Lord Bingham: ‘The court made plain in Ex p McDonald, as indeed is plain on the face of the statute, that when seeking an extension or a further extension of the custody time limit the Crown must show that there is good and sufficient [reason] for making the extension and that it has acted with … Continue reading Regina v Leeds Crown Court, Ex parte Bagoutie: 31 May 1999
ECHR Article 9-1Manifest religion or beliefConfiscation of cassette player used by prisoner to listen to religious tapes: inadmissibleFacts – The applicant, who was of Baptist confession, was serving a lengthy prison sentence. After reacting to the confiscation of a small radio-cassette player he had received after obtaining good results on a ‘Christian moral education’ programme, … Continue reading Austrianu v Romania: ECHR 12 Feb 2013
Application to set aside judgments entered on failure to comply with ‘unless’ orders. Held: Etherton J said: ‘The Court of Appeal has laid down guidance as to the approach of the Court when considering an application for relief from sanctions within CPR r.3.9. The Court, in such a case, must consider each of the nine … Continue reading CIBC Mellon Trust Company and Others v Stolzenberg and Others: ChD 3 Feb 2003
The appellant suffered cerebral palsy. Following a review, he was awarded mobility allowance, and then later the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance for life. He applied for the care element also. The respondent refused the care allowance, but also then superseded and cancelled the mobility element. Held: There had to be a change in … Continue reading Wood v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: CA 31 Jan 2003
The appellant a BNP member had displayed a large poster in his bedroom window saying ‘Islam out of Britain’. He was convicted of an aggravated attempt to cause alarm or distress. The offence was established on proof of several matters, unless the defendant could establish one of the statutory defences. He argued these should be … Continue reading Norwood v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 3 Jul 2003
The claimant, the son of the leader of Libya, sought damages for defamation from the defendant for an article alleging his involvement in criminal activities. The defendant appealed orders striking out certain parts of his defence, and the claimant appealed orders leaving other parts in place. Was there a qualified privilege for the articles because … Continue reading Gaddafi v Telegraph Group Ltd: CA 28 Oct 1998
(Supreme Court of Canada) Publication in a magazine of an unauthorised photograph of a 17 year old girl sitting on the steps of a public building had violated her right to respect for private life conferred under Article 5 of the ‘Quebec Charter’ of Human Rights and Freedoms. Citations: [1998] 1 SCR 591, (1998), 157 … Continue reading Aubry v Editions Vice-Versa Inc: 9 Apr 1998
(1) A person (C) in the United Kingdom who makes a human rights claim is asserting that C (or someone connected with C) has, for whatever reason, a right recognised by the ECHR, which is of such a kind that removing C from, or requiring C to leave, would be a violation of that right. … Continue reading Mujahid, Regina (on The Application of) v First-Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) and The Secretary of State for The Home Department (Refusal of Human Rights Claim): UTIAC 25 Feb 2020
Action for damages for malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office and breach of s.6 Human Rights Act 1998. It is brought by Mr Phillip Rudall, a solicitor from Swansea who, between January 2002 and July 2013, was the subject of investigation by the South Wales Police Fraud Squad (‘SWP’) and two prosecutions by the Crown … Continue reading Rudall v The Crown Prosecution Service and Another: QBD 30 Nov 2018
The claimants were residents of old people’s homes run by the council and maintained under s21 of the 1948 Act. They objected to the transfer of the homes into the private sector saying that it would infringe their rights to family life, and that the protection afforded to them would be reduced. Held: The claimants … Continue reading Johnson and others v London Borough of Havering and others: CA 30 Jan 2007
The claimant, the former Taoiseach of Ireland sought damages after the defendant newspaper published an article falsely accusing him of duplicity. The paper said that his position meant that they should have the defence of quaified privilege available. Held: Qualified privilege defence applied in defamation proceedings reporting acts of public officials where there appeared a … Continue reading Reynolds TD v Times Newspapers Ltd; Ruddock and Witherow: CA 8 Jul 1998
The plaintiffs appealed against refusal of orders striking out the defences of justification to their libel action. Held: The words complained of bore an accusation of money laundering. A plea of justification based upon a reasonable belief in the claimant’s criminality, could not be established by simply stating that publication had been a repetition of … Continue reading Shah and Another v Standard Chartered Bank: CA 2 Apr 1998
ECHR Article 10-1Freedom to impart informationCriminal conviction for making public irregular telephone tapping procedures: violationFacts – The first applicant worked in the telephone communications surveillance and recording department of a military unit of the Romanian Intelligence Service (RIS). In the course of his work he came across a number of irregularities. In addition, the telephones … Continue reading Bucur And Toma v Romania: ECHR 8 Jan 2013
ECHR Article 3Degrading treatmentStructural problems resulting in prisoner suffering from mental disorders being held for more than fifteen years in prison psychiatric wing with no hope of change or appropriate medical care: violationFacts – In February 1978 a Criminal Court judgment ruled that the applicant, who had raped his underage sisters, was not criminally responsible … Continue reading Claes v Belgium: ECHR 10 Jan 2013
The court was asked as to the extent of the Secretary of State’s discretion and obligation to consider a person’s Article 6 rights when requested personally to serve a judgment of an overseas court pursuant to a request for mutual legal assistance from the government of the country of that overseas court. The Claimant said … Continue reading Ismail v Secretary of State for Home Department: Admn 26 Mar 2013
A had pleaded guilty to a charge of being drunk in a public place, while having the charge of a child under the age of 7 years, contrary to section 2(1) of the Licensing Act 1902. The child in question was A’s daughter, to whom I shall refer as B. B was 2 and a … Continue reading A, Regina (on The Application of) v Lowestoft Magistrates’ Court: Admn 26 Mar 2013
The claimants sought damages for the actions of undercover police officers engaging in sexual activity as part of the investigation. The court now considered the role of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in dealing with such claims. Held: Such activity fell within ‘personal or other relationship with a person’ for the purposes of section 26(8) of … Continue reading AKJ and Others v Commissioner of Police for The Metroplis and Others: QBD 17 Jan 2013
The appellant challenged stays of proceedings by the respondent magistrates court for abuse of process infringing the defendants’ human right to a fair trial. The magistrates had fund that being faced with dismissal of a summary case through delay, the appellant had increased the charges adding allegations of dishonesty which had not been put to … Continue reading Department for Work and Pensions v Courts: Admn 3 May 2006
Maurice Kay VP began: ‘It is well-known that asylum applications, even when made promptly on arrival in this country, can take months or even years before final determination through the decision-making and appellate process. This causes familiar problems. Applicants require support and accommodation for substantial periods of time. When the time is particularly prolonged, features … Continue reading Negassi and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: CA 7 Mar 2013
UTIAC Since August 2009 UKBA has operated a policy relating to the processing and determination of applications under the Points Based System (‘PBS’). This was revised with effect from May 2011. In its policy letter of 19th May 2011, UKBA states that during an unspecified trial stage applicants will be contacted where mandatory evidence is … Continue reading Rodriguez (Flexibility Policy): UTIAC 31 Jan 2013
The Appellant has presented a claim in the Employment Tribunal in which she alleges that she was dismissed by the Respondent and that the dismissal amounted to sex discrimination and/or victimisation on the ground that she had done a protected act, contrary to the Equality Act 2010. She appeals against the Employment Tribunal’s refusal to … Continue reading Steer v Stormsure Ltd (Sex Discrimination, Human Rights): EAT 21 Dec 2020
ECHR Article 8 Expulsion Expulsion of long-term resident following series of criminal convictions: no violation Facts – The applicant was born in Estonia in 1978 and lived there on the basis of a temporary residence permit practically all his life until his expulsion in 2011. He did not appear to have ever formally requested Estonian … Continue reading Samsonnikov v Estonia (Summary): ECHR 3 Jul 2012
ECHR Article 8-1 Respect for private life Forced administration of therapeutic drugs in mental institution: violation Article 5 Article 5-1-e Persons of unsound mind Forced confinement in a mental institution: violationFacts – The applicant, a paediatrician, was arrested in October 2004 in connection with criminal proceedings that had been brought against her after she allegedly … Continue reading X v Finland: ECHR 3 Jul 2012
An order for a journalist to disclose the name of an employee disclosing his employer’s information, may be made where there was a need to identify a disloyal employee. Here drafts of accounts had been released to embarrass the company. The documents involved were stolen, and a return of them would enable identification of the … Continue reading Camelot Group plc v Centaur Communications Limited: CA 23 Oct 1997
The nature of the Secretary of State’s objections and a chance to reply are to be given if the Secretary intends to deny an application for naturalisation. Administrative convenience cannot justify unfairness. The court deprecated ‘fishing expeditons’ by those seeking a judicial review.Woolf LJ MR said: ‘on an application for judicial review there is usually … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for Home Department ex parte Fayed: CA 13 Nov 1996
The respondent had failed to renew the claimant’s license to fish in the South Atlantic for Patagonian Toothfish. The refusal had been found to be unlawful. The claimant now sought damages. Held: English law does not generally provide a remedy in damages for a breach of a public law right. There must exist a private … Continue reading Quark Fishing Ltd, Regina (on the Application Of) v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs: Admn 22 Jul 2003
The claimant was the subject of confidential reports prepared by the defendants which were leaked to newspapers causing him damage. He sought leave to amend his claim to add claims for breach of the Data Protection Act and for public misfeasance. Under the Civil Procedure Rules a new claim should be allowed if it is … Continue reading Lord Ashcroft v Attorney General and Department for International Development: QBD 31 May 2002
Section allowing admission of documentary evidence was not a breach of requirements of European Convention on Human Rights. Reading of statements allowed where witness in fear. Judge given sufficient balancing discretion to follow convention Citations: Times 24-Jul-1998 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1988 23 24 825 26 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Human Rights Updated: 25 October … Continue reading Regina v Thomas, Regina v Flannagan: CACD 24 Jul 1998
ECHR Article 2 Positive obligations Alleged failure of authorities to prosecute a journalist in respect of a newspaper article that was alleged to have put applicant’s life at risk: no violation Facts – At the material time the applicant was a member of the DTP, a former pro-Kurdish political party, and a member of Parliament. … Continue reading Selahattin Demirtas v Turkey: ECHR 23 Jun 2015
The petitioner issued a petition for divorce from the respondent, or alternatively a decree of nullity. The husband argued against both saying that the parties had not entered a marriage valid according to English law. W averred that the presumption of marriage arising out of cohabitation and reputation applied so as to validate the marriage. … Continue reading Akhter v Khan: FC 31 Jul 2018
Citations: [2001] EWCA Civ 1110, (2001) 4 CCL Rep 284, [2001] Lloyd’s Rep Med 450, [2002] 1 WLR 176, [2002] 2 FCR 181 Links: Bailii Statutes: Human Rights Act 1998, European Convention on Human Rights 5(4) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health, Human Rights Updated: 11 October 2022; Ref: scu.218294
The claimant was a category A prisoner serving a sentence of life imprisonment for murder. He sought the reasons for his categorisation as a Class A prisoner. Unhappy at the disclosure made, he sought information under the 1998 Act. It was argued that disclosure beyong ‘gist’ reports would threaten the system of categorisation, which was … Continue reading Lord, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 1 Sep 2003
Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Preliminary objection rejected (non-exhaustion); Violation of Art. 6-1 (public hearing); Violation of Art. 6-1 (impartial tribunal); Pecuniary damage – claim rejected; Non-pecuniary damage – finding of violation sufficient; Costs and expenses partial award – domestic proceedings; Costs and expenses partial award – Convention proceedings Citations: (1998) 28 EHRR 196, … Continue reading Gautrin And Others v France: ECHR 20 May 1998
Employees claimed religious objections to being obliged to members of a Trades Union. Held: It is the obligation of states which have ratified the Convention to secure to everyone within their jurisdiction the rights and freedoms which it protects. Judges: Wiarda P Citations: 7806/77, 7601/76, (1981) 4 EHRR 38, [1981] ECHR 4 Links: Worldlii, Bailii … Continue reading Young, James and Webster v The United Kingdom: ECHR 13 Aug 1981
UTIAC 1) Whilst section 2 of the Human Rights Act 1998 and its associated case law requires United Kingdom tribunals in general to give effect to the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, including that Court’s guidance on how to approach evidence in international protection cases, the weighing of evidence and the drawing … Continue reading AMM and Others (Conflict; Humanitarian Crisis; Returnees; FGM) Somalia CG: UTIAC 28 Nov 2011
The appellant had been detained under the 1983 Act. Her appeal had been declined as out of time, and she now appealed against rejection of her request for judicial review. Held: The appeal failed, even though the application to the tribunal should have been treated by it as in time, and the claim against the … Continue reading Modaresi, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Health and Others: CA 23 Nov 2011
The Lord Advocate appealed against three decisions as to the use to be made of interviews where the detainees had not been given access to lawyers. In each case the prosecutor now appealed after their convictions had been overturned in the light of the decision in Cadder. Held: (Lord Kerr dissenting) The prosecutor’s appeals failed. … Continue reading Jude v Her Majesty’s Advocate: SC 23 Nov 2011
The defendant had published a set of guidelines for intelligence officers called upon to detain and interrogate suspects. The defendant said that the guidelines could only be tested against individual real life cases, and that the court should not answer hypothetical questions. The objection lay to reactions to anticipated torture and mistreatment by third party … Continue reading Equality and Human Rights Commission v Prime Minister and Others: Admn 3 Oct 2011
Judges: Laws, Moore-Bick, Beatson LJJ Citations: [2013] EWCA Civ 697, [2014] 1 WLR 179, [2013] WLR(D) 289 Links: Bailii, WLRD Statutes: Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000, Human Rights Act 1998, Sexual Offences Act 2003 82(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing, Human Rights Updated: 10 September 2022; Ref: scu.510907
Licence conditions imposed at the time of sentence would restrict the defendant after he had served his sentence and been released, and so operated as a heavier penalty, and section 33(1) was incompatible with the defendant’s Art 7.1 rights. Held: Before the 1991 Act, a prisoner was entitled to release after serving the necessary part … Continue reading Regina on the Application of Uttley v Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 30 Jul 2003
The claimant sought judicial review of her detention under section 2 of the 1983 Act. Held: The request was rejected. The tribunal had been correct to treat the original application as out of time. The Secretary of State’s decision was neither unreasonable nor in breach of her rights under the Convention, and an isolated failure … Continue reading Modaresi, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Health and Others: Admn 3 Mar 2011
Judges: Baker J Citations: [2010] EWHC 2503 (Fam) Links: Bailii Statutes: Human Rights Act 1998 7 8, Children Act 1989 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children, Human Rights Updated: 25 August 2022; Ref: scu.425315
FTTTx National Insurance contributions – gender dysphoria – determination of pensionable age – whether possible to interpret ‘woman’ as including person with gender dysphoria living as a woman – whether directly effective right under Directive 79/7 to cease paying contributions otherwise than by satisfying conditions for recognition under the Gender Recognition Act 2004 – Social … Continue reading M v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 30 Jul 2010
The claimant had been a foster son and was now the administrator of the estate of the deceased tenant. He sought to occupy the property as a successor under the 1985 Act. He said that as a former foster child, he had become a member of the deceased’s family and the 1985 should be read … Continue reading Sheffield City Council v Wall (Personal Representatives of) and Others: CA 30 Jul 2010
The applicant, an 8 year old boy, became part of his Indian family who lived in England, through an adoption recognised in Indian Law, but not in English Law. Though the adoption was genuine, his family ties had not been broken in India. The family resisted an order for his return to India. Held: The … Continue reading Singh v Entry Clearance Officer New Delhi: CA 30 Jul 2004
The Court was asked whether it would be compatible with the appellant’s Convention rights within the meaning of the Human Rights Act 1998 for the appellant, who is an Albanian national, to be extradited to Albania. On 7 April 2001, while he was in the United Kingdom as an illegal immigrant, another Albanian national named … Continue reading Kapri v The Lord Advocate (Representing The Government of The Republic of Albania): SC 10 Jul 2013
Prisoner’s death – need for full public enquiry The deceased had been a young Asian prisoner. He was placed in a cell overnight with a prisoner known to be racist, extremely violent and mentally unstable. He was killed. The family sought an inquiry into the death. Held: There had been a police investigation and trial … Continue reading Amin, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 16 Oct 2003
Procedures on Withdrawal of Life Support Treatment The patient had been severely injured in the Hillsborough disaster, and had come to be in a persistent vegetative state (PVS). The doctors sought permission to withdraw medical treatment. The Official Solicitor appealed against an order of the Court of Appeal permitting the action. Held: The appeal failed. … Continue reading Airedale NHS Trust v Bland: HL 4 Feb 1993
(Jamaica) A five year delay in execution is excessive, and can itself amount to inhuman or degrading punishment. ‘There is an instinctive revulsion against the prospect of hanging a man after he has been held under sentence of death for many years. What gives rise to this instinctive revulsion? The answer can only be our … Continue reading Pratt and Morgan v The Attorney General for Jamaica and Another: PC 2 Nov 1993
The claimant sought damages for an article published by the defendant, who argued that as a corporation, the claimant corporation needed to show special damage, and also that the publication had qualified privilege. Held: ‘It is an established principle of the law of libel in this country that a claimant, whether individual or corporate, does … Continue reading Jameel and Another v Wall Street Journal Europe Sprl (No 2): CA 3 Feb 2005
The claimant’s daughter had been a voluntary patient at a mental hospital. She committed suicide when on home leave from a secure ward. The claimant now said that the hospital had acted incompatibly with their daughter’s human rights, in releasing her when she needed care. Held: The claim failed. Since Melanie was a voluntary mental … Continue reading Rabone and Another v Pennine Care NHS Trust: QBD 23 Jul 2009
Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Violation of Art. 6-1; Pecuniary damage – financial award; Non-pecuniary damage – financial award; Costs and expenses award – Convention proceedings Citations: [1993] ECHR 14, 13023/87, (1998) 26 EHRR 187 Links: Worldlii, Bailii Jurisdiction: Human Rights Cited by: Cited – A, Regina (on the Application of) v London Borough … Continue reading Salesi v Italy: ECHR 26 Feb 1993
The claimants complained of the system under which they had been placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely with no ability to have the registration reviewed. They said that this interfered with their right to respect for their private and family life. Held: The Secretary of State’s appeal against a declaration of incompatibility failed. The … Continue reading JF and Another, Regina (On the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 23 Jul 2009
Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Preliminary objection rejected (non-exhaustion); Violation of P1-1; Pecuniary damage – financial award; Non-pecuniary damage – financial award; Costs and expenses – claim rejected Citations: 19639/92, [1998] ECHR 86 Links: Worldlii, Bailii Jurisdiction: Human Rights Human Rights Updated: 28 July 2022; Ref: scu.165678
The Trust appealed against a finding that in terminating an assured tenancy transferred to it from a local authority, it had acted as a hybrid public authority and was subject to controls under the 1998 Act. Held: (Rix LJ dissenting). The appeal failed. When dealing with social tenants, the trust exercised a public law function. … Continue reading London and Quadrant Housing Trust v Weaver, Regina; Equality and Human Rights Commission intervening: CA 18 Jun 2009
A party who was in contempt of court should not be debarred from continuing to take a proper part in a court action unless that contempt was serious enough seriously to interfere with the fair conduct of the trial. ‘The courts need powers of punishment with which to enforce their orders. The ones they have … Continue reading In Re Swaptronics Ltd: ChD 24 Jul 1998
The applicants sought, by means of the Human Rights Act to challenge the way in which the decision had been made that they should be prosecuted under the 1989 Act, arguing that section 6(2) was inconsistent with the new Act. Held: The Act contravened the Convention insofar as it made evidential presumptions which were incompatible … Continue reading Regina v Director of Public Prosecutions ex parte Kebilene etc: Admn 30 Mar 1999
A Police Officer assisting in recovery of items ordered to be returned in matrimonial proceedings acted in excess of his powers and trespassed in entering house where there was no immediate threat of breach of the peace, and no sight of disorder. An interference with private life by the police must be objectively justified under … Continue reading McLeod v The United Kingdom: ECHR 23 Sep 1998
Citations: [1997] EWHC Admin 490 Links: Bailii Statutes: Extradition Act 1989 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – Regina v Secretary of State for Home Department ex parte Launder Admn 6-Aug-1996 The exercise of a discretion on extradition is judicially reviewable in the same way as are other decisions. . . See Also – … Continue reading In the Matter of Launder In the Matter of Extradition Act 1989 In the Matter of an Application for Bail: Admn 21 May 1997
Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Violation of Art. 8; Violation of Art. 25; Non-pecuniary damage – financial award Citations: [1998] ECHR 93, 27273/95 Links: Worldlii, Bailii Jurisdiction: Human Rights Human Rights Updated: 24 July 2022; Ref: scu.165665
ECHR Judgment (Merits and Just Satisfaction) – Preliminary objection rejected (non-exhaustion); Pecuniary damage – claim rejected; Non-pecuniary damage – financial award; Costs and expenses – claim rejected; Violation of Art. 5-3. Citations: 21380/93, [1998] ECHR 88, 21381/93 Links: Woldlii, Bailii Statutes: European Convention on Human Rights Jurisdiction: Human Rights Human Rights Updated: 23 July 2022; … Continue reading Demir and Others v Turkey: ECHR 23 Sep 1998
The claimants were to be married. They sold the rights to publish photographs of their wedding, but various of the defendants took and published unauthorised pictures. Held: The claimants had gone to lengths to ensure the commercial value of their celebration, and it could attract the protection given in law to confidential matters. What matters … Continue reading Douglas etc v Hello! Ltd etc: ChD 11 Apr 2003
The complainant said that the system under which he had been declared unfit to be involved in the management of an insurance company was unfair. Citations: 28530/95, [1998] ECHR 117, (1998) 25 EHRR CD88, 25 EHRR CD88 Links: Bailii Statutes: European Convention on Human Rights Jurisdiction: Human Rights Cited by: Cited – Wright and Others, … Continue reading X v United Kingdom: ECHR 19 Jan 1998
The claimant sought judicial review of the decision of the respondent to disclose documents obtained by it from them during an investigation. Held: The decisions to disclose material to the DoH were ‘in accordance with law’ within the meaning of Article 8(2), notwithstanding the width of the discretion conferred by section 3(5)(a). The claimant should … Continue reading Kent Pharmaceuticals Ltd, (Regina on the Application of ) v Serious Fraud Office and Another: Admn 17 Dec 2003
The applicant had been obliged under statute to have her claim for maintenance for her child pursued thorugh the Child Support Agency. She said that through the delay and otherwise, her claim had been lost. Held: The statute debarred the claimant pursuing her own remedies, and her human rights were therefore engaged. The inability to … Continue reading Regina (Kehoe) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: QBD 16 May 2003
Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Violation of Art. 6-1; Non-pecuniary damage – finding of violation sufficient; Costs and expenses partial award – Convention proceedings. Citations: [1998] ECHR 94, 28523/95 Links: Worldlii, Bailii Jurisdiction: Human Rights Human Rights Updated: 21 July 2022; Ref: scu.165676
Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Violation of Art. 10; Non-pecuniary damage – finding of violation sufficient; Costs and expenses partial award – Convention proceedings Citations: [1998] ECHR 90, 24662/94 Links: Worldlii, Bailii Jurisdiction: Human Rights Cited by: Cited – Callaghan v Independent News and Media Ltd QBNI 7-Jan-2009 callaghan_inmQBNI2009 The claimant was convicted in … Continue reading Lehideux And Isorni v France: ECHR 23 Sep 1998
Appeal, under section 103 from the decision to send the matter to the Secretary of State for Home Affairs to consider extraditing Zeqaj to Albania to serve a sentence of 23 years in connection with murder and firearms offences. Judges: Gross LJ, Gloster DBE J Citations: [2013] EWHC 261 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Extradition Act … Continue reading Zeqaj v Government of Albania: Admn 20 Feb 2013
The applicant had been attacked and beaten by skinheads shouting racial abuse. He complained that as a Roma, the police had failed through race discrimination properly to investigate his complaint. Held: The court repeated the statement that article 3 may give rise to a positive obligation to conduct an official investigation. The obligation on the … Continue reading Secic v Croatia: ECHR 31 May 2007
The claimants challenged the benefits cap introduced under the 2012 Act, saying that it was discriminatory, affecting more women than men. Mr Eadie QC submitted on behalf of the Secretary of State that, as ‘an international instrument with no binding effect in English law’, the Convention had no bearing on the case. Held: That suggestion … Continue reading JS and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Others: QBD 5 Nov 2013
Laws LJ’s observed that for a claim under article 8 of the ECHR to prevail, it must be ‘a very strong claim indeed’ Judges: Laws, Black LJJ, Mann J Citations: [2013] EWCA Civ 550, [2013] WLR(D) 192, [2013] Imm AR 1106, [2014] 1 WLR 998 Links: Bailii, WLRD Statutes: Human Rights Act 1998 Jurisdiction: England … Continue reading SS (Nigeria) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: CA 22 May 2013
The applicant’s father had been present on Christmas Island during British nuclear tests. She was diagnosed with leukaemia. She claimed the UK had been should have warned her parents of the risks associated with exposure to radiation and monitored her health. Held: The applicant had not proved that her father had actually been exposed to … Continue reading LCB v United Kingdom: ECHR 9 Jun 1998
A Brazilian mother came to the Netherlands in 1994 and set up home with a Dutch national but not applying for a residence permit. In 1996 they had a daughter who became a Dutch national. In 1997 they split up and the daughter remained with her father. It was eventually confirmed by the Dutch courts … Continue reading Rodrigues Da Silva and Hoogkamer v The Netherlands: ECHR 31 Jan 2006
The several applicants had been arrested in different circumstances and each charged with breach of the peace contrary to common law. Under the Magistrates’ Court Act 1980, the court can bind over a Defendant to keep the peace, if the Defendant consents, and impose a sentence of up to 6 months’ imprisonment if the Defendant … Continue reading Steel and Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 23 Sep 1998
Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Violation of Art. 5-3; No violation of Art. 6-1; Pecuniary damage – claim rejected; Costs and expenses award – Convention proceedings Citations: [1998] ECHR 89, 28213/95 Links: Worldlii, Bailii Jurisdiction: Human Rights Human Rights Updated: 18 July 2022; Ref: scu.165661
The principal issue is as to the effect of the 1998 Act on statutory provisions, that provide a benefit to a defendant, who is being tried for a criminal offence, but require him to prove certain facts which the statute specifies before he can obtain that benefit. Judges: Lord Woolfe LCJ, Rougier, Bell JJ Citations: … Continue reading Lambert and Others, Regina v: CACD 31 Jul 2000
Judges: Mr Justice Soole Citations: [2022] EWHC 1608 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Human Rights Act 1998 7 8 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Human Rights, Torts – Other Updated: 16 July 2022; Ref: scu.679056
PROCEDURE – hearing in public or private – VAT Tribunals Rules 1986 r 24(1) – assessment to recover allegedly over-claimed input tax – VATA 1994 ss 25, 26, VAT Regs 1995, reg 29, Sixth Directive art 18 – Human Rights Convention arts 6 and 8 – appellant a sole practitioner solicitor – application for hearing … Continue reading A Practitioner v Customs and Excise: VDT 12 Dec 2003
Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Preliminary objection rejected (non-exhaustion); Violation of Art. 6-1; Pecuniary damage – claim rejected; Non-pecuniary damage – finding of violation sufficient; Costs and expenses award – domestic proceedings; Costs and expenses award – Convention proceedings Citations: [1998] ECHR 99, 28194/95 Links: Worldlii, Bailii Jurisdiction: Human Rights Human Rights Updated: 13 … Continue reading Castillo Algar v Spain: ECHR 28 Oct 1998
Each defendant challenged decisions to extend the custody time limits. Judges: Lord Bingham of Cornhill LCJ, Collins J Citations: [1998] EWHC 319 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: European Convention of Human Rights 5, Bail Act 1976 4(1), Prosecution of Offences (Custody Time Limits) Regulations 1987 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Practice, Human Rights Updated: 12 July … Continue reading McDonald, Regina (on the Application of) v Manchester Crown Court; Others: Admn 9 Nov 1998
The defendant sought an order dismissing the defamation claim brought against it, saying that the rule that a defamation claim might be brought without proof of damage to reputation could not survive the introduction of the 1998 Act. Judges: Eady J Citations: [2003] EWHC 2945 (QB), [2004] 2 All ER 92 Links: Bailii Statutes: Human … Continue reading Jameel and Another v The Wall Street Journal Europe Sprl: QBD 5 Dec 2003
The claimant’s daughter had made a complaint of rape. She alleged that she was sexually harassed by the investigating police officer, and sought damages also from the defendant, his employer. The officer denied that anything improper or non-consensual had taken place. Held: The taking of the statements was a course of conduct and was plainly … Continue reading KD v Chief Constable of Hampshire: QBD 23 Nov 2005
Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Preliminary objection rejected (non-exhaustion); Violation of Art. 6-1; Not necessary to examine Art. 6-3-d; Pecuniary damage – claim rejected; Non-pecuniary damage – finding of violation sufficient Citations: [1998] ECHR 100, 19601/92 Links: Worldlii, Bailii Jurisdiction: Human Rights Human Rights Updated: 12 July 2022; Ref: scu.165688
The claimant said that his daughter in law had defamed him. She answered that the publication was protected by absolute privilege. She had complained to the police that he had hit her and her infant son. Held: ‘the process of taking a witness statement is an essential early step in an embryonic investigation, and it … Continue reading Westcott v Westcott: QBD 30 Oct 2007
The parties challenged under the 198 Act the right of trustees to seek a Beddoe order protecting themselves against an award of costs. Citations: [2007] EWHC 1922 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Human Rights Act 1998 Part 1 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – In Re Beddoe, Downes v Cottam CA 1893 A trustee had … Continue reading 3 Individual Present Professional Trustees of 2 Trusts v an Infant Prospective Beneficiary of One Trust and others: ChD 25 Jul 2007
The court heard an appeal against a preliminary decision of the Special Commissioners about two issues of principle which affect forthcoming appeals against assessments to self-assessments made by the Respondent Commissioners against them. The two issues are: (a) whether the time limit imposed by section 34 of the 1970 Act (‘TMA’) applies to closure notices … Continue reading Morris and Another v Revenue and Customs: ChD 23 May 2007
The claimants had been detained under the 1971 Act, after completing sentences of imprisonment pending their return to their home countries under deportations recommended by the judges at trial, or chosen by the respondent. They challenged as unlawful the respondent’s, at first unpublished, policy introduced in 2006, that by default, those awaiting deportation should be … Continue reading Lumba (WL) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 23 Mar 2011
The applicants complained that they had been made subject to non-derogating control orders as suspected terrorists, but that the failure to inform them of the allegations or evidence against them was unfair and infringed their human rights. The material was withheld in the interests of national security. Held: The failure to supply the defendants with … Continue reading Secretary of State for the Home Department v AF AN and AE (No 3): HL 10 Jun 2009
(Northern Ireland) Children had been taken to school in the face of vehement protests from Loyalists. The parents complained that the police had failed to protect them properly, since the behaviour was so bad as to amount to inhuman or degrading treatment, and that the police had given undue weight to the right to demonstrate. … Continue reading Re E (A Child); E v Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and Another (Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and others intervening): HL 12 Nov 2008
Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Violation of Art. 6-1 (as regards first complaint); Violation of Art. 6-1 (as regards second complaint); Pecuniary damage – claim rejected; Non-pecuniary damage – finding of violation sufficient; Costs and expenses partial award – Convention proceedings Citations: 22924/93, [1998] ECHR 97 Links: Worldlii, Bailii Statutes: European Convention on Human … Continue reading AIT-Mouhoub v France: ECHR 28 Oct 1998
ECHR Inadmissibility, for being out of time, of reposicion application against court decision whereby a settlement agreement which the applicant had sought to enforce had been declared voidIn a dispute between the applicant and a neighbour concerning the latter’s view over the applicants property a settlement agreement was concluded between the parties. However, the time-limit … Continue reading Perez De Rada Cavanilles v Spain: ECHR 28 Oct 1998
(Northern Ireland) The applicant sought judicial review of a decision not to disclose documents held by the respondent to him saying that the refusal was disproportionate and infringed his human rights. The respondents said that the documents were provided on an assurance of confidentiality. Held: Disclosure rules are different in judicial review proceedings since such … Continue reading Tweed v Parades Commission for Northern Ireland: HL 13 Dec 2006
The child had been born to parents who married and later divorced in Romania. The mother brought him to England without the father’s consent, and now appealed an order for his return. Held: The mother’s appeal succeeded. The Convention required an order to be made for the return of a child only where the parent … Continue reading In re D (A Child), (Abduction: Rights of Custody): HL 16 Nov 2006
The employer appealed against findings of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination. The employee worked in IT. He was profoundly deaf, but could lip read and read sign language. He had been accused of obtaining improper access to a senior staff member’s emails. During the disciplinary hearing, he had been assisted by an interpreter for part … Continue reading Taylor v OCS Group Ltd: CA 31 May 2006
SCIT PROCEEDS OF CRIME – General Revenue function – Assessment to tax by Director – Whether Special Commissioners have the power to allow appeal on basis that qualifying conditions for exercise of Director’s Revenue functions are not satisfied – Yes – Whether article 6 ECHR applies to Director’s tax assessment – No – Whether retrospective … Continue reading Khan v Assets Recovery Agency: SCIT 23 Feb 2006
ECHR Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) – Preliminary objection rejected; Violation of Art. 3; Not necessary to examine Art. 2; Not necessary to examine Art. 5-1; Violation of Art. 8; Violation of P1-1; Not necessary to examine Art. 6-1; Violation of Art. 13; No violation of Art. 14; No violation of Art. 18; Pecuniary damage … Continue reading Selauk and Asker v Turkey: ECHR 24 Apr 1998
The patient did not wish her nearest relative, namely her sister, to be involved with her case and there was evidence that she would be so distressed by the sister being consulted that it could harm her health. The sister likewise did not wish to become involved. Held: When an adult whose mental health is … Continue reading E, Regina (on the Application of) v Bristol City Council: Admn 13 Jan 2005
The appellant had requested the magistrates to state a case as to why they had ruled against his submission that he had no case to answer. The established rule is that they do not have to give such reasons. He argued that the new Human Rights duties required such reasons to be given to allow … Continue reading Moran v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 30 Jan 2002
Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Violation of Art. 8 ; Non-pecuniary damage – finding of violation sufficient ; Costs and expenses partial award – Convention proceedingsThe applicant had been under investigation by the police. Whilst under arrest, his garage was fitted with a secret recording device, and the evidence gathered was later used against … Continue reading Hewitson v The United Kingdom: ECHR 27 May 2003
The applicant was a foreign national serving a long-term prison sentence. He complained that UK nationals would have had their case referred to the parole board before his. Held: The right to be referred to the parole board was a statutory right, which was not the same as an article 3 right to liberty and … Continue reading Secretary of State for the Home Department v Hindawi and Headley: CA 13 Oct 2004
