NCTJ - Media Law: Contempt of Court question n answer

NCTJ - Media Law: Contempt of CourtContempt of court definition - correct answer = makes it an offence to publish material which creates a substantial risk of serious prejudice or impediment to legal proceedings which are imminent or pending if it can be proved that there was intent to create such a risk. what is contempt of court? - correct answer when someone interferes with the course of justice by: publishing/broadcasting info which could prejudice a case bringing new info whilst a case is still active breaking the terms of an interdict/injunction contacting members of the jury influencing witnesses and jury filming in court room/building breaking court orders e.g. not protecting identity of minors interviewing a jury member strict liability - correct answer means prosecution does not have to prove editor media organisation intended to create risk. court judges the actual/potential prejudicial effect of what was published. what does active mean? - correct answer the Contempt of Court Act 1981 states that a criminal case is active when: a person is arrested an arrest warrant is issued a person is charged or a doc is served. when do proceedings cease to be active? - correct answer arrested person is released without being charged. no arrest is made within 12 months of the issue.