There’s an article I shouldn’t tell you about – is contempt law in a losing battle with reality?
Archie Bland
The concept behind the Contempt of Court Act is laudable, but in the age of social media it is clear an update is needed, says Archie Bland, editor of the Guardian’s First Edition newsletter
March 2024
Court ruling erodes climate activists’ ability to defend themselves – as the planet heats up
Court of appeal’s removal of ‘consent’ defence means defendants on trial for criminal damage can no longer use it in England and Wales
February 2023
Insulate Britain activist jailed for eight weeks for contempt of court
Insulate Britain protester faces prison over contempt of court conviction
September 2022
Irish teacher jailed for breaching court order to stay away from school
Enoch Burke, who had also refused to refer to pupil as ‘they’, spent 11 days in prison
August 2021
Salmond blogger Craig Murray hands himself in to police to begin jail term
Ex-diplomat found in contempt of court over ‘jigsaw identification’ of women who accused former first minister of sexual assault
June 2021
George Pell: news organisations fined more than $1m over reporting of sexual abuse verdict
Victoria’s supreme court fines the Age $450,000 and News Corp more than $400,000 for contempt of court over coverage of cardinal’s initial conviction
March 2021
Federal judge admits 'error' as man sues him for being jailed over routine property dispute
Judge Salvatore Vasta is being sued for false imprisonment but claims he’s protected by judicial immunity
March 2020
Alex Salmond's trial: what will happen and how it will be reported
Scotland’s former first minister is facing a series of sexual assault charges in Edinburgh
October 2019
Scottish judges delay ruling in Boris Johnson contempt of court case
Most senior judge says court needs to ensure PM does not try to block Brexit extension
September 2019
Amazon refuses to stop selling Tommy Robinson merchandise
Online retailer continues to sell merchandise including T-shirts with #freeTommy logo
July 2019
Tommy Robinson given nine-month jail sentence for contempt of court
Far-right activist will serve 10 weeks after being found guilty of breaching reporting ban
July 2018
Tommy Robinson to remain in jail as judges consider appeal
Court of appeal reserves decision over EDL founder’s claim sentence is excessive
June 2018
Here’s another Jeremy Thorpe scandal – its chilling legacy in law
Geoffrey Robertson
The legal fallout of the 1970s scandal cast a veil of secrecy over the British jury system, says human rights barrister Geoffrey Robertson
May 2018
The Tommy Robinson case shows ‘alt-right’ tactics are here in the UK
Adam Wagner
EDL founder Tommy Robinson jailed for contempt of court
February 2018
Police assess contempt claims over Tommy Robinson videos
Interviews meant for broadcast after Darren Osborne trial ended were broadcast live on Facebook
December 2017
Inquiry into social media messages that may identify Jon Venables
Fresh investigation launched into potential breach of injunction preventing killer of James Bulger being identified
December 2016
Yahoo7 reporter faces hefty penalty for contempt of court in murder trial
Judge finds Krystal Johnson and her employer guilty of publishing details about a defendant that led to jury being discharged
March 2016
TV cameras to be allowed in English and Welsh crown courts
Justice minister Shailesh Vara announces pilot scheme to record sentencing remarks by senior judges – but no other court users will be filmed
