It discusses some preliminary legal issues arising from the way in which the Terms of Reference (Reference) are formulated and outlines some of the more important criticisms which have been leveled at contempt law in recent times, along with some arguments defending existing law. General and specific issues raised by the Reference are listed, and the future program of work which the Australian Law Reform Commission has resolved for the Reference are reviewed. The law of contempt, which deals with a wide range of situations, is concerned with people who disrupt legal proceedings, insult judges, disobey court orders, publish written or broadcast material which may interfere with the outcome of a trial, or try to undermine public confidence in the judicial system. Austalia's Law Reform's Commssion inquiry into the law of contempt is being carried out under a Reference from the Federal Attorney General. Terms of Reference are presented in full in an appendix. They require the Commission to report on the law of contempt in its application to Federal courts, tribunals, and commissions, courts of the Territories, and State courts exercising Federal jurisdiction. A total of 35 footnotes are supplied.