Leeds Beckett academics help shape reform of contempt of court laws

Senior Lecturers Kate Astall and Dr John McGarry have contributed expertise that has influenced the Commission's ongoing examination of the laws governing contempt of court. The review, commissioned by the Government and launched in July 2024, seeks to modernise an area of law regarded by experts and academics as fragmented and complex.

Contempt of court refers to a range of legal rules designed to protect the integrity of the legal process including measures to prevent disruption in court proceedings, ensure compliance with court orders and restrict publications which may prejudice or impede a trial. However, the current framework is criticised for its lack of clarity and consistency.

LBU’s Dr McGarry's research focuses on the role of the Attorney General in contempt proceedings. He says, “the Attorney General, as a government minister, should not have responsibility for deciding whether contempt proceedings are brought against individuals.”

His research was cited extensively in the Law Commission's 2024 Consultation Paper and informed a substantial part of its analysis.

Leeds Beckett research also contributed towards a supplementary consultation,  examining what information authorities should be permitted to release following major criminal incidents, following the widespread riots that occurred after the murders of three young girls in Southport in 2024.

Concerns that insufficient information had been shared with the public were seen as a contributing factor to the unrest, prompting debate about whether contempt laws should be amended to allow greater transparency in certain circumstances.

LBU’s Kate Astall's doctoral work explores the relationship between the media and the criminal justice system, with a focus on contempt of court laws and their impact on the press and the trial process. Drawing on their complementary expertise, the LBU duo submitted a joint response to the supplementary consultation.

The Law Commission has now published the first part of its report on contempt of court reform, with both Leeds Beckett academics cited and quoted extensively throughout the document. A second report, expected in spring 2027, will include a draft Bill setting out the Commission's proposed legislative reforms.

About the work, Kate Asall says "Contempt plays an import role in safeguarding the judicial process. It’s imperative that the law is clear and consistent. The work undertaken by the Law Commission is both necessary and timely and it's great that my research can contribute to this process.”