藐视法庭制度源于英国古代习惯法,其目的在于预防和制裁干扰法庭审判的行为。早在1631年,英国就有了藐视法庭罪的判例。1981年《藐视法庭罪法》(Contempt of Court Act 1981)的颁布,以成文法的方式进一步发展了藐视法庭制度的法律规范。在当今世界,无论普通法系的英国、美国还是大陆法系的意大利、俄罗斯、韩国、法国等,都有关于藐视法庭罪的规定,该制度之影响由此可见一斑。诚如丹宁勋爵所言:“‘藐视法庭罪’无疑是普通法对欧洲大陆以外不 Contempt of court system stems from the ancient British customary law, its purpose is to prevent and sanction the behavior that interferes with court trial. As early as 1631, Britain had a case of contempt of court. The promulgation of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 further codified the legal norms that defy the court system. In today’s world, the common law jurisdictions in Britain, the United States or civil law countries such as Italy, Russia, South Korea and France all have provisions on contempt of court, and the impact of this system is evident. As Lord Denning said: ”The contempt of court is undoubtedly a common law non-European continent.