With reference to the High Court, answer the following:
Explain the term Court of Record with reference to the High Court.
Topic: Court of Record
Answer
A Court of Record is one whose judgements and proceedings are RECORDED AND PRESERVED for perpetual memory and testimony.
(1) These records are of great evidentiary value and cannot be questioned when they are produced before any court; they may be cited as PRECEDENTS before the subordinate courts, which are bound to decide cases in the light of them. (2) As a Court of Record the High Court has the power to PUNISH FOR CONTEMPT of itself — by fine or imprisonment — contempt being regarded as a criminal offence, so that the authority and dignity of the court are maintained.
Three marks, so develop BOTH senses — records as precedents, and the power to punish for contempt. Giving only the first half is the commonest way to lose marks on this recurring question. The contempt power follows logically from the first: a court whose records bind everyone must be able to protect its own authority. The word PRECEDENT is the one to use; it explains why the records matter rather than merely that they exist.