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Rajiv Menon Faces First UK Contempt Referral After Acquittal

5/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rajiv Menon KC became the first UK barrister to face a contempt of court referral for a jury-directed closing speech.
A February jury acquitted all six Palestine Action defendants after Menon’s speech.
The Court of Appeal ruled Justice Johnson lacked authority to refer Menon to High Court and sent matter back for attorney-general involvement.
Menon’s solicitor Jenny Wiltshire said the case was an attempt to criminalise lawyers to represent clients.

History

Historical Context

Since the Contempt of Court Act 1975 gave the Lord Chancellor power to fine lawyers up to £5,000 and impose ten-day bans, the law was narrowed by Section 2 to require a proven substantial risk of prejudice. Today, Rajiv Menon KC’s jury-directed closing speech and the Court of Appeal’s referral echo the Act’s legacy, while the 1981 Act still caps criminal contempt at two years’ imprisonment.

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Story summary

Rajiv Menon KC became the first UK barrister to face a contempt of court referral for a jury-directed closing speech.
A February jury acquitted all six Palestine Action defendants after Menon’s speech.
The Court of Appeal ruled Justice Johnson lacked authority to refer Menon to High Court and sent matter back for attorney-general involvement.
Menon’s solicitor Jenny Wiltshire said the case was an attempt to criminalise lawyers to represent clients.

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