THE CASE FOR ABOLISHING THE OFFENCE OF SCANDALISING THE JUDICIARY.

This article assesses the philosophical foundations and the practical remit of the common law offence of scandalising the judiciary (also known as 'scandalising contempt'), and finds that the continued existence of this offence as presently constituted cannot be justified. The elements and scope of this offence, it is suggested, are ill-defined, which is a matter of great concern given its potentially fierce penal consequences. Moreover, given the extent to which it may interfere with free expression of opinion on an arm of government, the offence's compatibility with the implied freedom of political communication guaranteed by the Australian Constitution is also discussed -- though it is noted that in most instances, prosecutions for the offence will not infringe this protection. The article concludes by suggesting that the common law offence must either by abolished by legislative fiat or replaced by a more narrowly confined statutory offence. It is suggested that an expression of genuinely held belief on a matter of such profound public interest as the administration of justice should not be the subject of proceedings for contempt of court. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]