Emmanuel College v Rowe

Emmanuel College, a Catholic independent school, applied to have Mr. Rowe, the father of one of its students, committed for contempt of court. The dispute arose from Mr. Rowe's alleged breach of court orders and undertakings by publishing articles and videos about Emmanuel College on multiple websites. Mr. Rowe admitted to the publication of the material in question.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether Mr. Rowe was responsible for the offending publications, and if so, whether he was in contempt of court. The court considered the nature and effect of the publications, the specific orders and undertakings given by Mr. Rowe, and whether those had been breached. The court also examined the principles of contempt of court and the appropriate remedy for such a breach.

The court found that Mr. Rowe was indeed responsible for the offending publications and that his actions amounted to a breach of the court's orders and undertakings. Consequently, the court held Mr. Rowe in contempt of court. The court emphasised the importance of adhering to court orders and the duty of parties to avoid actions that could undermine the authority of the court. The court ordered Mr. Rowe to pay costs and directed him to refrain from making any further publications about Emmanuel College or its staff.