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Dr Gnanapragasam Anton Joseph Selvanathan v The General Medical Council: PC 11 Oct 2000

Decisions of the Professional Conduct Committee of the GMC should now be accompanied by explanations. Earlier practice of issuing a bare decision had been superseded by general practice in decision making bodies, and also by detailed rules governing the practice of the committee. Fairness required reasons to be given so that the disciplined doctor could … Continue reading Dr Gnanapragasam Anton Joseph Selvanathan v The General Medical Council: PC 11 Oct 2000

Dr Marta Stefan v The General Medical Council: PC 8 Mar 1999

The General Medical Council is under a duty to give reasons for its decisions however short. Though no express duty is in the regulations under which it operates, the availability of an appeal on a point of law, implied the need to give reasons. Citations: Times 11-Mar-1999, (Appeal No 16 of 1998), [1999] UKPC 10 … Continue reading Dr Marta Stefan v The General Medical Council: PC 8 Mar 1999

Roylance v The General Medical Council (No 2): PC 24 Mar 1999

(Medical Act 1983) Dr Roylance was the chief executive of a hospital in which there had been excessive mortality rates of children who underwent cardiac surgery and had failed to take steps to deal with the problem. Held: A doctor who carried out purely administrative functions within a hospital still had a doctor’s duties and … Continue reading Roylance v The General Medical Council (No 2): PC 24 Mar 1999

Dr John Roylance v The General Medical Council Oral judgment upon petition: PC 19 Jan 1999

(Medical Act 1983) Discussions in camera by the professional conduct committee of the General Medical Council attracted public interest immunity and were not disclosable to the party before the council. Judges: Lord Clyde Citations: Times 27-Jan-1999, [1999] UKPC 3, [2000] 1 AC 311 Links: Bailii, PC Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Regina … Continue reading Dr John Roylance v The General Medical Council Oral judgment upon petition: PC 19 Jan 1999

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 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

Overseas Medical Supplies Limited v Orient Transport Services Limited: CA 20 May 1999

The appellant challenged a finding that it was responsible for the loss of medical equipment being transported from Tehran to the UK, and of failing to insure it as required, the contractual term exempting it from responsibility being an unreasonable one under the Act, since the obligations imposed on the respectve parties were imbalanced. Held: … Continue reading Overseas Medical Supplies Limited v Orient Transport Services Limited: CA 20 May 1999

Watson v General Medical Council: Admn 26 Aug 2005

The claimant said that the procedure of the fitness to practice panel was unfair in that representations had been accepted by the panel from an expert witness without him having an opportunity to challenge or comment on that evidence. Held: Any advice accepted by the tribunal must allow for submissions from the parties. The appeal … Continue reading Watson v General Medical Council: Admn 26 Aug 2005

Gunn-Russo v Nugent Care Society and Secretary of State for Health: Admn 20 Jul 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

Regina v Mental Health Review Tribunal; Torfaen County Borough Council and Gwent Health Authority ex parte Hall: Admn 23 Apr 1999

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

Naidike, Naidike and Naidike v The Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago: PC 12 Oct 2004

(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

Regina v Secretary of State for Home Office ex parte Gilkes: Admn 21 Jan 1999

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

Regina (on the application of K) v Camden and Islington Health Authority: CA 21 Feb 2001

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

Khan v General Medical Council: EAT 24 Mar 1993

An Asian Doctor had repeatedly been refused full registration by the council. It was held that he could not bring a claim of indirect discrimination, because he had not exhausted his rights of appeal. An application for review under the Act gave sufficient opportunity of redress being by way of an independent hearing capable of … Continue reading Khan v General Medical Council: EAT 24 Mar 1993

The Conservative and Unionist Party v The Election Commissioner: CA 23 Nov 2010

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

Nilsen v HM Prison Full Sutton and Another: CA 17 Nov 2004

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

Kent County Council v The Mother, The Father, B (By Her Children’s Guardian); Re B (A Child) (Disclosure): FD 19 Mar 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

Mersey Care NHS Trust v Ackroyd: QBD 7 Feb 2006

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

Albert And Le Compte v Belgium: ECHR 24 Oct 1983

ECHR Judgment (Just Satisfaction) – Non-pecuniary damage – finding of violation sufficient; Costs and expenses award – domestic proceedings; Costs and expenses award – Convention proceedings. Citations: 7496/76, 7299/75 Statutes: European Convention on Human Rights 6 Citing: See Also – Le Compte, Van Leuven And De Meyere v Belgium ECHR 23-Jun-1981 Hudoc The Court was … Continue reading Albert And Le Compte v Belgium: ECHR 24 Oct 1983

L v United Kingdom: ECHR 5 Oct 2004

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

Regina v Bournewood Community and Mental Health NHS Trust, Ex parte L: CA 2 Dec 1997

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

Albert And Le Compte v Belgium (Article 50): ECHR 24 Oct 1983

The applicants were Belgian nationals and medical practitioners. Dr Le Compte was suspended from practising medicine for two years for an offence against professional discipline. He appealed to the Appeals Council, alleging violations of Article 6. In his absence the Appeals Council rejected his case and substituted for the two year suspension a direction to … Continue reading Albert And Le Compte v Belgium (Article 50): ECHR 24 Oct 1983

Regina v Reynolds: CACD 1 Nov 2000

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

Edwards (Inspector of Taxes) v Bairstow: HL 25 Jul 1955

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, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 28 Apr 2005

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

Nelson v Regina: CACD 2 Dec 2020

‘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

Re SS (an adult: medical treatment): 2002

The court considered a request for permission to abort the pregnancy of a woman receiving treatment as an in-patient at a mental hospital: ‘Pregnant patients in psychiatric hospital are not unusual. The issue of the termination of pregnancies in such circumstances must arise frequently. It seems to me essential that each hospital should have a … Continue reading Re SS (an adult: medical treatment): 2002

EC v Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust: UTAA 8 May 2013

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

Regina (On the Application of Sosanya) v General Medical Council: Admn 2009

The court considered an application to lift the doctor’s suspension. Held: Though a charge of money-laundering was not sufficient to justify suspension, the court also noted that no risk to members of the public had been identified from Dr Sosanya continuing in practice. In considering the view taken by the IPO, ‘deference must not be … Continue reading Regina (On the Application of Sosanya) v General Medical Council: Admn 2009

Regina v Entry Clearance Officer, Bombay, Ex parte Amin: HL 1983

The House was asked whether the grant of special vouchers under the special voucher scheme introduced came within section 29 of the 1975 Act. Acts performed pursuant to a government function did not come within the meaning of service. Discrimination laws did not apply to acts done on behalf of the Crown which were of … Continue reading Regina v Entry Clearance Officer, Bombay, Ex parte Amin: HL 1983

In Re F (Adult: Court’s Jurisdiction): CA 25 Jul 2000

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

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

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

General Medical Council v H Cox: EAT 22 Mar 2002

Miss Cox claimed that the Council had not made a proper adjustment so as to allow her to work for them despite her disability. The Council asserted as a preliminary point that they were not a trade organisation within the sections, and so were not caught by the provisions. They appealed a finding against them. … Continue reading General Medical Council v H Cox: EAT 22 Mar 2002

Henderson v Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust: CA 3 Aug 2018

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

Regina v Deputy Governor of Parkhurst Prison, Ex parte Hague, Weldon v Home Office: HL 24 Jul 1991

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

Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board: SC 11 Mar 2015

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

Stanev v Bulgaria: ECHR 17 Jan 2012

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

HL v United Kingdom: ECHR 2004

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

The Christian Institute and Others v The Lord Advocate: SC 28 Jul 2016

(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

P (By His Litigation Friend The Official Solicitor) v Cheshire West and Chester Council and Another and similar: SC 19 Mar 2014

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

Regina v General Medical Council Ex Parte Virik: CA 31 Oct 1995

On registering a foreign doctor there is no test for comparison with an EU doctor. Citations: Times 31-Oct-1995 Statutes: Medical Act 1983 25 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appeal from – Regina v General Medical Council Ex Parte Virik QBD 17-Feb-1995 the General Medical Council may not impose a higher standard on foreign doctors for … Continue reading Regina v General Medical Council Ex Parte Virik: CA 31 Oct 1995

George Mitchell (Chesterhall) Ltd v Finney Lock Seeds Ltd: HL 1983

A seedsman sought to rely upon an exclusion clause preventing any claim by a purchaser by way of set off against its sales invoices. The House was asked whether a contractual term was ‘fair and reasonable’ within the meaning of section 55 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979. Held: Where a tribunal applies a … Continue reading George Mitchell (Chesterhall) Ltd v Finney Lock Seeds Ltd: HL 1983

Schenkers Limited v Overland Shoes Limited and Schenkers International Deutschland Gmbh v Overland Shoes Limited: CA 12 Feb 1998

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

Nduka v General Medical Council: Admn 15 Jun 2017

Appeal from determination of Medical Practitioners Tribunal. The Tribunal had continued to hear the case in the doctor’s absence. Held: The Tribunal had before it the facts and could determine the answer. Judges: Lang DBE J Citations: [2017] EWHC 1396 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Medical Act 1983 40 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health Professions Updated: … Continue reading Nduka v General Medical Council: Admn 15 Jun 2017

PS, Regina (on the Application of) v Responsible Medical Officer, Dr G and others: Admn 10 Oct 2003

The claimant had been compulsorily detained under the Act. He complained that the detention and compulsory medication infringed his rights, and amongst other things breached his religious beliefs. Held: This was an exceptional case requiring attendance of the doctors to allow the testing of their evidence. The administration of anti-psychotic medication to PS would not … Continue reading PS, Regina (on the Application of) v Responsible Medical Officer, Dr G and others: Admn 10 Oct 2003

Djaba v West London Mental Health Trust and Another: CA 28 Jun 2017

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

Pepper (Inspector of Taxes) v Hart: HL 26 Nov 1992

Reference to Parliamentary Papers behind Statute The inspector sought to tax the benefits in kind received by teachers at a private school in having their children educated at the school for free. Having agreed this was a taxable emolument, it was argued as to whether the taxable benefit was the cost to the employer, or … Continue reading Pepper (Inspector of Taxes) v Hart: HL 26 Nov 1992

JD v East Berkshire Community Health NHS Trust and others: HL 21 Apr 2005

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

X (Minors) v Bedfordshire County Council; M (A Minor) and Another v Newham London Borough Council; Etc: HL 29 Jun 1995

Liability in Damages on Statute Breach to be Clear Damages were to be awarded against a Local Authority for breach of statutory duty in a care case only if the statute was clear that damages were capable of being awarded. in the ordinary case a breach of statutory duty does not, by itself, give rise … Continue reading X (Minors) v Bedfordshire County Council; M (A Minor) and Another v Newham London Borough Council; Etc: HL 29 Jun 1995

AXA General Insurance Ltd and Others v Lord Advocate and Others: SC 12 Oct 2011

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

James and Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 21 Feb 1986

The claimants challenged the 1967 Act, saying that it deprived them of their property rights when lessees were given the power to purchase the freehold reversion. Held: Article 1 (P1-1) in substance guarantees the right of property. Allowing a mechanism for the compulsory transfer of the freehold interest in the house and the land to … Continue reading James and Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 21 Feb 1986

Punch Pub Company Ltd v O’Neill: EAT 23 Jul 2010

EAT UNFAIR DISMISSALReasonableness of dismissalProcedural fairness/automatically unfair dismissalThe Employment Tribunal failed to consider the effect of S98A(2) of the Employment Rights Act 1996. Had it done so it would have been bound to find that had the Respondent followed a fair dismissal procedure the Claimant would have been dismissed in any event. Judges: Serota QC … Continue reading Punch Pub Company Ltd v O’Neill: EAT 23 Jul 2010

An NHS Trust v D (Medical Treatment: Consent: Termination): FD 28 Nov 2003

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

Ashingdane v The United Kingdom: ECHR 28 May 1985

The right of access to the courts is not absolute but may be subject to limitations. These are permitted by implication since the right of access ‘by its very nature calls for regulation by the State, regulation which may vary in time and place according to the needs and resources of the community and of … Continue reading Ashingdane v The United Kingdom: ECHR 28 May 1985

Regina (Holding and Barnes plc) v Secretary of State for Environment Transport and the Regions; Regina (Alconbury Developments Ltd and Others) v Same and Others: HL 9 May 2001

Power to call in is administrative in nature The powers of the Secretary of State to call in a planning application for his decision, and certain other planning powers, were essentially an administrative power, and not a judicial one, and therefore it was not a breach of the applicants’ rights to a fair hearing before … Continue reading Regina (Holding and Barnes plc) v Secretary of State for Environment Transport and the Regions; Regina (Alconbury Developments Ltd and Others) v Same and Others: HL 9 May 2001

Finucane, Re Application for Judicial Review: SC 27 Feb 2019

(Northern Ireland) The deceased solicitor was murdered in his home in 1989, allegedly by loyalists. They had never been identified, though collusion between security forces and a loyalist paramilitary was established. The ECHR and a judge led inquiry had said that a proper investigation was required. A promised inquiry under the 2005 Act was objected … Continue reading Finucane, Re Application for Judicial Review: SC 27 Feb 2019

AN, Regina (on the Application of) v Mental Health Review Tribunal (Northern Region) and others: CA 21 Dec 2005

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

O, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 27 Apr 2016

The appellant failed asylum seeker had been detained for three years pending deportation. She suffered a mental illness, and during her detention the medical advice that her condition could be coped with in the detention centre changed, recommending treatment in the community. She said that the Francis case was wrongly decided. Held: Her appeal failed. … Continue reading O, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 27 Apr 2016

British Broadcasting Company v Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council and X and Y: FD 24 Nov 2005

Application was made by the claimant for orders discharging an order made in 1991 to protect the identity of children and social workers embroiled in allegations of satanic sex abuse. The defendant opposed disclosure of the names of two social workers. Held: The names of the social workers had been withheld originally to protect the … Continue reading British Broadcasting Company v Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council and X and Y: FD 24 Nov 2005

An NHS Trust v A: CoP 23 Sep 2015

The application sought orders and declarations from the Court of Protection, depriving A of his liberty for the purposes of administering to him medical treatment which would address the problems which he suffered from. Mostyn J [2015] EWCOP 71 Bailii Mental Health Act 1983 3 Health, Agency Updated: 06 January 2022; Ref: scu.554594

Cornwall Council, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Health and Somerset County Council: SC 8 Jul 2015

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

In re S-C (Mental Patient: Habeas Corpus): CA 22 Nov 1995

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

Modaresi, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Health: SC 24 Jul 2013

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

TZ v General Medical Council: Admn 17 Apr 2015

Appeal against decision of a Fitness to Practise Panel holding that the Appellant’s fitness to practise as a medical practitioner was impaired by reason of his misconduct. It directed that his name be erased from the Medical Register under section 35D of the Act. Acting as a locum at an AandE hospital attending a young … Continue reading TZ v General Medical Council: Admn 17 Apr 2015

The Secretary of State for Justice v RB and Another: CA 20 Dec 2011

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

MM v WL Clinic and Another: UTAA 23 Nov 2015

Mental Health : All – whether for the purposes of Article 5 a restricted patient who has the capacity to do so can give a valid consent to the terms of a conditional discharge that, when it is implemented, will on an objective assessment create a deprivation of the patient’s liberty. Held: there was power … Continue reading MM v WL Clinic and Another: UTAA 23 Nov 2015

The Secretary of State for Justice v MM: CA 29 Mar 2017

Power of FTT to deprive patient of liberty Two patients who had been confined to a secure hospital, appealed against orders which would continue to restrict their liberty upon being conditionally released. The parties now disputed the jurisdiction of the FTT to make such an order. Held: The orders made by the UT were set … Continue reading The Secretary of State for Justice v MM: CA 29 Mar 2017

Aaron v The Law Society (the Office of the Supervision of Solicitors): QBD 13 Oct 2003

The appellant challenged an order suspending him from practice as a solicitor for two years. He had previous findings of professional misconduct in failing to pay counsels’ fees. In the course of later disciplinary proceedings he was found to have misled the court as to the circumstances of a tribunal hearing when obtaining a stay. … Continue reading Aaron v The Law Society (the Office of the Supervision of Solicitors): QBD 13 Oct 2003

Masterman-Lister v Brutton and Co, Jewell and Home Counties Dairies (No 1): CA 19 Dec 2002

Capacity for Litigation The claimant appealed against dismissal of his claims. He had earlier settled a claim for damages, but now sought to re-open it, and to claim in negligence against his former solicitors, saying that he had not had sufficient mental capacity at the time to accept the offer. Held: There is no definition … Continue reading Masterman-Lister v Brutton and Co, Jewell and Home Counties Dairies (No 1): CA 19 Dec 2002

Adu v General Medical Council: Admn 20 Jun 2014

Dr Adu challenged determinations made by a Fitness to Practise Panel of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service of the General Medical Council under s 35D of the 1983 Act. The FTPP, having heard evidence and submissions found that Dr Adu’s fitness to practise was impaired by reason of deficient professional performance and that, in consequence, … Continue reading Adu v General Medical Council: Admn 20 Jun 2014

Axon, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Health and Another: Admn 23 Jan 2006

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

Khera v Secretary of State for The Home Department; Khawaja v Secretary of State for The Home Department: HL 10 Feb 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

Gupta v General Medical Council: Admn 17 Jul 2001

The appellant doctor had been suspended from practice by decision of the respondent. It was alleged that she had allowed her husband, himself a suspended practitioner to consult with patients in breach of that suspension. Having found the allegation proved, she had been suspended immediately, and without the opportunity to make representations. Although the rules … Continue reading Gupta v General Medical Council: Admn 17 Jul 2001

Secretary of State for Justice v RB: UTAA 20 Dec 2010

‘The premise for exercise of the tribunal’s powers is that the patient has previously been lawfully detained (so that article 5 has been complied with); but that he does not now need to be detained in a hospital and that some other form of accommodation is appropriate, subject to the possibility of recall. The next … Continue reading Secretary of State for Justice v RB: UTAA 20 Dec 2010

Secretary of State for the Home Department, Regina (on the Application of) v Mental Health Review Tribunal: Admn 20 May 2002

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

Winterwerp v The Netherlands: ECHR 24 Oct 1979

A Dutch national detained in hospital complained that his detention had divested him of his capacity to administer his property, and thus there had been determination of his civil rights and obligations without the guarantee of a judicial procedure. Held: Article 5(1)(a) is concerned with the question whether the detention is permissible. Its object and … Continue reading Winterwerp v The Netherlands: ECHR 24 Oct 1979

Secretary of State for Justice v MM: SC 28 Nov 2018

The respondent had been detained after conviction for arson, under the 1983 Act, and was liable to indefinite detention in hospital for medical treatment and dischargeable only by the Appellant or the First Tier Tribunal, possibly only as a conditional release. He said that that was discriminatory. Held: (Lord Hughes dissenting) The appeal failed. The … Continue reading Secretary of State for Justice v MM: SC 28 Nov 2018

Regina v Connor and another; Regina v Mirza: HL 22 Jan 2004

Extension of Inquiries into Jury Room Activities The defendants sought an enquiry as to events in the jury rooms on their trials. They said that the secrecy of a jury’s deliberations did not fit the human right to a fair trial. In one case, it was said that jurors believed that the defendant’s use of … Continue reading Regina v Connor and another; Regina v Mirza: HL 22 Jan 2004

Baiai and others, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 30 Jul 2008

In order to prevent marriages of convenience in the UK the Secretary of State introduced a scheme under which certain persons subject to immigration control required her written permission to marry and would not receive it unless they were present in the UK pursuant to a grant of leave for more than six months of … Continue reading Baiai and others, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 30 Jul 2008

Crown Prosecution Service v P; Director of Public Prosecutions v P: Admn 27 Apr 2007

The prosecutor appealed a grant of a stay of a prosecution of the 13 year old defendant as an abuse of process. Reports had indicated that he was unfit to plead. The prosecution contended that, if the court thought P ought not to face trial by reason of his disability, it should proceed to decide … Continue reading Crown Prosecution Service v P; Director of Public Prosecutions v P: Admn 27 Apr 2007

Douglas and others v Hello! Ltd and others; similar: HL 2 May 2007

In Douglas, the claimants said that the defendants had interfered with their contract to provide exclusive photographs of their wedding to a competing magazine, by arranging for a third party to infiltrate and take and sell unauthorised photographs. In OBG, the defendants acted as receivers under an invalid charge, and were accused of unlawful interference … Continue reading Douglas and others v Hello! Ltd and others; similar: HL 2 May 2007

General Medical Council (GMC) v Hiew: CA 30 Apr 2007

The doctor sought to challenge the extension of his suspension from practice. Held: It was inappropriate in such an application to challenge the findings of fact which had led to the initial suspension. If he wished to do that, he should seek judicial review of that decision. Arden LJ said: ‘the powers conferred by s.41A(10) … Continue reading General Medical Council (GMC) v Hiew: CA 30 Apr 2007

London Borough of Lewisham v Malcolm and Disability Rights Commission: CA 25 Jul 2007

The court was asked, whether asked to grant possession against a disabled tenant where the grounds for possession were mandatory. The defendant was a secure tenant with a history of psychiatric disability. He had set out to buy his flat, but the council sought possession when it discovered that he had sublet. Held: Section 23(3)(c) … Continue reading London Borough of Lewisham v Malcolm and Disability Rights Commission: CA 25 Jul 2007

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 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

TF, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: CA 18 Dec 2008

The claimant had been near to completing a sentence for serious violence. He now challenged the way in which, as his sentenced approached completion, the defendant had sought an order transferring him to a secure mental hospital. He was served with an order as he left the prison. The court had said that there was … Continue reading TF, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: CA 18 Dec 2008