Persons detained under Mental Health Acts could be subject to random non-consensual searches even if this went against medical opinion. The power to seclude a patient within the hospital is implied from the power to detain as a ‘necessary ingredient flowing from a power of detention for treatment.’ Judges: Auld LJ Citations: Gazette 26-Feb-1998, Times … Continue reading Regina v Broadmoor Special Hospital Authority and Secretary of State for Department of Health ex parte S, H and D (2): CA 5 Feb 1998
application for the issue of a writ of habeas corpus – detention after convictions Citations: [2002] EWHC 243 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 37 41 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health Updated: 04 October 2022; Ref: scu.347791
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: Silber J Citations: [2004] EWHC 56 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health Updated: 15 July 2022; Ref: scu.192143
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 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
The applicant was an adult autistic, unable to consent to medical treatment. Treatment was provided at a day centre. He had been detained informally under the Act and against the wishes of his carers, but the Court of Appeal decided he should have been formally detained. Held: The appeal succeeded. His detention had not been … Continue reading In Re L (By His Next Friend GE); Regina v Bournewood Community and Mental Health NHS Trust, Ex Parte L: HL 25 Jun 1998
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
The patient sought his discharge. A panel of three sat, but only two members voted for his release. Held: The Act allowed a panel with a minimum quorum of three, but also required a minimum of three to vote in favour. The mere majority was insufficient. The Grindley case was not enough to allow a … Continue reading Regina v Central and North-West London Mental Health NHS Trust: QBD 9 Dec 2002
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 claimant appealed against rejection of his request for release from liability to be detained for medical treatment. Judges: Arden, McCombe, Sales LJJ Citations: [2017] EWCA Civ 436 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983, European Convention of Human Rights 5 8 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health, Human Rights Updated: 27 March 2022; Ref: scu.588320
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
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
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
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 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
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Citations: [1997] EWHC Admin 174 Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 43 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health Updated: 17 July 2022; Ref: scu.137119
Judges: Keehan J Citations: [2019] EWCOP 43 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health Updated: 09 December 2022; Ref: scu.642837
The claimant sought to unravel a settlement she had made as receiver for her late husband, saying that it had been made without consideration of its Inheritance Tax implications. The Revenue said that there was no operative mistake so as to allow the rule in Hastings-Bass to apply allowing the variation. Held: For the rule … Continue reading Pitt and Another v Holt and Another: ChD 18 Jan 2010
Appeals against the imposition of a restriction order under section 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983 imposed in conjunction with a section 37 order under the same Act Citations: [2000] EWCA Crim 3539 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 30 November 2022; Ref: scu.331143
The parties had married, but the male partner was a transsexual, having been born female and having undergone treatment for Gender Identity Dysphoria. After IVF treatment, the couple had a child. As the marriage broke down the truth was revealed in court, but the plaintiff said that his wife had known the true position. He … Continue reading J v S T (Formerly J): CA 21 Nov 1996
A discretionary life prisoner who had been transferred to a mental hospital is not automatically eligible for a certificate under the section. The right conferred on a discretionary life prisoner by section 34 of the 1991 Act did not extend to those who were also detained under the MHA by reason of transfer and restriction … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for Home Department ex parte H and Others, Regina v Same ex parte Hickey: CA 29 Jul 1994
The copyright tribunal was given a wide discretion for the awarding of costs on applications made to it for licenses. The nature of the applications and the different basis makes it dangerous to import rules for awards from the general rules on costs. The Copyright Tribunal was wrong to award costs on an award to … Continue reading AEI Rediffusion Music Ltd v Phonographic Performance Ltd: CA 1 Feb 1999
The appellants challenged the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment imposed on them on their convictions for murder. They said it was an infringement of their Human Rights, being arbitrary and disproportionate. Held: The case followed on where the Anderson case left off. In these cases the judge had noted that he did not think the … Continue reading Regina v Lichniak: HL 25 Nov 2002
The court considered issues arising from the sentencing of mentally ill offenders to indeterminate terms of imprisonment.As to the release provisions relating to those subject to an order under ss 37/41 and those made subject to a s 45A order, Hallett LJ said: ‘A level of misunderstanding of the guidance offered in Vowles appears to … Continue reading Edwards, Regina v: CACD 27 Mar 2018
ECHR Article 14 Discrimination Alleged discrimination in entitlement to social security benefits of prisoners in psychiatric care compared to other persons detained for psychiatric treatment: inadmissible Facts – Under the relevant domestic legislation prisoners were not entitled to social security benefits while serving a prison sentence, including during any periods they were required to spend … Continue reading SS And Others v The United Kingdom (Dec): ECHR 21 Apr 2015
Appeal against refusal to lift a restriction order. Citations: [2010] UKUT 455 (AAC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 Health Updated: 07 September 2022; Ref: scu.433600
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 had been detained by the respondent under the Act. A trubunal had ordered his release subject to proper arrangements for his support in the community. In the absence of such arrangements being made, he complained at his continued detention. Held: The conditions were inextricably linked to the release, and though there was a … Continue reading W v Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council: CA 6 May 2004
Application for judicial review of the decision of the district judge, sitting at Bath and Wansdyke Magistrates’ Court, not to order a fact-finding exercise rather than a trial. Citations: [2009] EWHC 759 (Admin), [2009] MHLR 71 Links: Bailii Statutes: Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 11(1), Mental Health Act 1983 37(3) Jurisdiction: England and … Continue reading Blouet v Bath and Wansdyke Magistrates Court: Admn 12 Mar 2009
The House was asked whether a patient detained for treatment under the 1983 Act can be treated against his will for any mental disorder from which he is suffering or only for the particular form of mental disorder from which he is classified as suffering for the purpose of the order or application authorising his … Continue reading B, Regina (on the Application of) v Ashworth Hospital Authority: HL 17 Mar 2005
The applicant had been a detained mental patient. He was granted a deferred order for his release. He challenged the delay of the respondent and his refusal to allow release under section 17 for overnight stays out of the hospital. Held: The secretary of state had a duty to act with reasonable speed. The department … Continue reading Regina (A) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 30 Jul 2002
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 Home Secretary appealed from a finding that illegally entered asylum seekers had been unlawfully detained pending removal. The five claimants had travelled through other EU member states before entering the UK. The court considered inter alia whether damages for false imprisonment were allowable under Factortame. Held: The appeals failed. Chapter 55 of the EIG … Continue reading Hemmati and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 27 Nov 2019
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
Appeal against refusal of community leave of absence for mental patient. Judges: Silber J Citations: [2006] EWHC 1903 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 17 Health Updated: 07 July 2022; Ref: scu.243382
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
Appeal against an order refusing to grant a writ of habeas corpus in respect a person who lacks capacity to make relevant decisions for himself within the meaning of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and who was at all material times detained under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983 Judges: Lord Justice Ryder … Continue reading K v The Hospital Managers of The Kingswood Centre and Another: CA 23 Oct 2014
The claimant said that he had been indirectly discriminated against on racial grounds. He was dismissed after being elected as a local councillor for the BNP. The employer considered that for Health and Safety reasons, his dismissal was necessary because of the upset and disturbance his continued employment would create with Asian co-workers and passengers. … Continue reading A C Redfearn v Serco Ltd T/A West Yorkshire Transport Service: EAT 27 Jul 2005
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 Court was asked significant questions as to the procedure to be followed when a person is recalled by the Secretary of State to be detained in a hospital under the power conferred by section 42(3) of the Mental Health Act 1983. The Appellant contends that his recall was effected unlawfully, and that his subsequent … Continue reading Lee-Hirons, Regina (on The Application of) v The Secretary of State for Justice and Another: CA 1 May 2014
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 applicant was detained in an institution for mentally deranged offenders. While so detained he was subjected to the forcible administration of food and neuroleptics and to handcuffing to a security bed. He complained of violation of his Article 3 and 8 rights. One of his complaints was as to interference with his correspondence. Held: … Continue reading Herczegfalvy v Austria: ECHR 24 Sep 1992
(Scotland) A detention in hospital which was capable of preventing the deterioration of a psychopathic disorder in a patient was sufficient to bring his detention within the requirement for treatment which might alleviate a condition, which phrase has a wide meaning. ‘Medical treatment’ could include treatment which alleviates or prevents a deterioration of the symptoms … Continue reading Hutchison Reid v Secretary Of State For Scotland and Another: HL 5 Feb 1998
The trust, operators of Ashworth Secure Hospital sought from the defendant journalist disclosure of the name of their employee who had revealed to the defendant matters about the holding of Ian Brady, the Moors Murderer, and in particular medical records. Held: The need for involvement by the third party in the source’s wrongdoing is a … Continue reading Mersey Care NHS Trust v Ackroyd: QBD 7 Feb 2006
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’s husband had committed suicide. She sought damages for financial loss from his former employers under the 1976 Act. He had suffered a severe and debilitating injury working for them leading to his depression and suicide. The employers said that these damages were too remote. Held: The employer’s appeal was dismissed.Lord Bingham said: ‘Mr … Continue reading Corr v IBC Vehicles Ltd: HL 27 Feb 2008
Limitation of Loss from Negligent Mis-statement The plaintiffs sought damages from accountants for negligence. They had acquired shares in a target company and, relying upon the published and audited accounts which overstated the company’s earnings, they purchased further shares. Held: The duties of an auditor are founded in contract and the extent of the duties … Continue reading Caparo Industries Plc v Dickman and others: HL 8 Feb 1990
The prisoner challenged the decision to place him in segregation under Prison Rule 43. Under rule 43(1) the initial power to segregate was given to ‘the governor’. The case arose from the fact that the governor of one prison had purported to authorise the segregation of a prisoner on his arrival at another prison to … Continue reading Regina v Deputy Governor of Parkhurst Prison, Ex parte Hague, Weldon v Home Office: HL 24 Jul 1991
ECHR Judgment (Merits and Just Satisfaction) – Preliminary objection rejected ( res iudicata ); Violation of Art. 5-1 (placement in private clinic from 1977 to 1979); No separate issue under Arts. 5-4 and 5-5; No violation of Art. 5 (stay in private clinic in 1981); Violation of Art. 8 (placement in private clinic from 1977 … Continue reading Storck v Germany: ECHR 16 Jun 2005
Insanity Plea not for D believing he had no choice The court was asked whether the defence of insanity would be available to a psychotic and deluded defendant who was aware that his act was wrong, but believed himself compelled to perform it. The defendant, with a history of mental problems, had attacked family in … Continue reading Keal, Regina v: CACD 18 Mar 2022
The claimant had spent his childhood in foster care, and now claimed damages against a local authority for decisions made and not made during that period. The judge’s decision to strike out the claim had been upheld by the Court of Appeal. Held: An adult formerly in the care of a local authority as a … Continue reading Barrett v London Borough of Enfield: HL 17 Jun 1999
The plaintiff bought her apartment, but discovered later that the foundations were defective. The local authority had supervised the compliance with Building Regulations whilst it was being built, but had failed to spot the fault. The authority appealed a finding that it was liable, arguing that the claims were time barred and that it had … Continue reading Anns and Others v Merton London Borough Council: HL 12 May 1977
Statutory Duty Does Not Create Common Law Duty The mere existence of statutory power to remedy a defect cannot of itself create a duty of care to do so. A highway authority need not have a duty of care to highway users because of its duty to maintain the highway. The two stage test ‘involves … Continue reading Stovin v Wise, Norfolk County Council (Third Party): HL 24 Jul 1996
The deceased was shot by police officers raiding his flat in 1998. The claimants sought damages for his estate. They had succeeded in claiming damages for false imprisonment, but now appealed dismissal of their claim for damages for assault and misfeasance. The judge below had accepted that the officer had acted in self-defence, and entered … Continue reading Ashley and Another v Sussex Police: CA 27 Jul 2006
Shareholder May Sue for Additional Personal Losses A company brought a claim of negligence against its solicitors, and, after that claim was settled, the company’s owner brought a separate claim in respect of the same subject-matter. Held: It need not be an abuse of the court for a shareholder to seek damages against advisers to … Continue reading Johnson v Gore Wood and Co: HL 14 Dec 2000
Application brought by the London Borough of Sutton for a care order under Part IV of the Children Act 1989. NH is also, as at the date of this hearing, under section pursuant to section 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983. MacDonal J [2016] EWHC 1371 (Fam) Bailii Children Act 1989, Mental Health Act … Continue reading London Borough of Sutton v MH (No 2): FD 10 Jun 2016
The claimant complained of misfeasance in public office by the prisons for having opened and read protected correspondence whilst he was in prison. The respondent argued that he had suffered no loss. The judge had found that bad faith was established in three prison officers. In one case the officer opened the letter in front … Continue reading Watkins v Home Office and others: HL 29 Mar 2006
Movement retsriction was not Liberty Deprivation The claimants had been present during a demonstration policed by the respondent. They appealed against dismissal of their claims for false imprisonment having been prevented from leaving Oxford Circus for over seven hours. The claimants appealed against rejection of their claims on human rights law. Held: The appeal failed. … Continue reading Austin and Another v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis: HL 28 Jan 2009
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
The court had ordered the defendant, before his trial for a serious assault, to be remitted to a mental hospital under section 35 of the 1983 Act, so that a report could be prepared as to his mental condition. The central issue would be his capacity to form the necessary intent. The defendant appealed saying … Continue reading M, Regina (on The Application of) v Kingston Crown Court: Admn 17 Jul 2014
That a mentally disturbed defendant may cause embarrassment by his behaviour in court was no reason for him not to be brought to court to be present when an order detaining him under the Act was to be made. The words of section 51(5) must be construed restrictively, and it was not to be applied … Continue reading Regina (Kenneally) v Snaresbrook Crown Court: Admn 27 Nov 2001
The applicants were former mental patients who had been admitted to hospital compulsorily under section 3. On their release they were to be given support under section 117. The authorities sought to charge for these services, and appealed a decision that the services should be free. Held: Section 117 imposed a clear and free standing … Continue reading Regina v Manchester City Council, ex parte Stennett etc: HL 25 Jul 2002
The applicants had been made subject of anti-social behaviour orders. They challenged the basis upon which the orders had been made. Held: The orders had no identifiable consequences which would make the process a criminal one. Civil standards of evidence therefore applied, and hearsay evidence was admissible. Nevertheless, the test as to whether it was … Continue reading Clingham (formerly C (a minor)) v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; Regina v Crown Court at Manchester Ex parte McCann and Others: HL 17 Oct 2002
The appellants were teachers in Christian schools who said that the blanket ban on corporal punishment interfered with their religious freedom. They saw moderate physical discipline as an essential part of educating children in a Christian manner. Held: The appeal was dismissed. For Article 9 to be engaged (aside from certain other threshold conditions) the … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for Education and Employment and others ex parte Williamson and others: HL 24 Feb 2005
Members of the tribunal must not simply consider whether they personally think that the dismissal is fair and they must not substitute their decision as to what was the right course to adopt for that of the employer. Their proper function is to determine whether the decision to dismiss the employee fell within the band … Continue reading Iceland Frozen Foods Ltd v Jones: EAT 29 Jul 1982
The House was asked as to the standard of proof required to establish that adultery had been condoned under the subsection. Held: Lord Denning said: ‘In short it comes to this: so far as the grounds for divorce are concerned, the case, like any civil case, may be proved by a preponderance of probability, but … Continue reading Blyth v Blyth: HL 1966
The defendant prison governor had intercepted a prisoner’s letter to the Crown Office for the purpose of raising proceedings to have the governor committed for an alleged contempt of court. Held: The governor was in contempt of court. Subject to any legislation altering the situation, a prisoner retains all his rights that are not taken … Continue reading Raymond v Honey: HL 4 Mar 1981
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 . .
