The Court was asked: ‘Whether a person detained under a provision of the Mental Health Act is, as a matter of public policy or otherwise, prevented from paying for his own care/treatment?’ The claimant had fallen from an ambulance, suffering brain injury leading to his being held in hospital, and the anser to the question … Continue reading North Dorset NHS Primary Care Trust and Another v Coombs: CA 30 Apr 2013
Citations: [2000] EWHC 641 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health Updated: 04 December 2022; Ref: scu.331010
The defendant appealed the decision of the district judge when adjourning his case for a second psychiatric report with a view to hispossible committal to hospital, saying that this would deprive him of his right to a trial. Held: In cases alleged insanity either at the time of the offence or at trial, the magistrates … Continue reading Singh, Regina (on the Application Of) v Stratford Magistrates Court: Admn 3 Jul 2007
A person who is liable to be detained in a hospital by virtue of an application or order under that Act may either be actually detained or given leave of absence. While on leave of absence it may well be that the patient’s disorder is not such that he needs to be detained in hospital. … Continue reading Barker v Barking Havering and Brentwood Community Healthcare NHS Trust (Warley Hospital) and Anorther: CA 30 Jul 1998
The issue that arises in this case concerns non-compliant incapacitated patients, that is those who are not willing to be admitted and do not have the capacity to consent to admission, to psychiatric hospitals pending the making of an application for their compulsory admission to hospital for assessment under section 2 Mental Health Act 1983 … Continue reading Sessay, Regina (on The Application of) v South London and Maudsley Nhs Foundation Trust and Another: QBD 13 Oct 2011
Judges: Sir John Thomas, Moore-Bick, Rimer LJJ Citations: [2013] EWCA Civ 96 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health Updated: 14 November 2022; Ref: scu.471011
The applicant was a discretionary life prisoner compulsorily detained in a mental hospital. His tariff had now expired. If not detained under the 1983 Act he would now be entitled to a review. He argued that there should be a joint hearing. Held: There is no necessary breach of the requirement of a speedy hearing … Continue reading P, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 11 Dec 2003
The defendant firm of solicitors, acting as executors had sought to arrange matters to minimise Inheritance Tax. A deed of variation was put in place after approval by the court, but the CTO interpreted the deed differently. The executors believed the interpretation to be wrong and sought advantage from that interpretation on counsel’s advice. Negligence … Continue reading Jemma Trust Company Ltd v Kippax Beaumont Lewis (A Firm) and others: CA 11 Mar 2005
The owners of private mental hospital sought to change the character of one of its wards. A patient sought leave to challenge that change by judicial review, arguing that the hospital served a public function. Held: Although the contracting out of the Heath Authority’s functions might not always transfer its public obligations, such obligations might … Continue reading Regina (A) v Partnerships in Care Ltd: QBD 11 Apr 2002
The issue before the tribunal was whether the disorder, if established, had resulted in abnormally aggressive or seriously irresponsible conduct in the past and there was a real risk that, if treatment in hospital were discontinued, it would do so in the future. Citations: [2002] EWCA Civ 697 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited … Continue reading P, Regina (on the Application of) v Mental Health Review Tribunal for East Midlands and North East Regions: CA 16 Apr 2002
Judges: Silber J Citations: [2003] EWHC 919 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 2 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health Updated: 11 October 2022; Ref: scu.185587
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 court was asked whether either, and if so which, of two local authorities have the duty under section 117 of the 1983 Act to provide after-care services on the release of SF aged 23 from compulsory detention for treatment under that Act. The applicant challenged a position statement of South Tyneside Council, suggesting that … Continue reading Sunderland City Council, Regina (on The Application of) v South Tyneside Council: Admn 15 Jul 2011
Citations: [2011] UKUT 143 (AAC), [2011] MHLR 159, [2011] AACR 42 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 68(7) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health Updated: 07 September 2022; Ref: scu.433525
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
The court was asked which local authority had responsibility to provide support to a patient on his discharge after a period of detention under section 3 of the 1983 Act. Judges: Carnwath, Rimer, Sullivan LJJ Citations: [2011] EWCA Civ 77, [2011] BLGR 536, [2011] MHLR 76, [2011] Med LR 181, [2011] PTSR 1623, (2011) 119 … Continue reading Hertfordshire County Council, Regina (on The Application of) v JM: CA 15 Feb 2011
The defendant was convicted of manslaughter with diminished responsibility. The court was now asked whether it was correct to order a discretionary life sentence or to impose a hospital order pursuant to section 37 of the 1983 Act, with a restriction requirement pursuant to section 41. It was accepted that if a hospital order coupled … Continue reading Welsh v Regina: CACD 1 Feb 2011
The claimant had said that his detention under the 1983 Act was unlawful, and that the court should issue a writ of habeas corpus for his release. Having been released he sought damages on the basis that his human rights had been infringed. The admission had been made despite the claimant’s brother having notified the … Continue reading TTM v London Borough of Hackney and Others: Admn 11 Jun 2010
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
Judges: Mummery, Richards, Stanley Burton LJJ Citations: [2008] EWCA Civ 1112, [2008] MHLR 306 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 2 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health Updated: 19 July 2022; Ref: scu.277309
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
False Imprisonment Damages / Immigration Detention The respondent had held the claimant in custody, but had failed to follow its own procedures. The claimant appealed against the rejection of his claim of false imprisonment. He had overstayed his immigration leave, and after convictions had served a prison sentence. When about to be released, an order … Continue reading Kambadzi (previously referred to as SK (Zimbabwe)) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 25 May 2011
JB challenged his detention under the 1983 Act. Held: The judicial review procedure afforded a sufficient appeal procedure for a detainee. Judges: Auld LJ, Scott Baker LJ, neuberger LJ Citations: [2006] EWCA Civ 961, [2006] HRLR 40 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 37 41 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – T-Mobile … Continue reading JB, Regina (on the Application of) v Responsible Medicial Officer, Dr Haddock: CA 11 Jul 2006
‘ This case concerns which local authority is responsible for meeting the accommodation costs of an individual detained under section 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983 who is then discharged back into the community.’ Judges: Mitting J Citations: [2010] EWHC 562 (Admin), (2010) 13 CCL Rep 217, [2010] BLGR 678, (2010) 116 BMLR 46, … Continue reading M, Regina (on The Application of) v London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and Another: Admn 3 Mar 2010
Each applicant sought judicial review of the refusal of the tribunal to authorise their release from detention under the 1983 Act, saying that the Tribunal had accepted evidence to a lower standard of proof. Held: Neither the criminal standard of proof nor the level of proof set down in Addington applied. To raise the standard … Continue reading Regina (DJ) v Mental Health Review Tribunal; Regina (AN) v Mental Health Review Tribunal (Northern Region): Admn 11 Apr 2005
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
Proceedings before the Mental Health Review Tribnal had been very nearly all held in private. The patient, Ian Brady sought to have his hearing in public. Held: Beatson J approved the Tribunal’s reasons forfind that their privacy rules were a proper and proportionate departure from the principle of open justice and thus compatible with article … Continue reading Mersey Care NHS Trust, Regina (on the Application of) v Mental Health Review Tribunal and others: Admn 22 Jul 2004
The medical member of the review tribunal to which the appellant had applied for his discharge from detention under section 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983 who was a consultant psychiatrist was not disqualified from considering the appellant’s case because he was employed by the Mersey Care National Health Service Trust: ‘We consider that … Continue reading Regina on the Application of PD v West Midlands and North West Mental Health Review Tribunal: CA 17 Mar 2004
The appellant had been found unfit to plead after assaulting his son, and he had been detained under the 1964 Act. He alleged his detention was in breach of his right to a fair trial. His release had been authorised subject to the appointment of a supervising psychiatrist. He complained that his detention was unlawful … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department and Another ex parte IH: HL 13 Nov 2003
The patient was ordered to be discharged and released from hospital. The tribunal making the order had not accepted the medical recommendations. His release was deferred pending the finding of accommodation, but in the meantime, a social worker applied for his re-admission. Held: The approved social worker could not apply in these circumstances unless he … Continue reading Regina v East London and the City Mental Health NHS Trust and Another ex parte Von Brandenburg (Aka Hanley): HL 13 Nov 2003
Citations: [2003] EWHC 1182 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 3 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health Updated: 07 June 2022; Ref: scu.185343
The claimant sought damages for the circumstances of her having been taken into custody. A magistrate had issued a warrant to require her to be removed to a place of safety. The warrant named a social worker and doctor to accompany the officer. The warrant was executed but the social worker and doctor were not … Continue reading Ward v The Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis and Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust: CA 30 Jul 2003
The claimant was a mental patient under compulsory detention, and complained that he had been subjected to periods of seclusion. Held: The appeal succeeded. The hospital had failed to follow the appropriate Code of Practice. The Code was not obligatory, but following it would generally ensure that a patient’s rights were not infringed. It recognised … Continue reading Munjaz v Mersey Care National Health Service Trust And the Secretary of State for Health, the National Association for Mental Health (Mind) Respondent interested;: CA 16 Jul 2003
B having been made subject to a court hospital order classifying him as suffering from a mental illness, complained when he was later detained under section 63 as subject to a personality disorder. Held: At all times, B was classified as suffering from a mental illness, and the tribunal had not said his condition was … Continue reading B, Regina (on the Application of) v Ashworth Hospital Authority: CA 15 Apr 2003
Damages were claimed by three mental health patients whose rights under Article 5(4) had been infringed because of inordinate delay in processing their claims to mental health review tribunals. Held: Article 5.5 did not make an award of damages mandatory. It was complied with provided that it was possible to make an application for compensation; … Continue reading KB and Others, Regina (on the Applications of) v Mental Health Review Tribunal: Admn 23 Apr 2002
This case raises, among other matters, an issue about whether reasons for a restricted patient’s recall to detention in a hospital have to be provided orally or in writing. Judges: Dingemans Citations: [2013] EWHC 1784 (Admin), [2015] 2 WLR 256, [2015] 1 QB 385 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 42(3), Human Rights Act … Continue reading Lee-Hirons, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice and Another: Admn 28 Jun 2013
The patient was detained on the application of an AMHP. In purported pursuance of section 11(4) the AMHP had consulted the patient’s mother as her nearest relative. However, the patient’s mother was not ordinarily resident in the UK, and, according to the statutory definition of ‘nearest relative’, the AMHP ought to have consulted the patient’s … Continue reading Regina v Managers of South Western Hospital and Another, Ex Parte M: QBD 24 Mar 1993
The court was asked ‘When a mental health review tribunal has ordered the discharge of a patient, is it lawful to readmit him under section 2 or section 3 of the [Mental Health Act 1983] where it cannot be demonstrated that there has been a relevant change of circumstances?’ Held: There was nothing to prevent … Continue reading Regina (Count Franz Von Brandenburg (aka Hanley) ) v East London and The City Mental Health NHS Trust, Snazell, Approved Social worker: CA 21 Feb 2001
A patient having been convicted of manslaughter eventually applied for release. The authorities were concerned that he might have a spontaneous recurrence of his condition, but delayed preparation of a plan for his release. The Tribunal refused to order his release despite the delay. A review of the Tribunal failed because the Tribunal had no … Continue reading Regina v Mental Health Review Tribunal; Torfaen County Borough Council and Gwent Health Authority (ex parte Russell Hall): CA 30 Jul 1999
The defendant was convicted of indecent assault and common assault after caning a 17 year old female complainant for the purposes of sexual gratification. The complainant suffered actual bodily harm, though the defendant was not charged with an offence under s.47. His defence was consent. The judge had directed the jury that the issue was … Continue reading Rex v Donovan: CCA 1934
The tribunal had ordered the conditional discharge of the patient, subject to conditions to be satisfied by the local health authority. The authority had failed to make the arrangements which would have satisfied the relevant conditions, and as a result the patient remained in detention in hospital. Held: A health or social services authority has … Continue reading Regina v Mental Health Review Tribunal; Torfaen County Borough Council and Gwent Health Authority ex parte Hall: Admn 23 Apr 1999
Judges: Richards J Citations: [1998] EWHC Admin 516 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 35 Health, Criminal Practice Updated: 27 May 2022; Ref: scu.138637
The Commission had power to hear a complaint about treatment since the power to detain also carried the power to treat, and a complaint about one part carried a power to complain about the rest. Citations: Times 18-May-1998, [1998] EWHC Admin 524 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 120(b)(ii) Health, Jury Updated: 27 May … Continue reading Regina v Mental Health Act Commission ex parte Smith: Admn 11 May 1998
The prisoner had been sentenced to an extended term of five years imprisonment for indecent assault. He had been released, and then recalled for alleged breaches of his licence. The respondent appealed findings that such a recall was subject to article 5, and that his release would be mandatory under s44A(b) if his continued detention … Continue reading Regina (Sim) v Parole Board: CA 18 Dec 2003
The duty of a local authority to seek to provide resources to care for a mental patient after release into the community, is not absolute, and is subject to the limitations of the availability of a sufficient budget. A continued detention in hospital of a patient because of the absence of such proper provision was … Continue reading Regina (on the application of K) v Camden and Islington Health Authority: CA 21 Feb 2001
Judgment on the claimant’s application for permission to apply for judicial review as to whether the defendant local authority is duty bound by virtue of the terms of section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983, to provide the claimant, in his particular circumstances, with accommodation free-of-charge. Judges: Mostyn J Citations: [2013] EWHC 1637 (Admin) … Continue reading Afework, Regina (on The Application of) v London Borough of Camden: Admn 13 Jun 2013
The authority obtained an ex parte order allowing it to give treatment in the form of a medically assisted birth, to the claimant against her will. Citations: Times 08-May-1998, Gazette 03-Jun-1998, [1998] EWHC Admin 490 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 2 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – Regina v Collins; Pathfinder … Continue reading Regina v Collins; Pathfinder Mental Health Services NHS Trust and St Georges Healthcare NHS Trust ex parte S: Admn 7 May 1998
A patient’s conditional discharge had been ordered by a tribunal. One of the conditions imposed by the tribunal was the appointment by the health authority of a responsible medical officer to provide psychiatric supervision of the patient in the community. The authority refused to make the appointment. Held: ‘I reject the submission that this duty … Continue reading Regina v Ealing District Health Authority, ex parte Fox: 1993
The plaintiff brought proceedings against the defendant health authority for negligence and breach of duty of care on the ground that, if he had been properly treated, he would not have killed his victim and would not have been convicted of the offence of manslaughter. He alleged that the consequence of the defendant’s breach of … Continue reading Clunis v Camden and Islington Health Authority: QBD 12 Dec 1996
A standardised period before a hearing to review a patient’s detention that does not vary with the facts of each case may involve a breach of the Convention right. Citations: [2001] EWCA Civ 1110, [2002] 1 WLR 176 Statutes: European Convention on Human Rights, Mental Health Act 1983 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited … Continue reading Regina (C) v London South and West Region Mental Health Review Tribunal: CA 2001
The applicant sought to challenge a decision that she should be sterilised, and detained as a mental patient for this purpose. Judges: Popplewell J Citations: [1997] EWHC Admin 281 Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 2, Supreme Court Act 1981 31(6) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – Regina v Collins; Pathfinder Mental Health Services … Continue reading Regina v Collins; Pathfinder Mental Health Services NHS Trust and St George’s Health Care NHS Trust ex parte ‘S’: Admn 17 Mar 1997
When a person detained compulsorily applied for a review of his admission, it was unacceptable to list all such cases to be heard only after eight weeks. Whilst such cases might often require detailed assessment which would take some time after admission, and the consequences of a decision to confirm the detention were serious for … Continue reading Regina (C) v Mental Health Review Tribunal: CA 11 Jul 2001
Hughes LJ said that the detention for public protection regime and that under sections 37/41 of the 1983 Act have features in common. Under both, release is discretionary in the hands of the Secretary of State, effectively the Ministry of Justice. There is no absolute right to release. The test for the exercise of the … Continue reading Attorney-General’s Reference No 54 of 2011: CACD 2012
Where a patient was detained having been diagnosed as suffering from two mental health conditions justifying his detention, a finding that one condition was in remission but might return, but which could not at that time be used to justify his continued detention, did not oblige the tribunal to delete that condition as a basis … Continue reading Regina v Anglia and Oxfordshire Mental Health Review Tribunal, Ex Parte Hagan: CA 21 Jan 2000
(US Supreme Court) To commit an individual to a mental institution in civil proceedings, the state was required by the ‘due process’ clause of the US Constitution to prove by clear and convincing evidence the statutory preconditions to commitment. That was an intermediate standard, between proof beyond reasonable doubt and proof on the preponderance of … Continue reading Addington v Texas: 30 Apr 1979
The respondent appealed against a finding that the provision which made a loan agreement completely invalid for lack of compliance with the 1974 Act was itself invalid under the Human Rights Act since it deprived the respondent lender of its property rights. It was also argued that it was not possible to make a declaration … Continue reading Wilson v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; Wilson v First County Trust Ltd (No 2): HL 10 Jul 2003
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
Upon the allegedly negligent release of the claimant from mental health care, she had, while in the midst of a serious psychotic episode, derived from the schizophrenia, killed her mother and been convicted of manslaughter. She now sought damages in negligence. The defendant relied upon a defence of illegality. Held: All the heads of claim … Continue reading Henderson v Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust: CA 3 Aug 2018
Change in Doctors’ Information Obligations The pursuer claimed that her obstetrician had been negligent, after her son suffered severe injury at birth. The baby faced a birth with shoulder dystocia – the inability of the shoulders to pass through the pelvis. The consultant considered that a vaginal birth was preferable and did not given advice … Continue reading Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board: SC 11 Mar 2015
The defendants, young boys, had set fire to paper and thrown the lit papers into a wheelie bin, expecting the fire to go out. In fact substantial damage was caused. The House was asked whether a conviction was proper under the section where the defendant had given no thought to a risk of damage, but … Continue reading Regina v G and R: HL 16 Oct 2003
Parents of children had falsely and negligently been accused of abusing their children. The children sought damages for negligence against the doctors or social workers who had made the statements supporting the actions taken. The House was asked if the suffering of psychiatric injury by the parent was a foreseeable result of making it and … Continue reading JD v East Berkshire Community Health NHS Trust and others: HL 21 Apr 2005
Balance of Interests in peaceful enjoyment claim (Plenary Court) The claimants challenged orders expropriating their properties for redevelopment, and the banning of construction pending redevelopment. The orders remained in place for many years. Held: Article 1 comprises three distinct rules: the first rule, set out in the first sentence of the first paragraph, is general … Continue reading Sporrong and Lonnroth v Sweden: ECHR 23 Sep 1982
Standing to Claim under A1P1 ECHR The appellants had written employers’ liability insurance policies. They appealed against rejection of their challenge to the 2009 Act which provided that asymptomatic pleural plaques, pleural thickening and asbestosis should constitute actionable harm for the purposes of an action of damages for personal injury. Held: The insurers’ appeals failed. … Continue reading AXA General Insurance Ltd and Others v Lord Advocate and Others: SC 12 Oct 2011
EAT UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Dismissal/ambiguous resignationWhether employee was dismissed – unambiguous words of dismissal used by employer – Tribunal erred in law in holding that by reason of ‘special circumstances’ the employer did not dismiss the employee.Cases on ‘special circumstances’ considered and reviewed – in particular Sothern v Frank Charlesly and Co [1981] IRLR 278; … Continue reading Willoughby v C F Capital Plc: EAT 13 Jul 2010
The defendant had been admitted to hospital under the 1983 Act and found to be pregnant. The doctors sought an order permitting an abortion. An order had been made, but the parties invited the court to say whether a court order was required at all. Held: Where there is any doubt as to either capacity … Continue reading An NHS Trust v D (Medical Treatment: Consent: Termination): FD 28 Nov 2003
Application for judicial review of a decision by an independent panel (‘the Panel’) on 12 April 2016 to discharge the Interested Party, AU, from detention under the Mental Health Act 1983 Cranston J [2016] EWHC 1196 (Admin) Bailii Mental Health Act 1983 Health Updated: 16 January 2022; Ref: scu.564655
The appellant was detained under section 37 of the 1983 Act as a mental patient with a restriction under section 41. He sought his release. Held: The standard of proof in such applications remained the balance of probabilities, but that standard was flexible, and varied according to the seriousness of the allegation. The only misdirection … Continue reading AN, Regina (on the Application of) v Mental Health Review Tribunal (Northern Region) and others: CA 21 Dec 2005
The claimant appealed against an order striking out his claim in negligence. He had leaped from a window in a suicide attempt. The accommodation was provided by the defendant whilst caring for him under the 1983 Act. Held: The case should be allowed to go ahead. Though the common law tort of negligence is still … Continue reading K v Central and North West London Mental Health NHS Trust and Another: QBD 30 May 2008
PH had severe physical and learning disabilities and was without speech, lacking capacity to decide for himself where to live. Since the age of four he received accommodation and support at public expense. Until his majority in December 2004, he was living with foster parents in South Gloucestershire. He then lived in two care homes … Continue reading Cornwall Council, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Health and Somerset County Council: SC 8 Jul 2015
The patient had been detained, and then secluded within the mental hospital for 11 days. He claimed to have been subjected to inhuman treatment, and false imprisonment. Held: His claim failed. The policy allowed the authority to confine him to a locked room under supervision for the protection of others. The fact of seclusion did … Continue reading S v Airedale National Health Service Trust: QBD 22 Aug 2002
The Court of Appeal issued habeas corpus because the applicant was committed to a mental institution pursuant to an application which was made by somebody who lacked the statutory authority to make it. The right of personal freedom is fundamental. In the mental health context, if someone is to be taken out of the community … Continue reading In re S-C (Mental Patient: Habeas Corpus): CA 22 Nov 1995
The Court was asked: ‘As: (i) a public body with obligations in public law and (ii) a public authority under the Human Rights Act 1998 can the Secretary of State for Health ‘the S/S’ lawfully refuse to refer a patient’s case to the First-tier Mental Health Review Tribunal ‘MHRT’ under section 67(1) of the Mental … Continue reading Modaresi, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Health: SC 24 Jul 2013
dispute about which of two local authorities should pay for care services, in this case after-care services pursuant to s.117(3) of the Mental Health Act 1983 Lord Justice Coulson, Lady Justice Carr, And, Lord Justice William Davis [2021] EWCA Civ 1957 Bailii, Judiciary England and Wales Health, Local Government Updated: 28 December 2021; Ref: scu.670716
The court considered and rejected the possibility of the First Tier Tribunal making orders under the 2005 Act which would have the effect of depriving a patient of his liberty. The respondent, now aged 73, suffered a persistent delusional condition and was a ‘restricted patient’. Maurice Kay LJ VP, Arden, Moses LJJ [2011] EWCA Civ … Continue reading The Secretary of State for Justice v RB and Another: CA 20 Dec 2011
UTAA Mental Health : All [2014] UKUT 410 (AAC) Bailii Mental Health Act 1983 3 England and Wales Health Updated: 23 December 2021; Ref: scu.539054
Appeal from dismissal of claim for professional negligence [2003] EWCA Civ 878 Bailii Mental Health Act 1983 3 England and Wales Professional Negligence, Health Updated: 16 December 2021; Ref: scu.330943
A mother sought to challenge guidelines issued by the respondent which would allow doctors to protect the confidentiality of women under 16 who came to them for assistance even though the sexual activities they might engage in would be unlawful. Held: A person under 16 who was otherwise competent was entitled to seek medical assistance, … Continue reading Axon, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Health and Another: Admn 23 Jan 2006
There had been a trial of 35 days regarding rights of way over land, which had proved fruitless, and where some orders had been made without jurisdiction. The result had been inconclusive. The costs order was now appealed, the plaintiff complaining that the judge had failed to take into account an offer of settlement made … Continue reading Cutts v Head and Another: CA 7 Dec 1983
The appellant Khera’s father had obtained leave to settle in the UK. The appellant obtained leave to join him, but did not disclose that he had married. After his entry his wife in turn sought to join him. The appellant was detained as an illegal immigrant. Held: The term ‘illegal immigrant’ included anyone entering unlawfully. … Continue reading Khera v Secretary of State for The Home Department; Khawaja v Secretary of State for The Home Department: HL 10 Feb 1983
The Court considered the meaning of ‘discharge’ from a mental health hospital. Elias J held that it meant ‘discharge from detention in hospital’, so that there could be a discharge on condition of residence in another hospital: but he also held that the crucial question was whether the conditions amounted to detention, which was not … Continue reading Secretary of State for the Home Department, Regina (on the Application of) v Mental Health Review Tribunal: Admn 20 May 2002
the interpretation of section 73(2) (and section 42(2)) may depend, in part at least, on what is meant by ‘discharge’. Held: Mann J said that it meant ‘discharge from hospital’, so that a condition could not be imposed that the patient reside in another hospital, even if not under conditions of detention. Mann J [1986] … Continue reading Secretary of State for the Home Department v Mental Health Review Tribunal for Mersey Regional Health Authority: Admn 1986
From 4 April 2005 until 3 December 2012, English law provided for the imposition of sentences of imprisonment for public protection (‘IPP’). The Court addressed the practical and legal issues resulting from the new system. Held: The decision as to whether to impose an IPP senence and whether a prisoner was ready for release on … Continue reading Sturnham, Regina (on The Application of) v The Parole Board of England and Wales and Another (No 2): SC 3 Jul 2013
Consent to Sex Requires Capacity The prosecution appealed against the reversal of the defendant’s conviction for a sexual assault of a woman said to be unable to communicate her refusal to sex because of her mental disorder. Held: The appeal was allowed, and the conviction restored. The case law on capacity has for some time … Continue reading Regina v C: HL 30 Jul 2009
The applicant, a Pakistani national had entered the UK to act as a Muslim priest. The Home Secretary was satisfied that he was associated with a Muslim terrorist organisation, and refused indefinite leave to remain. The Home Secretary provided both open and closed statements to the tribunal. The open statement accepted that the organisation was … Continue reading Secretary of State for the Home Department v Rehman: HL 11 Oct 2001
The applicants had each been given a life sentence, but having served the minimum term had been due to have the continued detention reviewed to establish whether or not continued detention was necessary for the protection of the pblic. It had not been, and each had claimed there was no basis for his continued detention, … Continue reading Faulkner, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice and Another: SC 1 May 2013
The claimant challenged his detention under the 1971 Act, now appealing against refusal of judicial review. His asylum claims had been rejected, and he had been convicted of various offences, including failures to answer bail. He had failed to report as required to comply with the deportation requirements. He had been transferred to a prison … Continue reading MC (Algeria), Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: CA 31 Mar 2010
The Sentence Review Commissioners had decided not to order the release of the prisoner, who was serving a life sentence. He had been released on licence from a life sentence and then committed further serious sexual offences against under-age girls and was recalled. In considering his application for a further licence he complained that the … Continue reading In re D; Doherty, Re (Northern Ireland); Life Sentence Review Commissioners v D: HL 11 Jun 2008
The various claimants sought damages for established breaches of their human rights involving breaches of statutory duty by way of maladministration. Does the state have a duty to provide support so as to avoid a threat to the family life of the claimant? Held: A finding that a Convention right has been infringed, including a … Continue reading Anufrijeva and Another v London Borough of Southwark: CA 16 Oct 2003
The claimant sought damages after being detained under the 1983 Act, and a declaration that the section used was incompatible with her human rights. Held: The test for allowing proceedings was set at a low level, and even if section 139 does have any effect on the Applicant’s rights under Article 6 read together with … Continue reading TW v London Borough of Enfield and Another: QBD 8 May 2013
Unlawful Detention pending Deportation An offender had been recommended for deportation following conviction. He had served his sentence and would otherwise have been released on parole. He had no passport and no valid travel documents. He complained that the length of time for which he had then been detained was too long and that the … Continue reading Regina v Governor of Durham Prison, ex parte Hardial Singh: QBD 13 Dec 1983
Relatives sought judicial review of the coroner’s decision not to allow a jury, and against allowance of an expert witness. The deceased had been a mental patient but had been arrested with a view to being hospitalised. He was taken first to the AandE department. From there he escaped and jumped into and drowned in … Continue reading Takoushis, Regina (on the Application of) v HM Coroner for Inner North London and others: CA 30 Nov 2005
The plaintiff had killed someone and, as a result, been convicted of manslaughter and ordered to be detained in a secure hospital when subject to after-care under section 117 of the 1983 Act. He sought damages from the health authority on the basis that he would not have killed anyone but for negligence on the … Continue reading Clunis (By his Next Friend Prince) v Camden and Islington Health Authority: CA 5 Dec 1997
The claimant had been found to have been wrongfully detained under section 3. He appealed against rejection of his claim for judicial review and for damages. The court found that his detention was lawful until declared otherwise. He argued that the restriction on compensation under the 1983 Act contravened the ECHR. Held: The detention was … Continue reading TTM v London Borough of Hackney and Others: CA 14 Jan 2011
Various family settlements had been created. The trustees wished to use the rule in Hastings-Bass to re-open decisions they had made after receiving incorrect advice. Held: The deeds were set aside as void. The Rule in Hastings-Bass derives from trust law, not the law of mistake. The principle does not exist to relieve advisors from … Continue reading Futter and Another v Futter and Others: ChD 11 Mar 2010
No ET Jurisdiction for Non-employment claim The claimant appealed against rejection of her claim for discrimination which she had brought in the Employment Tribunal rather than the County Court. Held: The appeal failed: ‘if a body is a governing body of a university this displaces its status as a qualification body. It follows that the … Continue reading Nwabueze v University of Law Ltd and Others: CA 13 Nov 2020
The court considered the Rule in Hastings-Bass, and specifically (1) whether the trustee’s decision is open to challenge when the failure to take a consideration into account is not attributable to a breach of fiduciary duty on the part of the trustee; and (2) whether, where a decision is open to challenge on the ground … Continue reading Abacus Trust Company (Isle of Man) Colyb Limited v Barr, Barr, and Barr: ChD 6 Feb 2003
The claimants appealed against the imposition on them of smoking bans while they were compulsorily detained at Rampton Hospital. They said that other persons detained for example in prisons had been exempted fully. Held: The right or freedom to smoke does not engage article 8(1) of the Convention. The appeal failed: ‘We reject the argument … Continue reading N, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Health; Regina (E) v Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust: CA 24 Jul 2009
The patient was detained under the Act. The Mental Health Tribunal decided he should be released. The hospital disagreed. The patient continued to reside to the Hospital voluntarily, but the hospital viewed the decision to release him as . .
The appellant, detained for assessment under section 2, was too disabled to make an application to the court on her own behalf. After a dispute between her mother and the medical officer over her treatment, an application was made to the county . .
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 . .
