This Act amends the Summary Offences Act 1953 to make it a summary offence for a person who is a party to proceedings before a court to intentionally engage in disrespectful conduct before the court.

The Act acknowledges the importance of maintaining the administration of justice and preserving the authority and dignity of the courts. The Act seeks to uphold expectations of the community that parties to court proceedings will conduct themselves in a respectful manner before the court and recognises the rights of all parties to be heard free from unnecessary disruptions and abuse from other parties.