Field v New South Wales Crime Commission

The appeal in *Field v New South Wales Crime Commission* concerned a sentence imposed on the appellant for contempt of court. The appellant had refused to take an oath or affirmation and to answer questions during proceedings before the New South Wales Crime Commission. The appeal was heard by Beazley JA, McClellan CJ at CL, and Handley AJA.

The central legal issues before the Court of Appeal were whether the sentence imposed for contempt was excessive and whether the sentencing judge had given appropriate weight to the appellant's medical condition when determining the sentence.

The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, finding that the sentence was not excessive. The judges considered the appellant's refusal to comply with lawful directions and the gravity of contempt of court. While acknowledging the appellant's medical condition, the Court concluded that it did not warrant a reduction in the sentence to the extent argued by the appellant. The Court granted leave to appeal out of time.