An injury offered to a judge, or person representing the king, is considered as offered to the king himself, especially if it be done in the exercise of his office.

Explanation

An affront to a judicial officer acting in his official capacity is treated as an affront to the sovereign authority he represents — contempt of the officer is contempt of the law itself.

Where this applies

• A man who punches a judge in the middle of a court hearing is charged with contempt of the sovereign authority the judge represents, not just simple assault.
• A protester who throws objects at a police officer acting in her official capacity is treated as having attacked the authority of the state itself.
• Threatening a government official while they are carrying out their lawful duties is treated more seriously than a private threat, because the affront is to the office, not just the person.