The defendant had been convicted of murder in 1952, and hung. A court hearing an appeal after many years must apply laws from different eras to different aspects. The law of the offence (of murder) to be applied was that at the time of the offence. In this case however the summing up was so … Continue reading Regina v Derek William Bentley (Deceased): CACD 30 Jul 1998
The claimant complained of his recall to hospital. He had in 1991 been foundf not guilty of murder by reason of his insanity, and had been detained in a secure hospital, but then released conditionally. He said the recall on medical grounds was improper where the condition now complained of was not that under which … Continue reading Regina on the Application of A l v Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 20 Jan 2005
Each claimant sought damages after being exposed to asbestos dust. The defendants resisted saying that the injury alleged, the development of pleural plaques, was yet insufficient as damage to found a claim. Held: (Smith LJ dissenting) The defendants appeals succeeded. The claimants had three possible claims, none of which on their own would amount to … Continue reading Rothwell v Chemical and Insulating Co Ltd and Another: CA 26 Jan 2006
The applicant sought to leave to appeal against refusal of his challenge to the registration of land as a green. Held: The 1965 Act did not limit the registration of greens to those which were registered by 3 January 1970. The Commons Commissioners have no jurisdiction in a dispute arising under section 13. The 1969 … Continue reading Whitmey, Regina (on the Application of) v the Commons Commissioners: CA 21 Jul 2004
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
Women had taken extended maternity leave, but having followed the procedures, had been unable for illness to return to work on the day they had notified. The employer then asserted that the claimants had resigned. The EAT had confirm that they had not been unfairly dismissed. Held: The legislation provided ‘special protection for the security … Continue reading Kwik Save Stores Limited v Greaves; Crees v Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited: CA 20 Jan 1998
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 taxpayer disposed of his farmhouse, and sought exemption from Capital Gains Tax under sections 101 and 102 of the 1989 Act. The Revenue said it had not been his only or main residence. Contracts had been exchanged for its purchase in 1983, but the transaction was completed only two years later. In the interim … Continue reading Longson v HM Inspector of Taxes: CA 13 Mar 2001
The claimant sought damages for false imprisonment. The mental health tribunal had ordered his release, but the respondent had delayed that release. Held: False imprisonment is established on proof of imprisonment without lawful authority. An authority might commit both the tort of false imprisonment and infringe a patient’s human rights, but not all infringements of … Continue reading Regina (W) v Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council: Admn 13 Feb 2003
Even where ‘jurisdictional organs of professional associations’ are set up: ‘Nonetheless, in such circumstances the Convention calls at least for one of the two following systems: either the jurisdictional organs themselves comply with the requirements of article 6(1), or they do not so comply but are subject to subsequent control by a judicial body which … Continue reading Le Compte, Van Leuven And De Meyere v Belgium: ECHR 18 Oct 1982
X suffered both severe anorexia and alcoholism. She had in the past been repeatedly and compulsorily admitted to hospital for treatment, but her doctors considered that whilst this might be life extending treatment it had proved ineffective and unethical. They sought a declaration that they may not be obliged to offer the treatment again. The … Continue reading A NHS Foundation Trust v Ms X (By Her Litigation Friend, The Official Solicitor): CoP 8 Oct 2014
The claimant was disabled, and sought sterilisation because she feared the additional difficulties she would face as a mother. The sterilisation failed. She sought damages. Held: The House having considered the issue in MacFarlane only recently it was inappropriate to change the rules set down in that case. Nothing had been put forward to argue … Continue reading Rees v Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust: HL 16 Oct 2003
Child born after vasectomy – Damages Limited Despite a vasectomy, Mr MacFarlane fathered a child, and he and his wife sought damages for the cost of care and otherwise of the child. He appealed a rejection of his claim. Held: The doctor undertakes a duty of care in regard to the prevention of pregnancy: it … Continue reading MacFarlane and Another v Tayside Health Board: HL 21 Oct 1999
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
The court considered appeals by prisoners subject to indeterminate sentences (either imprisonment for public protection (IPP) or a life sentence) passed between 1997 and 2008, where there had been medical evidence before the court suggesting the possibility of a hospital order, and ‘a major effect of the decision of a judge to impose an indeterminate … Continue reading Vowles and Others, Regina v: CACD 5 Feb 2015
Appeal against sentence for making hoax bomb calls. A hospital order had been made under section 31, and she now appealed against the section 41 restriction order. Held: The hospital, in reality, is operating as a form of prison, because she is not making medical headway there, but it is not a particularly effective prison … Continue reading Regina v HP (Aka C): CACD 26 May 2010
The authority wanted S to be admitted to hospital, if necessary against her will. She was pregnant and wanted to have a natural birth, even at great risk to herself and her baby. She had refused medical treatment for eclampsia. The caesarian had by now been carried out against her will under court order. Held: … Continue reading St George’s Healthcare National Health Service Trust v S, Regina v Collins and Others ex parte S: CA 8 May 1998
The five applicants had lived in the UK for at least three years while attending school or college. All five were subject to immigration control, four had entered as students with limited leave to remain for the duration of their studies, and the fifth had entered with his parents for settlement and had indefinite leave … Continue reading Regina v Barnet London Borough Council, Ex parte Shah: HL 16 Dec 1982
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
The US established a base at Menwith Hill in Yorkshire, and provided educational services through its staff to staff families. The claimant a teacher employed at the base alleged that a report on her was defamatory. The defendant relied on state immunity. Held: A claim in libel was defeated by a claim of sovereign immunity. … Continue reading Holland v Lampen-Wolfe: HL 20 Jul 2000
The defendant’s appeal against murder had succeeded, and a conviction for manslaughter substituted. The court now asked what should be his sentence. Held: The medical evidence showed that he suffered a mental illness and it is of a nature and degree making it appropriate that he be detained in hospital. The Court made a section … Continue reading Regina v Weekes: CACD 4 May 1999
The claimant’s daughter had committed suicide after being given home leave on a secure ward by the respondent mental hospital. A claim in negligence had been settled, but the parents now appealed refusal of their claim that the hospital had failed in its article 2 duty to respect her right to life. Held: The decision … Continue reading Rabone and Another v Pennine Care NHS Trust: CA 21 Jun 2010
A jury had found, under section 4(5) of the 1964 Act as amended, that the defendant was unfit to plead. The court considered section 5 of the 1964 Act. Held: A judge of the Crown Court is obliged under the section to make a mandatory order containing restrictions on the liberty of the accused person … Continue reading Regina v Grant: CACD 22 Nov 2001
The claimant’s daughter had committed suicide whilst on home leave from a hospital where she had stayed as a voluntary patient with depression. Her admission had followed a suicide attempt. The hospital admitted negligence but denied that it owed her a positive obligation to protect life under Article 2. Held: The claimants’ appeal succeeded. The … Continue reading Rabone and Another v Pennine Care NHS Foundation: SC 8 Feb 2012
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
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 claimant was detained iin a secure mental hospital. He complained of being held in seclusion for a long period, and as to the hospital’s policy. Held: The hospital’s policy, by reducing the frequency of review of a patient’s seclusion below that provided for in the Code of Practice, was unlawful and was not justified … Continue reading Regina v Ashworth Special Hospital Trust, ex parte Munjaz: 10 Oct 2000
The court considered issues arising on the making of hospital orders by criminal courts: ‘ the intention of the section is that someone made the subject of a hospital order should take up a place at a hospital or other unit specified in the court order within 28 days of the order. The broad issue … Continue reading X v An NHS Trust: Admn 7 May 2008
Inherent High Court power may restrain Publicity The claimant child’s mother was to be tried for the murder of his brother by poisoning with salt. It was feared that the publicity which would normally attend a trial, would be damaging to S, and an application was made for reporting restrictions to be applied to avoid … Continue reading In re S (a Child) (Identification: Restrictions on Publication): HL 28 Oct 2004
The claimant was a Zimbabwean National who was to be removed from the country. He was unlawfully held in detention pending removal. He sought damages for false imprisonment. He had been held over a long period pending decisions in the courts on the legality of returning failed asylum applicants to Zimbabwe. Held: Despite allegations of … Continue reading SK, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 25 Jan 2008
The claimant said that the defendant hospital had been negligent in failing to prevent her daughter escaping from the mental hospital at which she was detained and committing suicide. Held: The status of a detained mental patient was more akin to that of a prisoner than of a patient because of the control exercised and … Continue reading Savage v South Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Another: CA 21 Dec 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 claimant council alleged that the defendant had acted to abuse its dominant market position in the provision of bus services in the city. Held: It was for the claimant to show that the defendant had a dominant position. It had not done so, and was mistaken in confining their analysis to the bus market. … Continue reading Chester City Council and Another v Arriva Plc and others: ChD 15 Jun 2007
The claimant sought damages from his accountants, claiming negligence. The accountants pleaded limitation. They had advised him in connection with an investment in a company which investment went wrong. Held: It was argued that the limitation period was to be extended until three years after the discovery by the claimant of why it was that … Continue reading Haward and others v Fawcetts: HL 1 Mar 2006
The claimants had been convicted of murder, but their tariffs had not yet been set when the 2003 Act came into effect. They said that the procedure under which their sentence tarriffs were set were not compliant with their human rights in that the tarriff was set by reference back to a judge without a … Continue reading Hammond, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 1 Dec 2005
The claimant appealed against a refusal of judicial review of a decision of the Lands Tribunal. Held: A decision of the Lands Tribunal could only be judicially reviewed in exceptional cases where there was either a jurisdictional error or a procedural irregularity. The application had been correctly refused. ‘The question of whether certain work is … Continue reading Sinclair Gardens Investments (Kensington) Ltd, Regina (on the Application of) v The Lands Tribunal: CA 8 Nov 2005
The club regulated greyhound racing. The claimant had complained that its disciplinary proceedings had been conducted unfairly. He said that a panel member had an interest as veterinary surgeon in the proceedings at the stadium at which the alleged offence occurred. Held: The appeal by the club succeeded. No bias whether real or apparent had … Continue reading Flaherty v National Greyhound Racing Club Ltd: CA 14 Sep 2005
Appeal against order displacing applicant as best friend of mental health patient. Citations: [2005] EWCA Civ 587 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 829 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – MH v Secretary of State for the Department of Health and others HL 20-Oct-2005 The appellant, detained for assessment under section 2, … Continue reading Lewis v Gibson and Another: CA 19 May 2005
The claimant was a mental patient detained for a bipolar dis-order after convictions for rape. Judges: Silber J Citations: [2005] EWHC 86 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Handyside v The United Kingdom ECHR 7-Dec-1976 Freedom of Expression is Fundamental to SocietyThe appellant had published a … Continue reading B, Regina (on the Application of) v Dr SS and others: Admn 31 Jan 2005
Mrs Nolan had been employed at a US airbase. When it closed, and she was made redundant, she complained that the appellant had not consulted properly on the redundancies. The US denied that it had responsibility to consult, and now appealed. Held: The appeal failed (Lord Carnworth dissenting). That the exact situation might not have … Continue reading The United States of America v Nolan: SC 21 Oct 2015
Application in relation to AB who is a young woman of 34 years old and who has a serious and life threatening cardiac condition, the recommended treatment for which is surgery. In addition to her physical problems, AB was an inpatient at a low secure private hospital under section 3 Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA). … Continue reading A Local Health Board v AB: CoP 30 Apr 2015
Until 1919 Mr. Levene had been both resident and ordinarily resident in the UK. Then, for five years he spent about five months (mainly in the summer) each year, staying in hotels in the UK and receiving medical attention or pursuing religious and social activities. He spent the remaining months staying in hotels abroad. The … Continue reading Levene v Inland Revenue Commissioners: HL 1928
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 husband and wife had signed a bank mandate allowing the bank to act upon the authorisation of either of them. The wife complained that the bank should not be able to recover from her any sums expended by the husband. Held: The mandate extended to all borrowings on the joint account and without limit. … Continue reading Sandra Estelle Fielding v The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc: CA 11 Feb 2004
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
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
A ten-year old boy had died from Addison’s disease. No inquest took place, because the coroner decided that the boy had died of natural causes. The parents, who were also affected by the events, had accepted compensation from the local health authority, and discontinued a claim for damages for negligence against the doctors, and a … Continue reading Powell v United Kingdom: ECHR 4 May 2000
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
PC (The High Court of Justiciary) The minuter challenged the role of the legal adviser to the district courts in Scotland, and as to his independence. Held: The legal adviser was not subject to the same system of appointments as the justices. However the system provided for a right of appeal (section 175) on questions … Continue reading Clark (Procurator Fiscal, Kirkcaldy) v Kelly: PC 11 Feb 2003
The patient refused consent to treatment in the form of injection of drugs, which her psychiatrists considered to be necessary. Held: Treatment of this nature infringed the patients rights, and was not to be ordered without clear reason. The doctors had to show that it was a medical necessity, and this had to be shown … Continue reading Regina (N) v Dr M and Others: CA 6 Dec 2002
The paper wanted to publish an article about the monarchy but was concerened that it might lead to it being prosecuted under the 1848 Act. The complainant sought declarations as to the incompatibility of the 1848 Act with the 1998 Act. Held: The defendant had made no decision (other than not to prosecute) and there … Continue reading Rusbridger and Another v Attorney General: CA 20 Mar 2002
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
High Court of Australia – The Plaintiff paid a penny on entering the wharf to stay there till the boat should start and then be taken by the boat to the other side. The Defendants were admittedly always ready and willing to carry out their part of this contract. Then the Plaintiff changed his mind, … Continue reading Robertson v The Balmain New Ferry Company Ltd: PC 10 Dec 1909
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
A detained mental patient sought to challenge a decision by his RMO that he should receive anti-psychotic medication, despite his refusal to consent, and to challenge a certificate issued by the SOAD. Held: Where a mental patient sought to challenge by judicial review the imposition of treatment without his consent, it was open to the … Continue reading Regina (Wilkinson) v Broadmoor Special Hospital and Others: CA 22 Oct 2001
Mrs F had given an enduring power to her son, but then became incapable and the power was registered. Her daughter had in the meantime applied to be appointed as her receiver. There was particular bitterness between the brother and sister. F called in the Lord Chancellor’s medical visitor and asked that her children settle … Continue reading In re F (Enduring power of Attorney): ChD 2 Apr 2004
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
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 applicant had been adopted as a child, and sought disclosure of the adoption records. The 1983 regulations gave a discretion to the Society, which had acted as adoption agency, to disclose information. The internal report to the society failed to analyze the appropriateness of the society’s policy, nor to examine the individual circumstances of … Continue reading Gunn-Russo v Nugent Care Society and Secretary of State for Health: Admn 20 Jul 2001
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
(Trinidad and Tobago) The claimant was arrested following expiry of the last of his work permits and after he had failed to provide evidence of his intention to leave. As he was arrested he was also arrested for assaulting a police officer. He was not brought to court, and sought habeas corpus. An order was … Continue reading Naidike, Naidike and Naidike v The Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago: PC 12 Oct 2004
The prisoner challenged a decision to have her transferred to a mental hospital under scetion 47. Held: It had not been reasonable for the Secretary of State to rely on one of the two medical reports she relied on. However since if the Secretary of State had made further inquiries at the time of the … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for Home Office ex parte Gilkes: Admn 21 Jan 1999
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
(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 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 losing candidate at a local election alleged corrupt and illegal practices relating to the entry of non-existent people on the electoral roll and using postal votes. The Election Commissioner found this proved and the election void, and awarded costs against him. He was unable to meet the sum awarded and became bankrupt. The candidate … Continue reading The Conservative and Unionist Party v The Election Commissioner: CA 23 Nov 2010
The prisoner, a notorious murderer had begun to write his autobiography. His solicitor wished to return a part manuscript to him in prison to be finished. The prison did not allow it, and the prisoner claimed infringement of his article 10 rights. Held: Section 47 of the Act speaks not only of regulation and management … Continue reading Nilsen v HM Prison Full Sutton and Another: CA 17 Nov 2004
The council had taken the applicant’s children into care alleging that the mother had harmed them. In the light of the subsequent cases casting doubt on such findings, the mother sought the return of her children. She applied now that the hearings be in public. Held: The applicant and her solicitors had already made significant … Continue reading Kent County Council v The Mother, The Father, B (By Her Children’s Guardian); Re B (A Child) (Disclosure): FD 19 Mar 2004
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
Even relatively minor medical treatment, if compulsory, may engage article 8. Citations: 22398/93 Statutes: European Convention on Human Rights 8 Cited by: Cited – B, Regina (on the Application of) v Ashworth Hospital Authority HL 17-Mar-2005 The House was asked whether a patient detained for treatment under the 1983 Act can be treated against his … Continue reading J and others v Switzerland: ECHR 5 Apr 1995
The claimant had suffered mental illness and threatened to hurt himself. He was taken into hospital as a voluntary patient, but in effect detained compulsorily. He lacked capacity to consent to medical treatment. Held: The holding of a patient informally amounted to a detention, and that detention was unlawful. It made no difference whether the … Continue reading L v United Kingdom: ECHR 5 Oct 2004
The applicant was severely autistic, and unable to consent to medical treatment. He had been admitted voluntarly to a mental hospital and detained under common law powers. The Hospital trust appealed a finding that his detention had been unlawful. Held: He had in fact been detained: ‘We do not consider that the judge was correct … Continue reading Regina v Bournewood Community and Mental Health NHS Trust, Ex parte L: CA 2 Dec 1997
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
Even where there is culpability, a hospital order with a restriction order may well be the appropriate way to deal with a dangerous and disordered person.Mustill LJ discussed the effect of a restriction order: ‘In marked contrast with the regime under an ordinary hospital order, is an order coupled with a restriction on discharge pursuant … Continue reading Regina v Birch: CACD 1989
When a court wanted to consider making a restriction order under the Act, it could not do so without some medical evidence which could be used to justify such a restriction. Here it was accepted that the defendant did suffer from a mental disorder induced or exacerbated by the overuse of cannabis, and in appropriate … Continue reading Regina v Reynolds: CACD 1 Nov 2000
The House was asked whether a particular transaction was ‘an adventure in the nature of trade’. Held: Although the House accepted that this was ‘an inference of fact’, on the primary facts as found by the Commissioners ‘the true and only reasonable conclusion’ contradicted that decision. The House set out principles for establishing that decisions … Continue reading Edwards (Inspector of Taxes) v Bairstow: HL 25 Jul 1955
D was undergoing trial for offences and was held in prison. He self-harmed repeatedly, and was recorded to require extra vigilance. He attempted to hang himself. Prison staff saved his life, but he was left paraplegic, and was then detained under the 1983 Act. An internal prison report which contained the substantial record of the … Continue reading D, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 28 Apr 2005
‘This appeal against sentence demonstrates some of the practical differences between, and advantages and disadvantages of, a ‘hybrid order’ under section 45A of the Mental Health Act 1983 (‘MHA’) combining imprisonment with a hospital direction and limitation direction on the one hand, and a ‘hospital and restriction order’ under section 37 MHA with section 41 … Continue reading Nelson v Regina: CACD 2 Dec 2020
Two patients were each subject to hospital orders and restriction orders under the Mental Health Act 1983. On a reference to the First-tier Tribunal, the first patient did not seek a discharge but instead sought an extra-statutory recommendation that he be granted leave outside the hospital. Before hearing any evidence, the First-tier Tribunal announced that … Continue reading EC v Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust: UTAA 8 May 2013
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
Local authority case records and a verbatim extract from the case records which had been exhibited to an affidavit from a social worker had been disclosed. Held: Booth J asked as to the case records: ‘whether the words in the section ‘information relating to proceedings’ should be construed to cover documents which do not themselves … Continue reading In re S (Minors) (Wardship: Police Investigation); Re S (Minors) (Wardship: Disclosure of Material): FD 1987
The court should decide what is in the best interests of a patient where she was unable to give consent herself. The test of whether what was proposed was within the range of what reasonable and competent medical practitioners might propose, got the court so far but no further. It was for a judge to … Continue reading In Re S (Adult Patient: Sterilisation): CA 26 May 2000
The patient had been attending a course in the UK for her work. She suffered a further episode of a bipolar condition. Being pregnant she stopped taking her medication. Her mental condition deteriorated, and she was taken into secure psychiatric care under the 1983 Act. She had had two previous children by caesarian section, and … Continue reading In re AA: COP 23 Aug 2012
P, a 16 year old boy with learning difficulties faced charges. A psychologist said his IQ was so low (52) that P would not be able to understand or reply rationally to the charges. The justices decided that he was fit to plead; they had formed a view of him from watching him during the … Continue reading Regina (P) v Barking Magistrates Court: Admn 2002
The respondent had been dismissed for misconduct on the morning of the day on which he was dismissed. There had been previous misbehaviour but the industrial tribunal held that the case had to be determined on the basis of what had happened on that morning and that the employers had acted reasonably and had fairly … Continue reading British Labour Pump Co Ltd v Byrne: EAT 1979
A sterilisation operation had been performed negligently and failed and the claimant was born. Held: The birth of a child with congenital abnormalities was a foreseeable consequence of the surgeon’s careless failure to clip a fallopian tube effectively. The authority could not expect her to terminate the pregnancy. The mother was entitled to recover damages, … Continue reading Emeh v Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster Area Health Authority: CA 1 Jul 1984
The applicant sought a declaration as to the lawfulness of a lottery scheme whilst criminal proceedings were pending against it for the same scheme. Held: It was not necessary to decide whether a declaration as to the criminality or otherwise of future conduct can ever properly be made by a civil court. It would be … Continue reading Imperial Tobacco Ltd v Attorney-General: HL 1980
The carer of S sought a declaration that S’s wife and son were not entitled to remove him to Norway. Held: The court may try an issue as to the patient’s care as between rival claimants as carers. It should not tightly restrict list of carers able to apply for declaratory relief. A patient’s current … Continue reading In Re S (Hospital Patient: Court’s Jurisdiction): CA 6 Mar 1995
The local authority sought a declaration as to its rights to control the daily activities of an eighteen year old, who was incapable of managing her own affairs but was not subject to mental health legislation. Held: There remained an inherent jurisdiction which the court could exercise through the doctrine of necessity. The subject was … Continue reading In Re F (Adult: Court’s Jurisdiction): CA 25 Jul 2000
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
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
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 court observed, in passing, that ‘there are situations where the wishes of a person with impaired mental facilities may be validly replaced by those of another person acting in the context of a protective measure and that it is sometimes difficult to ascertain the true wishes or preferences of the person concerned’ Citations: 36760/06, … Continue reading Stanev v Bulgaria: ECHR 17 Jan 2012
Lack of Patient Safeguards was Infringement The claimant had been detained at a mental hospital as in ‘informal patient’. He was an autistic adult. He had been recommended for release by the Mental Health Review Tribunal, and it was decided that he should be released. He was detained further pending suitable arrangements being made for … Continue reading HL v United Kingdom: ECHR 2004
(Scotland) By the 2014 Act, the Scottish Parliament had provided that each child should have a named person to monitor that child’s needs, with information about him or her shared as necessary. The Institute objected that the imposed obligation to share information was outwith the powers of the Parliament. It extended the information to be … Continue reading The Christian Institute and Others v The Lord Advocate: SC 28 Jul 2016
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
Deprivation of Liberty P and Q were two adolescent sisters without capacity. They complained that the arrangements made for their care amounted to an unjustified deprivation of liberty, and now appealed against rejection of their cases. In the second case, P, an adult male, again without capacity, also complained as to the arrangements for his … Continue reading P (By His Litigation Friend The Official Solicitor) v Cheshire West and Chester Council and Another and similar: SC 19 Mar 2014
A clause in a shipping freight contract using the standard British International Freight Association terms disallowing a set-off was not unreasonable. The clause read ‘The customer shall pay to the company in cash or as otherwise agreed all sums immediately when due, without reduction or deferment on account of any claim, counterclaim or set off’. … Continue reading Schenkers Limited v Overland Shoes Limited and Schenkers International Deutschland Gmbh v Overland Shoes Limited: CA 12 Feb 1998
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
