Contempt of Court for Breaching Injunctions in Protest Cases

More and more private companies are obtaining injunctions restricting protests seeking to draw attention to their cruel, dangerous or unethical practices. These orders represent a new front in the war against freedom of expression. Once granted, the injunction provides draconian powers to companies seeking to shut down protest through committal for contempt of court.

This seminar will provide an essential guide to lawyers, activists and supporters dealing with contempt of court. What defences are available to those facing committal proceedings? What steps should be taken? How to prepare for hearings? How to secure public funding? What defences are available? What are the likely penalties and consequences (including costs).

This seminar will cover:

• Responding to applications for committal
• Procedure
• Public funding
• Defences for contempt of court
• Penalties/sanctions
• Costs

Speakers

• Stephen Simblet (Call: 2003), Garden Court Chambers (Chair)
• Owen Greenhall (Call: 2010), Garden Court Chambers
• Tim Baldwin (Call: 2001), Garden Court Chambers