Reviewed by: Michael Cross
Author: Kieron Wood
Publisher: Clarus Press
ISBN: 978-1-905536-43-6
Price: £23.00

In 1621 Edward Floyde, a lawyer, was sentenced to ride backwards through London on a horse without a saddle, have a ‘K’ (for ‘kalumnia’) branded on his forehead and be fined £5,000. Oh, and imprisoned for life. His offence was contempt of parliament. Set against that, the reprimand dished out earlier this year to international firm Withers, which had apologised unreservedly for suggesting that an MP might be sued for allegations made in parliament, looks lenient.

Both cases make the pages of Irish barrister and journalist Kieron Wood’s romp through the concept of parliamentary privilege and contempt thereof (which Wood distinguishes from mere breach). Surveys of cases also tackle questions such as whether mens rea is required for contempt of parliament, and the difference between contempt of parliament and contempt of court.

Fascinatingly, Wood covers not only Westminster but all assemblies spawned by the Mother of Parliaments - including the Canadian House of Commons, which in 2011 brought down the Harper government after it was found in contempt. Perhaps Wood should be required reading for Westminster MPs, as well as libel lawyers acting too big for their boots.

Michael Cross is Gazette news editor

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