Source: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/49?view=plain
Timestamp: 2018-08-14 23:57:28
Document Index: 765868645

Matched Legal Cases: ['art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 3', 'art. 3', 'art. 3', 'art. 6', 'art. 3', 'art. 3', 'art. 3', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 45', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 4', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 3', 'art. 4', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 3', 'art. 4', 'art. 136', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 45', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 2', 'art. 29', 'art. 2', 'art. 65', 'art. 2', 'art. 58', 'art. 2', 'art. 136', 'art. 136', 'art. 17']

C1By Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 101(1), Sch. 12 para. 23; S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 it is provided (14.10.1991) that in relation to any time before the commencement of s. 70 of that 1991 Act (which came into force on 1.10.1992 by S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2) references in any enactment amended by that 1991 Act, to youth courts shall be construed as references to juvenile courts.
I1Act not in force at Royal Assent. Act partly in force at 27.8.1981 see s.21(2)(3).
Strict liabilityE+W+S+N.I.
1 The strict liability rule.E+W+S+N.I.
2 Limitation of scope of strict liability.E+W+S+N.I.
F1Words 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)
F2S. 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.E+W+S+N.I.
(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.
F3S. 3(4) repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 Group 4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.E+W+S+N.I.
(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.
[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. ]
[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.]
F4S. 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
F5Words 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)
F6S. 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))
F7S. 4(4) repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 Group 4
M11996 c. 00.
5 Discussion of public affairs.E+W+S+N.I.
6 Savings.E+W+S+N.I.
7 Consent required for institution of proceedings.E+W+N.I.
Other aspects of law and procedureE+W+S+N.I.
8 Confidentiality of jury’s deliberations[F8: Scotland and Northern Ireland].E+W+S+N.I.
[F9(1)[F10In 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.
(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.]
F8Words 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))
F9S. 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))
F10Words 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.E+W+S+N.I.
(1)Subject to subsection (4) below, it is a contempt of court—
[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 [F14if granted—
(a)may, in the case of leave under subsection (1)(a),]
[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]
[F16(5)See section 32 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 for power to provide for further exceptions.]
F11S. 9(1)(d) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 31(4), 61(6)
F12S. 9(1A) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 31(2), 61(6)
F13Words in s. 9(2) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 31(3)(a), 61(6)
F14Words in s. 9(2) substituted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 31(3)(b), 61(6)
F15S. 9(2)(b) and word inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 31(3)(c), 61(6)
F16S. 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)
C2S. 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)
C3S. 9 excluded (E.W.) (30.10.2013) by The Court of Appeal (Recording and Broadcasting) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/2786), arts. 1, 4
C4S. 9 excluded (E.W.) (27.5.2016) by The Crown Court (Recording) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/612), arts. 1, 4 (with art. 3)
11 Publication of matters exempted from disclosure in court.E+W+S+N.I.
12 Offences of contempt of magistrates’ courts.E+W+N.I.
(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 [F17£2,500], or both.
[F18(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.]
(5)[F20Section 135 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 (limit on fines in respect of young persons) and] The following provisions of the M2Magistrates’ 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 [F21; 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).
E1In its application to Northern Ireland, s. 12 has effect as set out in Sch. 4, see s. 18
F17Words 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.
F18S. 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.
F19S. 12(3) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 78, Sch. 16
F20Words in s. 12(5) inserted (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165(1), 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 83(a)
F21Words in s. 12(5) substituted (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165(1), 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 83(b)
C5S. 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.
C6S. 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.
F2213Legal AidE+W+S+N.I.
E2In its application to Northern Ireland, s. 13 has effect as set out in Sch. 4, see s. 18.
F22S. 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 offencesE+W+S+N.I.
(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 [F23£2,500].
[F24(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.]
[F25(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 [F26section 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.]
(4)Each of the superior courts shall have the like power to make a hospital order or guardianship order under [F28section 37 of the M3Mental Health Act 1983] [F29or an interim hospital order under] [F28section 38 of that Act] in the case of a person suffering from [F30mental 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.
[F31(4A)Each of the superior courts shall have the like power to make an order under [F32section 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 [F30mental 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.]
[F33(4A)For the purpose of the preceding provisions of this section [F34the county court] shall be treated as a superior court and not as an inferior court.]
[F35(4B)The preceding provisions of this section do not apply to the family court, but—
E3In its application to Northern Ireland, s. 14 has effect as set out in Sch. 4, see s. 18.
F23Words 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.
F24S. 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..
F25S. 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
F26Words 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
F27S. 14(3) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16
F28Words substituted by Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20, SIF 85), Sch. 4 para. 57(a)
F29Words inserted by Mental Health (Amendment) Act 1982 (c. 51, SIF 85), Sch. 3 para. 59(a)
F30Words 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.)
F31S. 14(4A): first (4A) inserted (30.9.1983) by Mental Health (Amendment) Act 1982 (c. 51, SIF 85), Sch. 3 para. 60
F32Words substituted (30.9.1983) by Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20, SIF 85), Sch. 4 para. 57(b)
F33S. 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
F34Words 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)
F35S. 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)
C7S. 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.
(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 [F36level 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 [F36level 4 on the standard scale] or both.
[F37(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—
(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 [F38section 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 [F38section 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.
[F39(6)For the purposes of section [F4022 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.]
F36Words in s. 15(2) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 40, ss. 5, 7(2), Sch. 4 paras. 36(2), 99
F37s. 15(3) substituted (1.4.1996) for s. 15(3)(4) by 1995 c. 40, ss. 5, 7(2), Sch. 4 para. 36(3)
F38Words in s. 15(5) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 40, ss. 5, 7(2), Sch. 4 para. 36(4)
F39S. 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).
F40Words substituted by Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989 (c. 45, SIF 39:1), s. 45(1), Sch. 2 para. 18
C8S. 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
(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; . . . F41
(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F42
(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 [F43sections 139 and 140 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000] 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 [F44Supreme Court] on appeal from that division.
E4In its application to Northern Ireland, s. 16 has effect as set out in Sch. 4, see s. 18.
F41Word repealed (1.1.1982) by Supreme Court Act 1981 (c. 54), Sch. 7
F42S. 16(2)(c) repealed (1.1.1982) by Supreme Court Act 1981 (c. 54), Sch. 7
F43Words in s. 16(3) substituted (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165, 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 85
F44Words 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)
F45S. 16(6) repealed (E.W.S) (22.8.1996) by 1996 c. 17, ss. 45, 46, Sch. 3 Pt. I (with s. 38)
(1)The powers of a magistrates’ court under subsection (3) of section 63 of the M4Magistrates’ 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.
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.
“Scottish proceedings” means proceedings before any court, including the [F47Court Martial Appeal Court], F48... and the Employment Appeal Tribunal, sitting in Scotland, and includes proceedings before the [F49Supreme Court] in the exercise of any appellate jurisdiction over proceedings in such a court;
“superior court” means [F50the Supreme Court] the Court of Appeal, the High Court, the Crown Court, the [F47Court Martial Appeal Court], F48... the Employment Appeal Tribunal and any other court exercising in relation to its proceedings powers equivalent to those of the High Court F51. . . .
F46Definition 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
F47Words 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
F48Words in s. 19 repealed (10.3.2013) by The Competition Act 1998 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/294), arts. 1, 2, Sch.
F49Words 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)
F50Words 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)
F51Words 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.E+W+S+N.I.
(1)In relation to any tribunal to which the M5Tribunals 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.
21 Short title, commencement and extent.E+W+S+N.I.
(1)This Act may be cited as the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
C9Power of appointment conferred by s. 21(2) not exercised
1In this Schedule “criminal proceedings” means proceedings against a person in respect of an offence, not being appellate proceedings or proceedings commenced by motion for committal or attachment in England and Wales or Northern Ireland; and “appellate proceedings” means proceedings on appeal from or for the review of the decision of a court in any proceedings.E+W+S+N.I.
[F521ZAProceedings under the Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 16) are criminal proceedings for the purposes of this Schedule.]S
F52Sch. 1 para. 1ZA inserted (S.) (28.11.2011) by Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 16), s. 17(3), Sch. para. 2; S.S.I. 2011/365, art. 3
[F531AIn paragraph 1 the reference to an offence includes a service offence within the meaning of the Armed Forces Act 2006.]E+W+S+N.I.
F53Sch. 1 para. 1A inserted (28.3.2009 for specified purposes otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), s. 383(2), Sch. 16 para. 92; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3(a)(b) (with S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4
C10Sch. 1 para. 1A modified (24.4.2009 for specified purposes otherwise 31.10.2009) by The Armed Forces Act 2006 (Transitional Provisions etc) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1059), arts. 1(3), 205, Sch. 1 para. 20
2Criminal, appellate and other proceedings are active within the meaning of section 2 at the times respectively prescribed by the following paragraphs of this Schedule; and in relation to proceedings in which more than one of the steps described in any of those paragraphs is taken, the reference in that paragraph is a reference to the first of those steps.E+W+S+N.I.
3Subject to the following provisions of this Schedule, criminal proceedings are active from the relevant initial step specified in paragraph 4 [F54or 4A] until concluded as described in paragraph 5.E+W+S+N.I.
F54Words in Sch. 1 para. 3 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(4) (with s. 78(1)); S.I. 1997/1019, art. 2; S.I. 1997/1504, art. 2
4The initial steps of criminal proceedings are:—E+W+S+N.I.
[F55(f)the making of an application under section 2(2) (tainted acquittals), 3(3)(b) (admission made or becoming known after acquittal), 4(3)(b) (new evidence), 11(3) (eventual death of injured person) or 12(3) (nullity of previous proceedings) of the Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 16).]
F55Sch. 1 para. 4(f) inserted (S.) (28.11.2011) by Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 16), s. 17(3), Sch. para. 3; S.S.I. 2011/365, art. 3
[F564AWhere as a result of an order under section 54 of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (acquittal tainted by an administration of justice offence) proceedings are brought against a person for an offence of which he has previously been acquitted, the initial step of the proceedings is a certification under subsection (2) of that section; and paragraph 4 has effect subject to this.]E+W+S+N.I.
F56Sch. 1 para. 4A 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(4) (with s. 78(1)); S.I. 1997/1019, art. 2; S.I. 1997/1504, art. 2
5Criminal proceedings are concluded—E+W+S+N.I.
[F57(d)where the initial steps of the proceedings are as mentioned in paragraph 4(f)—
F57Sch. 1 para. 5(d) inserted (S.) (28.11.2011) by Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 16), s. 17(3), Sch. para. 4; S.S.I. 2011/365, art. 3
6The reference in paragraph 5(a) to sentence includes any order or decision consequent on conviction or finding of guilt which disposes of the case, either absolutely or subject to future events, and a deferment of sentence under [F58section 1 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000], section 219 or 432 of the M6Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 or Article 14 of the M7Treatment of Offenders (Northern Ireland) Order 1976.E+W+S+N.I.
F58Words in Sch. 1 para. 6 substituted (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165(1), 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 86
M7S.I. 1976/226 (N.I. 4).
7Proceedings are discontinued within the meaning of paragraph 5(c)—E+W+S+N.I.
[F59(aa)in England and Wales, if they are discontinued by virtue of section 23 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985;]
[F60(ab)in England and Wales, if they are discontinued by virtue of paragraph 11 of Schedule 17 to the Crime and Courts Act 2013 (deferred prosecution agreements);]
(c)in the case of proceedings in F61... Northern Ireland commenced by arrest without warrant, if the person arrested is released, otherwise than on bail, without having been charged;
[F62(ca)in the case of proceedings in England and Wales commenced by arrest without warrant, if the person arrested is notified that the person is not to be prosecuted (whether under section 34(5C), 37(6B), 37B(5), 37CA(6), 41(11), 42(13), 43(21) or 44(10) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 or otherwise);]
[F63(d)where the initial steps of the proceedings are as mentioned in paragraph 4(f) and the application is granted, if no new prosecution is brought within the period of 2 months mentioned in section 6(3) of the Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 16).]
F59Sch. 1 para. 7(aa) inserted (E.W.) by Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 (c. 23, SIF 39:1), s. 31(5), Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 4
F60Sch. 1 para. 7(ab) inserted (24.2.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 17 para. 34 (with Sch. 17 para. 39); S.I. 2014/258, art. 2(b)
F61Words in Sch. 1 para. 7(c) omitted (14.3.2018) by virtue of The Policing and Crime Act 2017 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/226), regs. 1, 4(2)(a) (with reg. 14)
F62Sch. 1 para. 7(ca) inserted (14.3.2018) by The Policing and Crime Act 2017 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/226), regs. 1, 4(2)(b) (with reg. 14)
F63Sch. 1 para. 7(d) inserted (S.) (28.11.2011) by Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 16), s. 17(3), Sch. para. 5; S.S.I. 2011/365, art. 3
8F64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W+S+N.I.
F64Sch. 1 para. 8 repealed (28.3.2009 for specified purposes otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), s. 383(2), Sch. 17; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3(a)(b) (with S.I. 2009/1059) ; S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4
9Criminal proceedings in England and Wales or Northern Ireland cease to be active if an order is made for the charge to lie on the file, but become active again if leave is later given for the proceedings to continue.E+W+S+N.I.
[F659AWhere proceedings in England and Wales have been discontinued by virtue of section 23 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985, but notice is given by the accused under subsection (7) of that section to the effect that he wants the proceedings to continue, they become active again with the giving of that notice.]E+W+S+N.I.
F65Sch. 1 para. 9A inserted (E.W.) by Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 (c. 23, SIF 39:1), s. 31(5), Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 5
10Without prejudice to paragraph 5(b) above, criminal proceedings against a person cease to be active—E+W+S+N.I.
(b)if a hospital order is made in his case under [F66section 51(5) of the Mental Health Act 1983] or [F67Article 57(5) of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986] or, in Scotland, where [F68an assessment order or a treatment order ceases to have effect by virtue of sections 52H or 52R respectively of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995],
F66Words substituted by Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20), Sch. 4 para. 57(c)
F67Words substituted by S.I. 1986/595 (N.I. 4), art. 136(1), Sch. 5 Pt. II
F68Words in Sch. 1 para. 10(b) substituted (S.) (27.9.2005) by The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (Modification of Enactments) Order 2005 (S.S.I. 2005/465), Sch. 1 para. 11(2)
11Criminal proceedings against a person which become active on the issue or the grant of a warrant for his arrest cease to be active at the end of the period of twelve months beginning with the date of the warrant unless he has been arrested within that period, but become active again if he is subsequently arrested.E+W+S+N.I.
12Proceedings other than criminal proceedings and appellate proceedings are active from the time when arrangements for the hearing are made or, if no such arrangements are previously made, from the time the hearing begins, until the proceedings are disposed of or discontinued or withdrawn; and for the purposes of this paragraph any motion or application made in or for the purposes of any proceedings, and any pre-trial review in the county court, is to be treated as a distinct proceeding.E+W+S+N.I.
13In England and Wales or Northern Ireland arrangements for the hearing of proceedings to which paragraph 12 applies are made within the meaning of that paragraph—E+W+S+N.I.
14In Scotland arrangements for the hearing of proceedings to which paragraph 12 applies are made within the meaning of that paragraph—E+W+S+N.I.
15Appellate proceedings are active from the time when they are commenced—E+W+S+N.I.
C11Sch. 1 para. 15 excluded (25.4.2000) by 1999 c. 17, ss. 3(4), 4(6), 5(12), Sch. 3, Pt. IV, para. 23(3); S.I. 2000/880, art. 2, Sch. 2
16Where, in appellate proceedings relating to criminal proceedings, the court—E+W+S+N.I.
SCHEDULE 2E+W+S+N.I. Amendments
Part IE+W+N.I. . . . F69
F69Sch. 2 Pt. I repealed by Legal Aid Act 1988 (c. 34, SIF 77:1), s. 45, Sch. 6
[F70Part II E+W+S+N.I. Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1967 (c. 43)
F70Sch. 2 Pt. II repealed (S.) by Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 (c. 47, SIF 77:2), s. 45(3), Sch. 5
C12The 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
1In section 1, in subsection (2), after “provide,” there shall be inserted the words “and subject to subsection (7A) below,”.E+W+S+N.I.
2In section 1, after subsection (7) there shall be inserted the following subsection:—E+W+S+N.I.
“(7A)In any case where a person is liable to be dealt with for contempt of court during the course of or in connection with any proceedings he may be given legal aid and the provisions made by or under this Act in relation to legal aid in summary criminal proceedings shall apply, with any necessary modifications, in such a case, but—
Part IIIE+W+N.I. Coroners Act 1887, County Courts Act 1959, Attachment of Earnings Act 1971 and Magistrates’ Court Act 1980
Coroners Act 1887 (c. 71)E+W+N.I.
1F71. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W+N.I.
F71Sch 2 Pt. 3 para. 1 repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 Group 4
2—5.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F72E+W+N.I.
F72Sch. 2 Pt. III paras. 2–5 repealed by County Courts Act 1984 (c. 28, SIF 34), s. 148(3), Sch. 4
Attachment of Earnings Act 1971 (c. 32)E+W+N.I.
6In section 23, after subsection (1) there shall be inserted the following subsection:—E+W+N.I.
“(1A)In any case where the judge has power to make an order of imprisonment under subsection (1) for failure to attend, he may, in lieu of or in addition to making that order, order the debtor to be arrested and brought before the court either forthwith or at such time as the judge may direct.”
C13The 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
Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (c. 43)E+W+N.I.
7In section 97, in subsection (4), for the words “7 days” there shall be substituted “one month” and at the end of the subsection there shall be added the words “or impose on him a fine not exceeding £500, or both”.E+W+N.I.
C14The 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
SCHEDULE 3E+W Application of Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 to Civil Contempt Proceedings Under Section 63(3)
C15Sch. 3 applied (5.4.2010) by The Criminal Procedure Rules 2010 (S.I. 2010/60), rule 22.8
1(1)Where the proceedings are taken of the court’s own motion the provisions of the Act listed in this sub-paragraph shall apply as if a complaint had been made against the person against whom the proceedings are taken, and subject to the modifications specified in sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) below. The enactments so applied are:—E+W
section 51 (issue of summons)
(2)In section 55, in subsection (1) for the words “the complainant appears but the defendant does not” there shall be substituted the words “the defendant does not appear”, and in subsection (2) the words “if the complaint has been substantiated on oath, and” shall be omitted.
(3)In section 123, in subsections (1) and (2) the words “adduced on behalf of the prosecutor or complainant” shall be omitted.
2Where the proceedings are taken by way of complaint for an order, section 127 of the Act (limitation of time) shall not apply to the complaint.E+W
3Whether the proceedings are taken of the court’s own motion or by way of complaint for an order, subsection (3) of section 55 shall apply as if the following words were added at the end of the subsection:— [F73“ or, having been arrested under section 47 of the Family Law Act 1996 in connection with the matter of the complaint, is at large after being remanded under subsection (7)(b) or (10) of that section. ”].E+W
F73Words in Sch. 3 para. 3 substituted (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 66(1), Sch. 8 Pt. III para. 50 (with Sch. 9 paras. 9, 10); S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3(1)(b)
SCHEDULE 4E+W+N.I. Sections 12, 13, 14 and 16 as Applied to Northern Ireland
Offences of contempt of magistrates’ courts.E+W+N.I.
12(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F74
(2)Paragraph 26 of Schedule 1 to the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) M8Order 1980 is repealed.
F74Sch. 4 s. 12(1) repealed by S.I. 1981/1675, (N.I. 26), Sch. 7
M8S.I. 1980/704 (N.I. 6).
Legal aid.E+W+N.I.
F75 [ 13 (1)In any case where—
(i)by a magistrates’ court under [F76Article 160 of the Magistrates’ Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981];
(ii) by a county court under Article 55 of the M9 County Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1980; or
[F77(iia)by a magistrates’ court or the Crown Court under section 18 of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996; or.]
by any superior court for contempt in the face of that or any other court; and
(4) Articles 32, 33, 36 and 40 of the M10 Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 shall apply in relation to legal aid under this section as they apply in relation to legal aid under Part III of that Order as if any legal aid under this section were given in pursuance of a certificate under Article 29 of that Order.
(5)This section is without prejudice to any other enactment by virtue of which legal aid may be granted in or for purposes of civil or criminal proceedings.]
F75S. 13 as it applies to N.I. repealed (prosp.) by Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/435), arts. 1(2), 49, Sch. 5 (with art. 45)
F76Words substituted by S.I. 1981/1675, (N.I. 26), Sch. 6 para. 61
F77Sch. 4: s. 13(1)(a)(iia) inserted (N.I.) (4.7.1996 with application in relation to alleged offences into which no criminal investigation has begun before 1.4.1997) by 1996 c. 25, ss. 1(3), 18(11), 79(4), Sch. 4 para. 11 (with s. 78(1)); S.I. 1997/682, art. 2(1)(a)
M9S.I. 1980/397 (N.I. 3).
M10S.I. 1981/228 (N.I. 8).
Proceedings in Northern Ireland.E+W+N.I.
14(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 [F78£2500].
[F79(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.]
[F80(3). . . F81. . ..]
(4)Each of the superior courts shall have the like power to make a hospital order or guardianship order under [F82Article 44 of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 or an interim hospital order under article 45 of that order,] in the case of a person suffering from mental disorder who could otherwise be committed to prison for contempt of court as the Crown Court has under [F82that Article] in the case of a person convicted of an offence.
[F83(4A)Each of the superior courts shall have the like power to make an order under Article 42 of the said Order of 1986 where there is reason to suspect that a person who could be committed to prison for contempt of court is suffering from mental illness or severe mental impairment as the Crown Court has under that Article in the case of an accused person within the meaning of that Article.]
[F84(4A)For the purposes of the preceding provisions of this section a county court shall be treated as a superior court and not as an inferior court.]
(5)In subsections (1) and (2) of section 20 of the M11Coroners Act (Northern Ireland) 1959, for the words “ten pounds” there shall be substituted “£200” and in section 34 of that Act for the words “twenty-five pounds” there shall be substituted “£500”.
(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F85
(7)In Article 55 of the County Courts (Northern Ireland) M12Order 1980, in paragraph (2), for the words “not exceeding £50” there shall be substituted “not exceeding £500” and for the words “any period” there shall be substituted “a specified period”.
F78Sch. 4: amount in s. 14(2) substituted (9.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/2795 (N.I. 15), art. 3(5), Sch. 1; S.R. 1994/446, art. 2
F79Sch. 4: s. 14(2A) inserted (1.1.1998) by S.I. 1996/3160 (N.I. 24), art. 29(6), Sch. 3 para. 4; S.R. 1997/523, art. 2(K)
F80Sch. 4: para. 14(3) repealed (31.1.1999) by S.I. 1998/1504 (N.I. 9), art. 65(2), Sch. 6; S.R. 1999/25, art. 2
F81Sch. 4: words in s. 14(3) repealed (1.1.1998) by S.I. 1996/3160 (N.I. 24), art. 58(3), Sch.7; S.R. 1997/523, art. 2(h)
F82Words substituted by S.I. 1986/595 (N.I. 4), art. 136(1), Sch. 5 Pt. II
F83Sch. 4: first s. 14(4A) inserted by S.I. 1986/595 (N.I. 4), art. 136(1), Sch. 5 Pt. II
F84Sch. 4: second s. 14(4A) inserted by County Courts (Penalties for Contempt) Act 1983 (c. 45, SIF 39:3), s. 1
F85Sch. 4 s. 14(6) repealed by S.I. 1981/1675 (N.I. 26), Sch. 7
C16Power to amend conferred by S.I. 1984/703 (N.I. 3), art. 17(2)(c), Sch. 5
M111959 c. 15 (N.I.)
M12S.I. 1980/397 (N.I. 3).
Enforcement of fines imposed by superior courts.E+W+N.I.
16Section 35 of the M13Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 1945 shall apply to fines imposed for contempt of court by any superior court other than the Crown Court as it applies to fines imposed by the Crown Court.
M131945 c. 15 (N.I.)