What is contempt of court?
There is a difference between contempt of court in facie curiae and contempt of court ex facie curiae.
MBOMBELA – Contempt of court is a criminal offence. It is the offence of being disrespectful towards a court of law and its officers. This is done by wilful behaviour that opposes the dignity or functioning of the court in any way.
This broad definition can be divided into two sub-divisions: contempt of court in facie curiae and contempt of court ex facie curiae.
Contempt of court in facie curiae is committed in court in front of the presiding officer. An example would be the accused telling the judge: “you have no idea what you are doing!”
Contempt of court ex facie curiae comes down to an act performed or words spoken that obstructs justice. When a publication publishes that an accused is guilty before a court has ordered such, the publication may have committed contempt of court.
When you have been summoned to appear in court and do not show up, this may also render you guilty of committing contempt of court.
