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N v the Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 16 Oct 2003

The applicant entered the UK illegally. She was unwell and was given treatment. She resisted removal on the grounds that the treatment available to her would be of such a quality as to leave her life threatened. Held: D -v- UK should be strictly confined. The applicant’s condition was not one created by the respondent, … Continue reading N v the Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 16 Oct 2003

In re Guisto (application for a writ of Habeas Corpus) (Criminal Appeal from Her Majesty’s High Court of Justice): HL 3 Apr 2003

The applicant challenged an order for his extradition to the US. He had been convicted in his absence having absconded from bail. Held: He had been arrested and held on the basis that he was a convicted person, but the procedure should have allowed that having been convicted in his absence, in contumacy, he should … Continue reading In re Guisto (application for a writ of Habeas Corpus) (Criminal Appeal from Her Majesty’s High Court of Justice): HL 3 Apr 2003

Acts

1267 – 1278 – 1285 – 1297 – 1361 – 1449 – 1491 – 1533 – 1677 – 1688 – 1689 – 1700 – 1706 – 1710 – 1730 – 1737 – 1738 – 1751 – 1774 – 1792 – 1793 – 1804 – 1814 – 1819 – 1824 – 1828 – 1831 – 1832 … Continue reading Acts

Bleta, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 9 Aug 2004

Extradition of the defendant was sought so as to serve a sentence of imprisonment. Held: Use in the warrant of the actual words in the Act was not required. ‘Even if the actual words of the Act are not incorporated in the request, and even if there is no equivalent wording, in my view, at … Continue reading Bleta, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 9 Aug 2004

United States of America v Assange: Admn 10 Dec 2021

Late evidence from requesting state was admissible The USA sought A’s extradition. It had been previously refused on the grounds of expected suicide of A if subjected to US prison conditions. Held: The order refusing extradition was quashed, and the matter referred to the Magistrates’ Court with a direction to proceed as the DJ would … Continue reading United States of America v Assange: Admn 10 Dec 2021

Al-Saadoon and Mufdhi v The United Kingdom: ECHR 2 Mar 2009

The claimant Iraqi nationals complained of their long term detention by British forces in Iraq, and of their transfer to the Iraqi authorities for trial for murder. Held: The transfer was a breach of the applicants’ rights. The Iraqis had re-introduced the death penalty for such crimes which they said amounted to war crimes. The … Continue reading Al-Saadoon and Mufdhi v The United Kingdom: ECHR 2 Mar 2009

Lord Advocate (Representing The Taiwanese Judicial Authorities) v Dean: SC 28 Jun 2017

(Scotland) The respondent was to be extradited to Taiwan to serve the balance of a prison term. His appeal succeeded and the order quashed on the basis that his treatment in the Taiwanese prison system would infringe his human rights. The Lord Advocate now appealed. Held: The question was a devolution issue, being ‘a question … Continue reading Lord Advocate (Representing The Taiwanese Judicial Authorities) v Dean: SC 28 Jun 2017

Dean v The Lord Advocate and Another: HCJ 23 Sep 2016

Application for Leave to Appeal to UK Supreme Court – refused Citations: [2016] ScotHC HCJAC – 83, 2017 SCCR 17, 2016 GWD 38-672, 2017 SCL 170, 2017 SLT 121 Links: Bailii Statutes: European Convention on Human Rights 3, Extradition Act 2003 Jurisdiction: Scotland Cited by: See Also – Lord Advocate v Dean HCJ 24-Nov-2016 Application … Continue reading Dean v The Lord Advocate and Another: HCJ 23 Sep 2016

Hesham Ali (Iraq) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 16 Nov 2016

The appellant, an Iraqi national had arrived in 2000 as a child, and stayed unlawfully after failure of his asylum claim. He was convicted twice of drugs offences. On release he was considered a low risk of re-offending. He had been in a serious relationship with an English woman since 2005. However the Home Secretary … Continue reading Hesham Ali (Iraq) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 16 Nov 2016

Norris, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 24 Feb 2006

The claimant challenged his extradition to the US saying that it was wrong for the US to continue to be listed as a designated country for extradition under section 84. Held: The fact that the US had not yet ratified the treaty under which a UK citizen could be extradited to the US without establishment … Continue reading Norris, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 24 Feb 2006

Zakowski v Regional Court In Szczecin, Poland: Admn 16 May 2008

Maurice Kay LJ said that section 2(6)(c) of the 2003 Act ‘should be construed as referring only to other EAWs issued in respect of the offence.’ Judges: Maurice Kay LJ, Penry-Davey J Citations: [2008] EWHC 1389 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Extradition Act 2003 2(6)(c) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Louca v A … Continue reading Zakowski v Regional Court In Szczecin, Poland: Admn 16 May 2008

Edwards v Government of United States of America: Admn 31 Jul 2007

Sedley LJ discussed and rejected the argument that ‘the analogue of the warrant is the request’ in extradition procedure and said: ‘Here, as in Dabas, the question is what is ‘the conduct’ which has to amount to an extradition offence? Is it the conduct asserted in the indictment or the conduct recounted as giving rise … Continue reading Edwards v Government of United States of America: Admn 31 Jul 2007

La Torre v Her Majesty’s Advocate: HCJ 14 Jul 2006

The applicant resisted his extradition to Italy, saying that the provisions of Part 2 of the 2003 Act were engaged because the case started life before Italy ratified the Framework Decision and so adopted the EAW system. La Torre had been found guilty of extradition crimes in Italy and sentenced, but this first instance process … Continue reading La Torre v Her Majesty’s Advocate: HCJ 14 Jul 2006

Director of Public Prosecutions v Stonehouse: HL 1977

The defendant had been charged with attempting to obtain property by deception by fabricating his death by drowning in the sea off Miami in Florida. The final act alleged to constitute the offence occurred outside the jurisdiction of the English courts. Held: The charge was justiciable in England. The defendant appealed conviction on counts of … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Stonehouse: HL 1977

The United States of America v Nolan: SC 21 Oct 2015

Mrs Nolan had been employed at a US airbase. When it closed, and she was made redundant, she complained that the appellant had not consulted properly on the redundancies. The US denied that it had responsibility to consult, and now appealed. Held: The appeal failed (Lord Carnworth dissenting). That the exact situation might not have … Continue reading The United States of America v Nolan: SC 21 Oct 2015

Regina v Ashworth Hospital Authority (Now Mersey Care National Health Service Trust) ex parte Munjaz: HL 13 Oct 2005

The claimant was detained in a secure Mental Hospital. He complained at the seclusions policy applied by the hospital, saying that it departed from the Guidance issued for such policies by the Secretary of State under the Act. Held: The House allowed the Hospital’s appeal. The policy was lawful. Seclusion was to be seen as … Continue reading Regina v Ashworth Hospital Authority (Now Mersey Care National Health Service Trust) ex parte Munjaz: HL 13 Oct 2005

Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) v Beaumont: Admn 8 Apr 2022

Claim for a declaration as to the meaning and effect of section 152 of the Extradition Act 2003 Judges: Lord Justice Lewis Mr Justice Bennathan Citations: [2022] EWHC 849 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Extradition Act 2003 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Extradition Updated: 23 April 2022; Ref: scu.675700

Beoku Betts v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 25 Jun 2008

The appellant had arrived from Sierra Leone and obtained student permits. When they expired he sought asylum, citing his family’s persecution after a coup, and that fact that other members of his family now had indefinite leave, and he said that an order returning him to Sierra Leone would impinge on their right to family … Continue reading Beoku Betts v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 25 Jun 2008

DA and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: SC 15 May 2019

Several lone parents challenged the benefits cap, saying that it was discriminatory. Held: (Hale, Kerr LL dissenting) The parents’ appeals failed. The legislation had a clear impact on lone parents and their children. The intention was to encourage claimants back into work. It was said that thus contradicted the other policy of providing no free … Continue reading DA and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: SC 15 May 2019

Handyside v The United Kingdom: ECHR 7 Dec 1976

Freedom of Expression is Fundamental to Society The appellant had published a ‘Little Red Schoolbook’. He was convicted under the 1959 and 1964 Acts on the basis that the book was obscene, it tending to deprave and corrupt its target audience, children. The book claimed that it was intended to teach school children about sex, … Continue reading Handyside v The United Kingdom: ECHR 7 Dec 1976

Goodyear, Karl, Regina v: CACD 19 Apr 2005

The defendant complained that he had pleaded guilty to a charge of corruption on the basis of an indication from the judge that he would not receive a custodial sentence. Having pleaded guilty he had then been sentenced to a six months prison sentence suspended for two years. Held: It was time to move on … Continue reading Goodyear, Karl, Regina v: CACD 19 Apr 2005

Office of the King’s Prosecutor, Brussels v Cando Armas and others: HL 17 Nov 2005

The defendant resisted extradition to Brussels saying that the offence had been committed in part in England. He had absconded and been convicted. Application was made for his return to serve his sentence. The offences associated with organisation of illegal immigration, fell within the European framework list, but section 65(2)(a) was not satisfied. Held: ‘the … Continue reading Office of the King’s Prosecutor, Brussels v Cando Armas and others: HL 17 Nov 2005

Regina v Governor of Pentonville Prison, ex parte Zezza: HL 1983

In the context of an application for extradition, where the conviction was a ‘conviction for contumacy’ that phrase is not defined. It does not have an ordinary meaning in the English language. ‘Contumacy’ indicates insubordination or disobedience in the face of the court, but the concept of a ‘conviction for contumacy’ is something with which … Continue reading Regina v Governor of Pentonville Prison, ex parte Zezza: HL 1983

Caldarelli v Court of Naples: HL 30 Jul 2008

The appellant challenged his extradition saying that the European Arrest Warrant under which he was held wrongly said that he was convicted, whilst he said he was wanted for trial. He had been tried in his absence, and the judgment and sentence were not under Italian law either final or enforceable until the appeal process … Continue reading Caldarelli v Court of Naples: HL 30 Jul 2008

Mullen, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 29 Apr 2004

The claimant had been imprisoned, but his conviction was later overturned. He had been a victim of a gross abuse of executive power. The British authorities had acted in breach of international law and had been guilty of ‘a blatant and extremely serious failure to adhere to the rule of law with regard to the … Continue reading Mullen, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 29 Apr 2004

Regina v Secretary of State for The Home Department Ex Parte Simms: HL 8 Jul 1999

Ban on Prisoners talking to Journalists unlawful The two prisoners, serving life sentences for murder, had had their appeals rejected. They continued to protest innocence, and sought to bring their campaigns to public attention through the press, having oral interviews with journalists without undertakings from the journalists not to publish any element of the interview. … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for The Home Department Ex Parte Simms: HL 8 Jul 1999

HM Treasury v Ahmed and Others: SC 27 Jan 2010

The claimants objected to orders made freezing their assets under the 2006 Order, after being included in the Consolidated List of suspected members of terrorist organisations. Held: The orders could not stand. Such orders were made by the executive without parliamentary scrutiny by the use of Orders in Council. Statutory provision for counter-terrorism was in … Continue reading HM Treasury v Ahmed and Others: SC 27 Jan 2010

Cuneyit Akaroglu v The Government of Romania; Regina (Akaroglu) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: QBD 1 Mar 2007

The defendant claimed that the Home Secretary had worngfully issued a certificate under section 70 to support his extradition. Held: On the facts the defendant’s claim failed, but the court considered that in the case of a wrongfully issued certficate, the proper remedy was by way of judicial review. Mr Justice Clarke Lord Justice Scott … Continue reading Cuneyit Akaroglu v The Government of Romania; Regina (Akaroglu) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: QBD 1 Mar 2007

Regina v Jones (Margaret), Regina v Milling and others: HL 29 Mar 2006

Domestic Offence requires Domestic Defence Each defendant sought to raise by way of defence of their otherwise criminal actions, the fact that they were attempting to prevent the commission by the government of the crime of waging an aggressive war in Iraq, and that their acts were accordingly justified in law. Held: The law on … Continue reading Regina v Jones (Margaret), Regina v Milling and others: HL 29 Mar 2006

EB (Kosovo) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 25 Jun 2008

The claimant arrived as a child from Kosovo in 1999. He said that the decision after so long, it would breach his human rights now to order his return. Held: The adjudicator had failed to address the effect of delay. That was a relevant consideration, and the matter would have to be looked at again.Lord … Continue reading EB (Kosovo) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 25 Jun 2008

Fitzpatrick v Sterling Housing Association Ltd: HL 28 Oct 1999

Same Sex Paartner to Inherit as Family Member The claimant had lived with the original tenant in a stable and long standing homosexual relationship at the deceased’s flat. After the tenant’s death he sought a statutory tenancy as a spouse of the deceased. The Act had been extended to include as a spouse someone living … Continue reading Fitzpatrick v Sterling Housing Association Ltd: HL 28 Oct 1999

Norris v Government of United States of America: SC 24 Feb 2010

The defendant faced extradition to the USA on charges of the obstruction of justice. He challenged the extradition on the basis that it would interfere with his article 8 rights to family life, given that the offence was merely ancillary, the result would be disproportionate. The court was asked whether in order to found such … Continue reading Norris v Government of United States of America: SC 24 Feb 2010

Cherry, Reclaiming Motion By Joanna Cherry QC MP and Others v The Advocate General: SCS 11 Sep 2019

(First Division, Inner House) The reclaimer challenged dismissal of her claim for review of the recent decision for the prorogation of the Parliament at Westminster. Held: Reclaim was granted. The absence of reasons allowed the court to infer that the reason for the prorogation was unlawful.‘It was the role of the courts to protect Parliament. … Continue reading Cherry, Reclaiming Motion By Joanna Cherry QC MP and Others v The Advocate General: SCS 11 Sep 2019

Mucelli v Government of Albania (Criminal Appeal From Her Majesty’s High Court of Justice): HL 21 Jan 2009

The House was asked whether someone who wished to appeal against an extradition order had an obligation also to serve his appellant’s notice on the respondent within the seven days limit, and whether the period was capable of extension by the court. Held: The appeal failed (Lord Rodger dissenting). Giving notice, for the purposes of … Continue reading Mucelli v Government of Albania (Criminal Appeal From Her Majesty’s High Court of Justice): HL 21 Jan 2009

Regina v Rimmington; Regina v Goldstein: HL 21 Jul 2005

Common Law – Public Nuisance – Extent The House considered the elements of the common law offence of public nuisance. One defendant faced accusations of having sent racially offensive materials to individuals. The second was accused of sending an envelope including salt to a friend as a joke. The envelope had leaked causing a terrorist … Continue reading Regina v Rimmington; Regina v Goldstein: HL 21 Jul 2005

Regina v Inland Revenue Commissioners, ex parte the National Federation of Self-Employed and Small Businesses Ltd: HL 9 Apr 1981

Limitations on HMRC discretion on investigation The Commissioners had been concerned at tax evasion of up to 1 million pounds a year by casual workers employed in Fleet Street. They agreed with the employers and unions to collect tax in the future, but that they would not pursue those who had evaded taxes in the … Continue reading Regina v Inland Revenue Commissioners, ex parte the National Federation of Self-Employed and Small Businesses Ltd: HL 9 Apr 1981

Chahal v The United Kingdom: ECHR 15 Nov 1996

Proper Reply Opportunity Required on Deportation (Grand Chamber) The claimant was an Indian citizen who had been granted indefinite leave to remain in this country but whose activities as a Sikh separatist brought him to the notice of the authorities both in India and here. The Home Secretary of the day decided that he should … Continue reading Chahal v The United Kingdom: ECHR 15 Nov 1996

Bankovic v Belgium: ECHR 12 Dec 2001

(Grand Chamber) Air strikes were carried out by NATO forces against radio and television facilities in Belgrade on 23 April 1999. The claims of five of the applicants arose out of the deaths of relatives in this raid. The sixth claimed on his own account in respect of injuries sustained during the raid. The claimants … Continue reading Bankovic v Belgium: ECHR 12 Dec 2001

VB and Others v Westminster Magistrates: SC 5 Nov 2014

Extraditions to follow normal open justice rules Application was made by Rwanda for the extradition of four individuals to face crimes said to have been committed during their civil war. Witnesses were prepared to give evidence but only in private and not being seen by the representatives of Rwanda. Held: The magistrate hearing such proceedings … Continue reading VB and Others v Westminster Magistrates: SC 5 Nov 2014

McKinnon v The United States of America and Anotherr: HL 30 Jul 2008

The appellant sought to avoid extradition to the US. He had hacked into 97 US government computers. He argued that the punishment he might expect in the US was completely disproportionate to the offence, and that he had been misled into entering into a plea bargain making the extradition an abuse of process. Held: The … Continue reading McKinnon v The United States of America and Anotherr: HL 30 Jul 2008

Regina v Commissioner of Police for The Metropolis, ex parte Rottman: HL 16 May 2002

The defendant had been arrested under an extradition warrant issued under the Act. The police had searched his premises, and found further evidence which was used to support the application for extradition. He challenged the collection and admission of the evidence which was outside the scope of the 1984 Act. Held: The 1984 Act did … Continue reading Regina v Commissioner of Police for The Metropolis, ex parte Rottman: HL 16 May 2002

Regina v Abu Hamza: CACD 28 Nov 2006

The defendant had faced trial on terrorist charges. He claimed that delay and the very substantial adverse publicity had made his fair trial impossible, and that it was not an offence for a foreign national to solicit murders to be carried out abroad. Held: The appeal failed. Murder is singled out as an offence even … Continue reading Regina v Abu Hamza: CACD 28 Nov 2006

Norris v United States of America and others: HL 12 Mar 2008

The detainee appealed an order for extradition to the USA, saying that the offence (price-fixing) was not one known to English common law. The USA sought his extradition under the provisions of the Sherman Act. Held: It was not, and it would be wrong in principle to decide that it was: ‘The common law recognised … Continue reading Norris v United States of America and others: HL 12 Mar 2008

Corner House Research and Others, Regina (on the Application of) v The Serious Fraud Office: HL 30 Jul 2008

SFO Director’s decisions reviewable The director succeeded on his appeal against an order declaring unlawful his decision to discontinue investigations into allegations of bribery. The Attorney-General had supervisory duties as to the exercise of the duties by the Director. It had become clear that a continued investigation would threaten co-operation between the UK and Saudi … Continue reading Corner House Research and Others, Regina (on the Application of) v The Serious Fraud Office: HL 30 Jul 2008

MAK and RK v The United Kingdom: ECHR 23 Mar 2010

mak_ukECHR10 When RK, a nine year old girl was taken to hospital, with bruises, the paediatrician wrongly suspecting sexual abuse, took blood samples and intimate photographs in the absence of the parents and without their consent. Held: The doctor had acted in a way to infringe the child and the parent’s human rights in acting … Continue reading MAK and RK v The United Kingdom: ECHR 23 Mar 2010

Government of the United States of America v McCaffery: HL 1984

Extradition was sought under the Treaty between the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of the United States of America. It was an ‘exceptional accusation case’, because article III of the Treaty provides that, in addition to the offences listed in the Schedule, extradition shall be granted if the offence is punishable under … Continue reading Government of the United States of America v McCaffery: HL 1984

EM (Lebanon) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 22 Oct 2008

The claimant challenged the respondent’s decision to order the return of herself and her son to Lebanon. Held: The test for whether a claimant’s rights would be infringed to such an extent as to prevent their return home was a strict one, but in this case, the appeal was allowed, and the decision quashed. The … Continue reading EM (Lebanon) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 22 Oct 2008

Zakrzewski v The Regional Court In Lodz, Poland: SC 23 Jan 2013

The appellant was subject to an extradition request. He objected that the request involved an aggregation of sentences and that this did not meet the requirement sof the 2003 Act. He had been arrested under the arrest warrant, but during his trial in the UK for offences here, he had asked for the four outstanding … Continue reading Zakrzewski v The Regional Court In Lodz, Poland: SC 23 Jan 2013

Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department ex parte Razgar etc: HL 17 Jun 2004

References: [2004] UKHL 27, [2004] 3 WLR 58, Times 21-Jun-04, [2004] 2 AC 369, [2004] 3 All ER 821, [2004] INLR 349 Links: House of Lords, Bailii Coram: Lord Bingham of Cornhill, Lord Steyn, Lord Walker of Gestingthorpe, Baroness Hale of Richmond, Lord Carswell The claimant resisted removal after failure of his claim for asylum, … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department ex parte Razgar etc: HL 17 Jun 2004

Reports

The English legal system has been producing law reports since time immemorial, and the Scots for even longer. These pages are full of codes making reference to such series, with their wonderful array of abbreviations. You cannot enquire about the law without beginning at least to understand and use them. Here is a brief, but … Continue reading Reports

law index

Our law-index is a substantial selection from our database. Cases here are restricted in number by date and lack the additional facilities formerly available within lawindexpro. Please do enjoy this free version of the lawindex. Case law does not ‘belong’ to lawyers. Judgments are made up of words which can be read and understood (if … Continue reading law index