespectful behaviour in court.
Can contempt in the face of the court involve behaviour directly outside the courthouse?
Yes.
What kind of behaviour is contempt in the face of the court?
Overt misbehaviour in the court.
What are three examples of contempt in the face of the court?
Noise in the courtroom, answering the phone and showing disrespect to the presiding judge/magistrate.
What is one real life example of contempt in the face of the court?
Dead man signing a threat towards the magistrate.
What does scandalising the court refer to?
Conduct which denigrates judges or the court so as to undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.
What are the three types of publication contempt?
Scandalising the court, revealing deliberations of juries and sub judice contempt.
When avoiding scandalising the court, what should you consider?
It is fine to be critical but this should be specific and backed with hard evidence.
When is scandalising the court provided?
When a matter is no longer before the courts a matter is no longer before the courts writers are free to be critical of judgements, even say that they were wrong and to discuss their implications.
Is scandalising the court one of the three times of publication contempt?
Yes.
What piece of legislation prohibits the publication to the public of confidential information about jury deliberations and makes it an offence to solicit confidential information about jury deliberations from jurors or former jurors and prohibits a juror or former juror from disclosing confidential information about jury deliberations, where they believes any of the information is likely to be, or will be, published to the public.?
Jury Act (1995).
What is the penalty for publishing jury deliberations?
Two years in prison.