COMMENT: Has the Supreme Court abolished contempt of court?

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Tom 12 years ago

YOU ARE AN IDIOT,PERIOD! YOU LACK THE SENSE OF UNDERSTANDING AND MATURITY. ANYWAY, THANKS BUT NO THANKS FOR YOU SENSELESS PIECE.

YOU ARE AN IDIOT,PERIOD! YOU LACK THE SENSE OF UNDERSTANDING AND MATURITY. ANYWAY, THANKS BUT NO THANKS FOR YOU SENSELESS PIECE.
OLD SOLDIER 12 years ago

Author: AKONOBA--

JOHN MAHAMA KILLED MILS. YOU DENIED MILS WAS SICK ALL THESE YEARS. YOU COMPELLED MILS TO STAND FOR A SECOND TERM KNOWING VERY WELL THAT MILS WAS NOT FIT TO CONTEST. YOU HID FROM GHANAIANS THE TRUE STATE ...
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Author: AKONOBA--

JOHN MAHAMA KILLED MILS. YOU DENIED MILS WAS SICK ALL THESE YEARS. YOU COMPELLED MILS TO STAND FOR A SECOND TERM KNOWING VERY WELL THAT MILS WAS NOT FIT TO CONTEST. YOU HID FROM GHANAIANS THE TRUE STATE OF THE HEALTH OF OUR PRESIDENT. YOU ADVISED HIM TO JOG AT THE AIRPORT. YOU ALLOWED MILS TO WORK AT THE EXPENSE OF HIS HEALTH COMMISSIONING PROJECTS INSTEAD OF MILS RESTING. NDC KILLED MILS. GHANAIANS MUST NOT FORGIVE NDC FOR KILLING OUR PRESIDENT.IF NDC CAN HIDE MILS TRUE HEALTH STATUS ALL THESE YEARS FROM GHANAIANS THEN HOW CAN THEY TELL US THE TRUE STATE OF THE ECONOMY.
PHILTY McNASTY 12 years ago

The hypocrisy and sycophancy of Bokor Haram is without par. The question to ask this NDC apologist is: Has he himself discussed issues that are before court in his vacuous articles before? If the answer is yes, then he should ...
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The hypocrisy and sycophancy of Bokor Haram is without par. The question to ask this NDC apologist is: Has he himself discussed issues that are before court in his vacuous articles before? If the answer is yes, then he should shut his mouth, the public are getting informed about issues that are of interests to them, instead of being kept in the dark.

The Supreme Court judges have so far not expressed any problem with the public discussing the issues, meaning they are not likely to be influenced by what people say; they will be guided by the law and facts in their deliberations. What is the beef of Bokor Haram?

Your mischief to muzzle the public is laid bare. In the US that you are based, matters before courts are often discussed on TV. Have you heard of Nancy Grace program on CNN or HLN? Go figure.

You have a certain disdain for the common folks. In your head you are thinking they lack wisdom and are illiterate or not highly educated, hence not capable to discuss topical issues or matters before the courts. Dumb ass, get off your ivory tower smoke-joint. Nonsense!
OBAA YAA 12 years ago

I am confused with your explanation of “contempt of court”
Do you meant to say “gag order” which is an order sometime issued by court to restrict information or comment from being made public or “Contempt of court ...
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I am confused with your explanation of “contempt of court”
Do you meant to say “gag order” which is an order sometime issued by court to restrict information or comment from being made public or “Contempt of court” an order issued by the court to a person or organization for disobeying or disrespecting the court. Therefore, to control flow of information, so that the case will not be tried in the public by both attorneys. The judges has to issue gag order but not comtempt of court ….
gbewah 12 years ago

This man lives in outer space, does he?

Contempt of court was invented in England to prevent the populace from challenging anything that was before His/Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace. They served to put the populace ...
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This man lives in outer space, does he?

Contempt of court was invented in England to prevent the populace from challenging anything that was before His/Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace. They served to put the populace in their place.

But the American Revolutrion repudiated that concept. And now, even in the UK, contempt of court applies mainly to trial by jury. Are there any juries in Ghana?

Contempt applies to jury trials because those serving on a jury can be influenced by discussions of the cases outside, especially in the media.

Cases to be decided by judges alone are not affected by outside discussion, so long as the language employed is respectful and learned. For a judge MUST of necessity be impervious to extra Canvasingneous issues and concentrate on the issues raised and argued before him in court.

In the USA. contempt cases are usually limited to interference with grand juries; for example, if a newspaper publishes the "sealed" findings of a grand jury regardibg an "indictment". Civil rights cases before the US Supreme Court, for instance, are often discussed at length and no judge bats an eyelid.
The judges will decide what they will decide.

Even in Britain, the law of contempt -- as Obaa Yaa correctly points out -- are often condemned as instruments of "gagging" and are hardly ever pursued -- except, as I have said earlier, in cases where juries may have to adjudicate on the case in question.

Even so, when a person is charged, or likely to be charged in a case that attracts wide publicity, the Crown Prosectuion Service sometimes issues an "advisory" (warning) to the media to be careful in what they report or comment on, regarding the case. For the CPS realises that contempot of court is a blunt weapon that used unwisely, can defeat the ends of the very justiuce the courts want to serve.

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Ohenenana 12 years ago

Gbewah:

Gag order or Contempt of Court is legalese to some of us. In any case, and your erudite posting notwithstanding, can you also see Bokor's larger point and concerns though? Do we just ignore his sentiments as mere ...
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Gbewah:

Gag order or Contempt of Court is legalese to some of us. In any case, and your erudite posting notwithstanding, can you also see Bokor's larger point and concerns though? Do we just ignore his sentiments as mere paranoia from an individual alien from "outer space", or be cautionary? I mean, how effective could a gag order be, nonetheless, even accomplishing anything in this case. I'm all ears, Sir.
gbewah 12 years ago

I thoiught nI mmade it clear that the original idea behind cintempot of court was to gag the populace and cow them into accepting whatever the judges did, but that this has been resisted to the extent that now, people implici ...
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I thoiught nI mmade it clear that the original idea behind cintempot of court was to gag the populace and cow them into accepting whatever the judges did, but that this has been resisted to the extent that now, people implicitly tell the judges "If you cannot adjudicate impartially because someone has made a comment on a case befire you, then you are not fit to be a judge." You see, throwing light on a case makes a "kuludu" judge (someone like Kpegah) very uncomfortable. Can you imagine Kpegah being given the power to shut everybody up whilst he oppresses the likes of Akufo Addo? That is why now, only cases before juries come under the strict contempt rule. As for bokor, he conjures arguments to prop up NDC positions. He doesn't care sabout legal principles. He is just Kpegah by another name.
Ohenenana 12 years ago

Tom:

Either you did not read the piece as you pretend to have done, or you lack the capacity and the "sense of understanding and maturity" of comprehension. Where is your sensible counter argument to Dr. Bokor's senseless ...
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Tom:

Either you did not read the piece as you pretend to have done, or you lack the capacity and the "sense of understanding and maturity" of comprehension. Where is your sensible counter argument to Dr. Bokor's senseless piece as you claim. Talk is cheap, and one liners insulting people are very easy to construct. Very typical.
zoro 12 years ago

IN GHANA IT APPLIES WHEN COURT IS IN SECTION AT THE COURTROM.

IN GHANA IT APPLIES WHEN COURT IS IN SECTION AT THE COURTROM.
Akos 12 years ago

MAHAMA IS NOT AN AKAN THAT IS ALL IT IS.OBAMA HAS OVERCOME THE TEA PARTY AND HAS WON A SECOND TERM, SO WILL PRESIDENT MAHAMA.

MAHAMA IS NOT AN AKAN THAT IS ALL IT IS.OBAMA HAS OVERCOME THE TEA PARTY AND HAS WON A SECOND TERM, SO WILL PRESIDENT MAHAMA.

Nana Akwasi Amankwah 12 years ago

The SC has to be faithful and respect the people of ghana.They are those holding Ghana,Ghana is not for them but they should bear in mind the nation was there before they became judges.Ghana for ALL NO CURRUPTION this time.We ...
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The SC has to be faithful and respect the people of ghana.They are those holding Ghana,Ghana is not for them but they should bear in mind the nation was there before they became judges.Ghana for ALL NO CURRUPTION this time.We will know how faithfull you guys are.(Akuffo V Mahama)
Baba 12 years ago

well done...Finally someone sensible is talking nd raising the alarm. This so called lawyers in ghana,they really need to go back to the classroom.

well done...Finally someone sensible is talking nd raising the alarm. This so called lawyers in ghana,they really need to go back to the classroom.
Shamu 12 years ago

Look Ghana can not be rule by the way NPP set it up with their imature system of govern. When NPP came to power, they felt Ghana has to be for them, or particular people, or particular family for ever and ever. So, no particu ...
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Look Ghana can not be rule by the way NPP set it up with their imature system of govern. When NPP came to power, they felt Ghana has to be for them, or particular people, or particular family for ever and ever. So, no particular tribe has to think things has to go by their way just like that.
However, Npp just change everything in the system of juducial to favor them. And today, those people are especting things to go their way. Is impossible ghana to be rule in such a wicked, hate and criminal nature of some people. We in Ghana can not allowed that to happen.
Aretha 12 years ago

It is a free expression of opinion as given us by the constitution. Expressing such opinions does not mean writing judgements for the judges. They can refuse to listen but it is better they listen to such opinions since some ...
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It is a free expression of opinion as given us by the constitution. Expressing such opinions does not mean writing judgements for the judges. They can refuse to listen but it is better they listen to such opinions since some of them make mistakes and their judgements are overturned by their colleagues.
The comments run on the trials of O J Simpson and Timothy McVeigh make me think that Americans have no value for this issue of not commenting on issues at the court and this shows a real and true expression of free speech.
SIMPLE TRUTH 12 years ago

Why was Sir John in a hurry to tow the accident car away? Sir John and the NPP know that Nana Addo will not make it through the court - he will lose the court case. The NPP would not and does not want Nana as presidential can ...
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Why was Sir John in a hurry to tow the accident car away? Sir John and the NPP know that Nana Addo will not make it through the court - he will lose the court case. The NPP would not and does not want Nana as presidential candidate for 2016. The next logical person after Nana is Bawumia but the NPP does not want a Northerner and a Pepeni presidential candidate so Bawumia must die to pave way for another Akan. That is NPP for you. Sir John and the NPP plotted this to take place in President Mahama's village to make it look like an NDC plot. With the plot failed, Sir John tows the vehicle to erase all traces of the plot. Sorry Bawumia, you are a big stooge to be dumped at all cost. Bawumia, you are Northerner and a Pepeni unfit to lead NPP therefore you must die. So sad but that is NPP for you. ARREST SIR JOHN NOW. SHAME NPP
Kofi Asaase Asa--- Mantukwa 12 years ago

Congratulations, Dr. Bokor. You have changed! When and where did you see the light?
These days you present articles to fit the accolade.. Dr.

Yes, this is what we expect writers of your caliber to exhibit, intellectual ex ...
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Congratulations, Dr. Bokor. You have changed! When and where did you see the light?
These days you present articles to fit the accolade.. Dr.

Yes, this is what we expect writers of your caliber to exhibit, intellectual excellence and NOT biased and skewed arguments, which smell of 'sycophancy'.

Well done, Dr. Bokor, for presenting the issue as it is!

Yes. I agree with you. The Issue of 'Contempt of Court' is well overdue. The Supreme Court should sit up and shake the 'Ox tail' or the Akan word, 'Bodua'. This is the equipment/symbol normally used by the fetish priests and Chiefs, to show the existence of the power they wield.

Yes, Contempt of Court! This will silence the 'arm-chair one-day-wonder' Supreme Court judges.

Dr. Bokor, You are very right again this time too. Continue this good work!
Don Blunt 12 years ago

I was begining to think Michael is gradually putting Ghana first, until:
"... NDC has restrained its followers from counteracting ..."

Your dishonesty will kill you, Michael.
Don't thik you are a clever Fox dressed in s ...
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I was begining to think Michael is gradually putting Ghana first, until:
"... NDC has restrained its followers from counteracting ..."

Your dishonesty will kill you, Michael.
Don't thik you are a clever Fox dressed in sheepskin; your teeth can be seen
Ohenenana 12 years ago

Tom:

Why is the writer an idiot? Besides him being an idiot, why don't you come up with your counter arguments instead of insults. I can not believe that you waste your time to read such a lengthy article only to come up w ...
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Tom:

Why is the writer an idiot? Besides him being an idiot, why don't you come up with your counter arguments instead of insults. I can not believe that you waste your time to read such a lengthy article only to come up with such an inane comment. Very typical.
Ateabisa 12 years ago

Usual requires the attorneys handling the case to draw the court`s attention to this subject matter.
Recall that after Woyome had been subjected to all forms of abuse and ridicule by certain sections of the media, that took ...
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Usual requires the attorneys handling the case to draw the court`s attention to this subject matter.
Recall that after Woyome had been subjected to all forms of abuse and ridicule by certain sections of the media, that took its cue from their political paymasters,the AG`s reps,after coming under heavy criticism for incompetence, joined the defence team to raise this issue in court. It was then that the trial Judge,who must have been unhappy all along was able to read the 'riot act' to particular media outlets that had consciously engaged in misrepresenting and misreporting the events taking place in open court.
My point here is that,given its composition,and the fact that there has to be unison amongst the lawyers to cut out all the 'circus' that is going on inside and side the courtroom,the SC would be called upon to "stamp its authority" on a case that has`nt even begun? We all know about the side that set the ball in motion,don`t we?
I heard lwyer Gloria Akuffo paint a one-sided picture as to why the lawyers were unable to reach a consesus on a range of issues the court should focus its attention on.
How could this happen,when we were all made to believe that tthis was a 'simple case' having to do with arithmetic? The hitherto open and shut case involving "stealing" of votes for only one side(John Mahama)by the EC,has turned out to be a free-for-all,except that the petitioners or their surrogates were not'smart' or 'fast' enough, if you agree with NPP realists like Tarzan and Kwame Pianim!
Ateabisa 12 years ago

Remember that court etiquette usually requires the attorneys handling a case to draw the court`s attention to this subject matter.
Recall that after Woyome had been subjected to all forms of abuse and ridicule by certain sec ...
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Remember that court etiquette usually requires the attorneys handling a case to draw the court`s attention to this subject matter.
Recall that after Woyome had been subjected to all forms of abuse and ridicule by certain sections of the media, that took its cue from their political paymasters,the AG`s reps,after coming under heavy criticism for incompetence,finally joined the defence team to raise this issue in court. It was then that the trial Judge,who must have been unhappy all along, was able to read the 'riot act' to those media outlets that had consciously engaged in misrepresenting and misreporting the events taking place in open court.
My point here is that,given its composition,and the fact that there has to be unison amongst the lawyers to cut out all the 'circus' that may be going on inside and outside the courtroom,how can the SC "stamp its authority" on a case that has`nt even begun? We all know about the side that set the ball in motion,don`t we?
I heard lawyer Gloria Akuffo paint a one-sided picture as to why the lawyers were unable to reach a consesus on the range of issues the court should focus its attention on.
How could this happen,when we were all made to believe that tthis was a 'simple case' having to do with arithmetic? The hitherto open and shut case involving "stealing" of votes for only one side(John Mahama)by the EC,has turned out to be a free-for-all,except that the petitioners or their surrogates were not'smart' or 'fast' enough, if you agree with the sentiments of NPP realists like Tarzan and Kwame Pianim!

Ohenenana 12 years ago

Ateabisa:

Besides being for or against the petition in the first place, do have or see any problems with how our legal system has handled a case of this magnitude and its implications? Give me hope!

Ateabisa:

Besides being for or against the petition in the first place, do have or see any problems with how our legal system has handled a case of this magnitude and its implications? Give me hope!
ogbarmi 12 years ago

Misreporting or misrepresenting what happened in a court is a different kettle of fish, thoiugh it comes under the same "contempt of court" provision. But usually, "contempt" is understood to mean disobeying a court order, or ...
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Misreporting or misrepresenting what happened in a court is a different kettle of fish, thoiugh it comes under the same "contempt of court" provision. But usually, "contempt" is understood to mean disobeying a court order, or commenting on a case on which the court is adjudicating. It is this latter meaning that causes problems, because judges are expected mo be impsrtial and "blind" to influences, erspecially to views expressed in the media outside the court. As somone has explained, trial by jury is different, but such trials no longer take place in Ghana. So a judge who takes umbrage against fair comment on a case before him is just exhibiting an outmoded mindset.
KOJO BUHARI 12 years ago

THE CONCEPT OF CONTEM[T IS APPLICABLE TO GHANA, COS OUR LEGAL SYSTEM ENSHRINES IT . IT IS WRONG TO SAY IT IS THE ATTORNEYS WHO CAN RAISE THE ISSUE ONLY WHEN COURT IS IN SESSION

THE CONCEPT OF CONTEM[T IS APPLICABLE TO GHANA, COS OUR LEGAL SYSTEM ENSHRINES IT . IT IS WRONG TO SAY IT IS THE ATTORNEYS WHO CAN RAISE THE ISSUE ONLY WHEN COURT IS IN SESSION
Ohenenana 12 years ago

This is an education probably "Tom" (our first commentator), could use instead of just hurling insults. You see, reasonable people can have differences of opinion without hurling insults at each other. In any case, I hope the ...
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This is an education probably "Tom" (our first commentator), could use instead of just hurling insults. You see, reasonable people can have differences of opinion without hurling insults at each other. In any case, I hope the lawyers in this dialogue can educate we the non-lawyers where and how Bokor's arguments or issues with Contempt of Court obtains with our legal system, and more so this SC court case.
Joeman 12 years ago

Infact my brother, the author has said it all and every discerning Ghanaaians should read this piece with open and mature mind. I always say it takes an individual to fanthom his/her own capabilities or weakness. Therefore, i ...
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Infact my brother, the author has said it all and every discerning Ghanaaians should read this piece with open and mature mind. I always say it takes an individual to fanthom his/her own capabilities or weakness. Therefore, if anybody says there is no sense in this Auhtor's thought, then I am very much surprise. It is possible he(the Author) might have not touched the sensitivity of some party hopefuls, this does not make this write up nonsensical.
Joeman 12 years ago

Infact my brother, the author has said it all and every discerning Ghanaaian should read this piece with open and mature mind. I always say it takes an individual to fanthom his/her own capabilities or weakness. Therefore, if ...
read full comment

Infact my brother, the author has said it all and every discerning Ghanaaian should read this piece with open and mature mind. I always say it takes an individual to fanthom his/her own capabilities or weakness. Therefore, if anybody says there is no sense in this Auhtor's thought, then I am very much surprise. It is possible he(the Author) might have not touched the sensitivity of some party hopefuls, this does not make this write up nonsensical.

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COMMENT: Has the Supreme Court abolished contempt of court?

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