The offences relating to court proceedings are clearly stated in the Crimes Decree which comes into effect from Monday.
The new decree states that people would commit an offence if they show disrespect, in speech or manner, to or reference to court proceedings or any person before whom such proceeding is taken.
It is also highlighted in the decree that a person commits an offence if he or she makes use of any speech or writing willfully and maliciously misrepresent a court proceeding while the case is pending before the courts.
This will be based on whether the action is capable of prejudicing any person in favour of or against any parties to such proceeding, or calculated to lower the authority of any person before whom such proceeding is being had or taken.
This also applies to the media speaking to people about a case outside the court room while the proceeding is underway, and then printing or broadcasting the comments.
Under the decree it will also be an offence to cause an obstruction or disturbance in the course of a judicial proceeding.
The penalty for the offence is 3 months imprisonment.
New laws in relation to the advertisement for stolen property come into effect from next Monday.
Under the Crimes Decree, a person would commit a summary offence if he or she publicly offers a reward for the return of any property which has been stolen or lost, and in the offer makes use of any words purporting that "no questions will be asked", or that the person producing the property will not be arrested or proceeded against.
The Decree also states that a person commits an offence if he or she publically offers to return to any person who may have bought or advanced money by the way of loan upon any stolen or lost property the money so paid or advanced, or any other sum of money or reward for the return of such property.
It is also an offence if the person prints or publishes such offers.
The penalty for the offence under the Crimes Decree is one year imprisonment.
