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MS Regina (on The Application of) v The Independent Monitor of The Home Office and Another: Admn 18 Apr 2016

The applicant challenged the disclosure of old allegations of criminal behaviour on his application for an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Certificate in support of his application for a hackney carriage license. Judges: Blair QC HHJ Citations: [2016] EWHC 655 (Admin), [2016] 4 WLR 88, [2016] WLR(D) 233 Links: Bailii, WLRD Statutes: Police Act 1997 113B(4) … Continue reading MS Regina (on The Application of) v The Independent Monitor of The Home Office and Another: Admn 18 Apr 2016

Turner v Regina: CACD 9 May 2013

The defendant appealed from his conviction of murder. He complained that the judge should not have admitted in evidence material derived from a covert surveillance. The covert surveillance was of the defendant at his family home, and had been authorised by the Chief Constable and the Surveillance Commissioner. He complained that the matters in issue … Continue reading Turner v Regina: CACD 9 May 2013

Hewitson v The United Kingdom: ECHR 27 May 2003

Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Violation of Art. 8 ; Non-pecuniary damage – finding of violation sufficient ; Costs and expenses partial award – Convention proceedingsThe applicant had been under investigation by the police. Whilst under arrest, his garage was fitted with a secret recording device, and the evidence gathered was later used against … Continue reading Hewitson v The United Kingdom: ECHR 27 May 2003

McGibbon and Corstorphine v Her Majesty’s Advocate: HCJ 19 Feb 2004

It was conceded that there had been a breach of article 8 in the obtaining of covert video and audio recordings of the appellants’ incriminating conversations. Held: If there was a breach by the police of article 8, it did not follow that the evidence thereby obtained was inadmissible. Any breach of article 8 in … Continue reading McGibbon and Corstorphine v Her Majesty’s Advocate: HCJ 19 Feb 2004

Regina (Tucker) v Director General of the National Crime Squad: CA 17 Jan 2003

The applicant was a senior officer seconded to the National Crime Squad. He complained that his secondment had been terminated in a manner which was unfair, and left him tainted without opportunity to reply. He appealed against rejection of his request for judicial review. Held: The appeal failed. Operational matters within the police service, save … Continue reading Regina (Tucker) v Director General of the National Crime Squad: CA 17 Jan 2003

T, Regina (on The Application of) v Chief Constable of Greater Manchester and Others: CA 29 Jan 2013

Three claimants appealed against refusal of declarations that the response of the police to requests for Criminal Records Bureau enhanced checks, were a disproportionate interference in their right to private and family life, and in particular that the disclosure of old convictions infringed their human rights. Held: The appeals succeeded. The statutory system which required … Continue reading T, Regina (on The Application of) v Chief Constable of Greater Manchester and Others: CA 29 Jan 2013

Gallagher for Judicial Review (NI): SC 30 Jan 2019

Each appellant complained of the disclosure by the respondent of very old and minor offences to potential employers, destroying prospects of finding work. Two statutory schemes were challenged, raising two separate questions, namely whether any interference with Article 8 ECHR is: (1) ‘in accordance with the law’ (‘the legality test’) and (2) ‘necessary in a … Continue reading Gallagher for Judicial Review (NI): SC 30 Jan 2019

P and A, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice and Others: Admn 22 Jan 2016

The claimants challenged the compliance with their human rights of the system reuiring full disclosure of old convictions on applications for employment. McCombe LJ, Carr J [2016] WLR(D) 21, [2016] EWHC 89 (Admin) Bailii, WLRD Police Act 1997, Police Act (Criminal Records Certificates: Relevant Matters) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2013, European Convention on Human … Continue reading P and A, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice and Others: Admn 22 Jan 2016

P, Regina (on The Application of) The Secretary of State for The Home Department and Another: CA 3 May 2017

Challenge to disclosure by police of spent convictions. Sir Brian Leveson P QBD, Beatson, Thirlwall LJJ [2017] EWCA Civ 321, [2018] 2 All ER 794, [2017] WLR(D) 710, [2018] 1 WLR 3281, [2017] 2 Cr App R 12 Bailii, WLRD Police Act 1997, Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, European Convention on Human Rights England and … Continue reading P, Regina (on The Application of) The Secretary of State for The Home Department and Another: CA 3 May 2017

T and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Home Department and Another: SC 18 Jun 2014

T and JB, asserted that the reference in certificates issued by the state to cautions given to them violated their right to respect for their private life under article 8 of the Convention. T further claims that the obligation cast upon him to disclose the warnings given to him violated the same right. Held: The … Continue reading T and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Home Department and Another: SC 18 Jun 2014

MM v The United Kingdom: ECHR 13 Nov 2012

ECHR The applicant complained about the retention and disclosure in the context of a criminal record check of data concerning a caution she received from the police. he applicant, who lived in Northern Ireland, was a baby’s paternal grandmother and was distressed at the prospect of the mother’s removal of him to her native Australia. … Continue reading MM v The United Kingdom: ECHR 13 Nov 2012

Miller v The College of Policing: CA 20 Dec 2021

Hate-Incident Guidance Inflexible and Unlawful The central issue raised in the appeal is the lawfulness of certain parts of a document entitled the Hate Crime Operational Guidance (the Guidance). The Guidance, issued in 2014 by the College of Policing (the College), the respondent to this appeal, sets out the national policy in relation to the … Continue reading Miller v The College of Policing: CA 20 Dec 2021

C, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Home Department and Another: CA 19 Jan 2011

The Chief Constable appealed against an order made against him on the disclosure made on replying to an Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate request, of unproven sexual misconduct allegations against the claimant. The judge had found the disclosure disproportionate given the circumstances of the allegation. The allegations were some 15 years old, and the judge found … Continue reading C, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Home Department and Another: CA 19 Jan 2011

Regina v E: CACD 26 Apr 2004

The court was asked as to the permissibility of admitting covert recordings of the accused’s car by investigating officers, which recorded the accused’s words as they spoke into their telephones. The defendants said that this amount to interception of the calls. Held: If what happened was interception, evidence of the content of any telephone calls … Continue reading Regina v E: CACD 26 Apr 2004

Hall and others v Save Newchurch Guinea Pigs (Campaign) and others: QBD 17 Mar 2005

The claimants ran a guinea pig farm. They and their neighbours applied for injunctions and an exclusion zone to keep away the defendants who campaigned against the breeding of animals for research. Held: The claimants had been subjected to a long and sustained campaign of harassment by the defendant organisation and its associates. The court … Continue reading Hall and others v Save Newchurch Guinea Pigs (Campaign) and others: QBD 17 Mar 2005

In re a Debtor (No 1 of 1987), ex parte the Royal Bank of Scotland: CA 1989

A statutory demand as served showed an incorrectly calculated sum owed and was in the wrong form. Held: The application to set the demand aside was refused. A statutory demand should not be set aside for a mere technicality.Lord Justice Nicholls said: ‘The question arising on this appeal concerns the exercise by the court of … Continue reading In re a Debtor (No 1 of 1987), ex parte the Royal Bank of Scotland: CA 1989

Iqbal v Mansoor and Others: QBD 26 Aug 2011

The claimant sought the disapplication of the limitation period in order to pursue the defendant solicitors, his former employers, in defamation. Judges: Parkes QC J Citations: [2011] EWHC 2261 (QB) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – Iqbal v Dean Manson Solicitors CA 15-Feb-2011 The claimant sought protection under the Act from … Continue reading Iqbal v Mansoor and Others: QBD 26 Aug 2011

Chief Constable of Leicestershire v M and Another: ChD 1988

The defendant had obtained money by fraud and used it to purchase property, which then increased in value. Held: The police did not have any right based on the increase in value to found a claim for an injunction to prevent the defendant dealing with the money. The court referred to statutory provisions conferring powers … Continue reading Chief Constable of Leicestershire v M and Another: ChD 1988

Buckley v Dalziel: QBD 3 May 2007

There was a heated dispute between neighbours, culminating in some generous or perhaps over-generous pruning by the claimant of the defendant’s trees and shrubs on the boundaries. The defendants reported the matter to the police. Both Mr and Mrs Dalziel made oral complaints to the officer who attended upon them. He later returned and Mr … Continue reading Buckley v Dalziel: QBD 3 May 2007

Regina v Governor of Pentonville Prison, Ex parte Fernandez: Fernandez v Government of Singapore: HL 1971

Test for police protection need The court considered the degree of risk to an individual which should give rise to a duty on the police to protect him under article 2. Held: Lord Diplock said: ‘My Lords, bearing in mind the relative gravity of the consequences of the court’s expectation being falsified either in one … Continue reading Regina v Governor of Pentonville Prison, Ex parte Fernandez: Fernandez v Government of Singapore: HL 1971

Regus (UK) Ltd v Epcot Solutions Ltd: CA 15 Apr 2008

The appellant had contracted to provide office accomodation to the defendant. The air conditioning did not work and there were other defects. The appellant now challenged a finding of liability and that its contract terms which were said to totally exclude liability were unfair under the 1977 Act. Held: The appeal succeeded. Alternative remedies would … Continue reading Regus (UK) Ltd v Epcot Solutions Ltd: CA 15 Apr 2008

Hughes and others (By Their Litigation Friend) v Richards (Trading As Colin Richards and Co ): CA 9 Mar 2004

Parents and their children claimed against a tax adviser for negligence in relation to setting up an offshore trust. The defendant applied to strike out the children’s claim on the basis that the defendant owed them no duty of care and only the parents could recover. The success of the claim was dependant upon the … Continue reading Hughes and others (By Their Litigation Friend) v Richards (Trading As Colin Richards and Co ): CA 9 Mar 2004

Redpath v Belfast and County Down Railway: CANI 1947

The plaintiff sought damages for personal injury. The defendant company sought to bring into account sums received by the plaintiff from a distress fund to which members of the public had contributed. Plaintiff’s counsel were said to having submitted: ‘that it would be startling to the subscribers to that fund if they were to be … Continue reading Redpath v Belfast and County Down Railway: CANI 1947

Roberts vWinbow (3): CA 4 Dec 1998

The plaintiff was treated for depression by the defendant by prescription of drugs. She sufferred a reaction, but now claimed that the doctor’s slow reaction caused her to suffer lasting injury. The question on appeal was, if a plaintiff suffers injuries some of which the plaintiff knows to be attributable to the act or omission … Continue reading Roberts vWinbow (3): CA 4 Dec 1998

McBride v The Body Shop International Plc: QBD 10 Jul 2007

The claimant sought damages for libel in an internal email written by her manager, accusing her of being a compulsive liar. The email had not been disclosed save in Employment Tribunal proceedings, and the claimant sought permission to use the email and to extend the limitation period saying it had been withheld. Held: There had … Continue reading McBride v The Body Shop International Plc: QBD 10 Jul 2007

Dubai Aluminium Company Limited v Salaam and Others: HL 5 Dec 2002

Partners Liable for Dishonest Act of Solicitor A solicitor had been alleged to have acted dishonestly, having assisted in a fraudulent breach of trust by drafting certain documents. Contributions to the damages were sought from his partners. Held: The acts complained of were so close to the activities which a solicitor would normally undertake, that … Continue reading Dubai Aluminium Company Limited v Salaam and Others: HL 5 Dec 2002

Reynolds v Times Newspapers Ltd and others: HL 28 Oct 1999

Fair Coment on Political Activities The defendant newspaper had published articles wrongly accusing the claimant, the former Prime Minister of Ireland of duplicity. The paper now appealed, saying that it should have had available to it a defence of qualified privilege because of the claimant’s status as a politician. Held: The appeal failed (Lords Hope … Continue reading Reynolds v Times Newspapers Ltd and others: HL 28 Oct 1999

Royal Aquarium and Summer and Winter Garden Society Ltd v Parkinson: CA 1892

The court described the characteristics of a tribunal to which absolute privilege attaches. Having spoken of ‘an authorised inquiry which, though not before a court of justice, is before a tribunal which has similar attributes’ and similar attributes the question was whether it was ‘acting . . in a manner as nearly as possible similar … Continue reading Royal Aquarium and Summer and Winter Garden Society Ltd v Parkinson: CA 1892

Loveless v Earl; Capital and Counties (Financial Services) Limited: CA 4 Nov 1998

When a defendant claimed qualified privilege and the Plaintiff alleged that the words complained of were issued with malice, the defendant will not prevented from reliance on qualified privilege if it can show that the words have an honestly intended meaning without malice. The subjective intention of a defendant was an issue for the jury. … Continue reading Loveless v Earl; Capital and Counties (Financial Services) Limited: CA 4 Nov 1998

Sheldrake v Director of Public Prosecutions; Attorney General’s Reference No 4 of 2002: HL 14 Oct 2004

Appeals were brought complaining as to the apparent reversal of the burden of proof in road traffic cases and in cases under the Terrorism Acts. Was a legal or an evidential burden placed on a defendant? Held: Lord Bingham of Cornhill said: ‘The overriding concern is that a trial should be fair, and the presumption … Continue reading Sheldrake v Director of Public Prosecutions; Attorney General’s Reference No 4 of 2002: HL 14 Oct 2004

Regina v Derek William Bentley (Deceased): CACD 30 Jul 1998

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

Regina v Coutts: HL 19 Jul 2006

The defendant was convicted of murder. Evidence during the trial suggested a possibility of manslaughter, but neither the defence nor prosecution proposed the alternate verdict. The defendant now appealed saying that the judge had an independent duty to leave that option to the jury. Held: The appeal succeeded. The judge should have left a manslaughter … Continue reading Regina v Coutts: HL 19 Jul 2006

Paragon Finance Plc (Formerly Known As National Home Loans Corporation Plc v D B Thakerar and Co (a Firm); Ranga and Co (a Firm) and Sterling Financial Services Limited: CA 21 Jul 1998

Where an action had been begun on basis of allegations of negligence and breach of trust, new allegations of fraud where quite separate new causes of claim, and went beyond amendments and were disallowed outside the relevant limitation period. Sections 23 and 36 and the absence of express statutory mention in the 1980 Act of … Continue reading Paragon Finance Plc (Formerly Known As National Home Loans Corporation Plc v D B Thakerar and Co (a Firm); Ranga and Co (a Firm) and Sterling Financial Services Limited: CA 21 Jul 1998

Murray v Big Pictures (UK) Ltd; Murray v Express Newspapers: CA 7 May 2008

The claimant, a famous writer, complained on behalf of her infant son that he had been photographed in a public street with her, and that the photograph had later been published in a national newspaper. She appealed an order striking out her claim on the basis that the child did not have a right of … Continue reading Murray v Big Pictures (UK) Ltd; Murray v Express Newspapers: CA 7 May 2008

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council v Hensley: CA 1 Nov 2007

The secure tenant was convicted of cultivating cannabis in the house. The council sought possession, and now appealed an order granting only possession suspended whilst the tenant complied with the terms of the tenancy agreement, seeking outright possession. Held: The council’s appeal succeeded. A possesion order was not to be made unless it was reasonable. … Continue reading Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council v Hensley: CA 1 Nov 2007

Rothwell v Chemical and Insulating Co Ltd and Another: CA 26 Jan 2006

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

Bank of Credit and Commerce International (Overseas) Limited (In Liquidation); BCCI Holdings (Luxembourg) SA (In Liquidation); Bank of Credit and Commerce International SA (In Liquidation) v Price Waterhouse: CA 13 Feb 1998

The special relationship between an auditor and a bank, meant that a duty of care could extend even to a second bank with its own auditors. In determining whether there had been an assumption of responsibility, the the relevant factors would include (according to the authorities): ‘(a) the precise relationship between (to use convenient terms) … Continue reading Bank of Credit and Commerce International (Overseas) Limited (In Liquidation); BCCI Holdings (Luxembourg) SA (In Liquidation); Bank of Credit and Commerce International SA (In Liquidation) v Price Waterhouse: CA 13 Feb 1998

Director of Public Prosecutions v Grundy: Admn 3 May 2006

The prosecution appealed by way of case stated from the acquittal of the defendant for failing to provide a specimen of breath. She had been distressed on being arrested, and the magistrates concluded that her distress had been the cause of her failing to provide the specimen at the police station. They certified a question … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Grundy: Admn 3 May 2006

Regina v P and others: HL 19 Dec 2000

Where communications had been intercepted in a foreign country, and the manner of such interceptions had been lawful in that country, the evidence produced was admissible in evidence in a trial in England. An admission of such evidence was not an infringement of the rights to a fair trial, nor of the right to respect … Continue reading Regina v P and others: HL 19 Dec 2000

X (South Yorkshire) v Secretary of State for The Home Department and Another: Admn 24 Oct 2012

The offender had twice been convicted of sex assaults against children. He was on the sex offenders register for life subject to a future right to seek de-registration. He now challenged as unlawful, the policy, ‘The Child Sex Offender (CSO) Disclosure Scheme Guidance Document’, (CSOD) issued by the respondent for the release of details of … Continue reading X (South Yorkshire) v Secretary of State for The Home Department and Another: Admn 24 Oct 2012

Savings and Investment Bank Ltd (In Liquidation) v Fincken: CA 14 Nov 2003

Parties to litigation had made without prejudice disclosures. One party sought to give evidence contradicting the dsclosure, and the other now applied for leave to amend based upon the without prejudice statements to be admitted to demonstrate the perjury. Held: The court had to balance the competing needs of fairness and expedition. There was nothing … Continue reading Savings and Investment Bank Ltd (In Liquidation) v Fincken: CA 14 Nov 2003

In Re C (A Minor) (Care Proceedings: Disclosure); Re EC (Disclosure of Material): CA 22 Oct 1996

Guidance was to the courts on disclosure of care proceedings statements etc to police. But for section 12 it would have been contempt of court to have disclosed to the police matters before the children’s court. Citations: Times 22-Oct-1996, [1997] Fam 76, [1996] 2 FLR 725 Statutes: Children Act 1989 12 98 Jurisdiction: England and … Continue reading In Re C (A Minor) (Care Proceedings: Disclosure); Re EC (Disclosure of Material): CA 22 Oct 1996

Tsikata v Newspaper Publishing Plc: CA 30 Sep 1996

Judges: Simon Brown LJ Citations: [1996] EWCA Civ 618, [1997] 1 All ER 655, [1997] EMLR 117 Links: Bailii Statutes: Defamation Act 1952 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appeal from – Tsikata v Newspaper Publishing Plc QBD 28-Oct-1994 Qualified privilege reporting statutory proceedings stays despite doubts on findings. Jonathan Sumption QC said: ‘Historically, qualified privilege … Continue reading Tsikata v Newspaper Publishing Plc: CA 30 Sep 1996

Welton, Welton v North Cornwall District Council: CA 17 Jul 1996

The defendant authority appealed a finding that it was liable in negligence from the conduct of one of its environmental health officers. The plaintiff had set out to refurbish and open a restaurant. He said the officer gave him a list of things he must do. He had done them, but the licence was still … Continue reading Welton, Welton v North Cornwall District Council: CA 17 Jul 1996

Lancashire County Council v Municipal Mutual Insurance Ltd: CA 3 Apr 1996

The defendant agreed to indemnify the insured ‘in respect of all sums which the insured shall become legally liable to pay as compensation arising out of’ various matters including wrongful arrest, malicious prosecution and false imprisonment. The insurer contended that the use of the word ‘compensation’ excluded awards of exemplary damages. Held: The contention was … Continue reading Lancashire County Council v Municipal Mutual Insurance Ltd: CA 3 Apr 1996

Bici and Bici v Ministry of Defence: QBD 7 Apr 2004

Claimants sought damages for personal injuries incurred when, in Pristina, Kosovo and during a riot, British soldiers on a UN peacekeeping expedition fired on a car. Held: The incidents occurred in the course of peace-keeping duties. It was not argued that they occurred in combat, and it was established that in cases of riot, soldiers … Continue reading Bici and Bici v Ministry of Defence: QBD 7 Apr 2004

John v MGN Ltd: CA 12 Dec 1995

Defamation – Large Damages Awards MGN appealed as to the level of damages awarded against it namely pounds 350,000 damages, comprising pounds 75,000 compensatory damages and pounds 275,000 exemplary damages. The newspaper contended that as a matter of principle there is no scope in law for awarding exemplary damages, either generally or in the particular … Continue reading John v MGN Ltd: CA 12 Dec 1995

Attorney General’s Reference (No 5 of 2002): HL 14 Oct 2004

The Attorney General sought the correct interpretation of section 17 where a court was asked as to whether evidence obtained from a telephone tapping had been taken from a public or private network. A chief constable suspected that the defendants, three of his officers, were selling confidential information to criminals. He ordered their telephones to … Continue reading Attorney General’s Reference (No 5 of 2002): HL 14 Oct 2004

Regina v Rawlings, Regina v Broadbent: CACD 19 Oct 1994

Guidance was given on the circumstances for showing video evidence to a jury a second time after they had once retired. Held: It should be exceptional only, because of the risk of it attracting greater weight than other evidence. It remains a matter for the Judge’s discretion.The Lord Chief Justice set out the procedure to … Continue reading Regina v Rawlings, Regina v Broadbent: CACD 19 Oct 1994

Watkins v Secretary of State for The Home Departmentand others: CA 20 Jul 2004

The claimant complained that prison officers had abused the system of reading his solicitor’s correspondence whilst he was in prison. The defendant argued that there was no proof of damage. Held: Proof of damage was not necessary in the tort of misfeasance in public office. The prisoner would be awarded andpound;5.00 nominal damages against the … Continue reading Watkins v Secretary of State for The Home Departmentand others: CA 20 Jul 2004

Keegan and Others v Chief Constable of Merseyside: CA 3 Jul 2003

The police had information suggesting (wrongly) that a fugitive resided at an address. An armed raid followed, and the claimant occupant sought damages. Held: The tort of malicious procurement of a search warrant required it to be established both that there was no reasonable or probable cause for requesting the search warrant and that there … Continue reading Keegan and Others v Chief Constable of Merseyside: CA 3 Jul 2003

Regina v Mullen: CACD 4 Feb 1999

British authorities, in disregard of available extradition procedures, initiated and procured the unlawful deportation of the appellant from Zimbabwe to England. The appellant was charged and tried for conspiracy to cause explosions likely to endanger life or to cause serious injury to property. It was alleged that he was a member of the IRA. In … Continue reading Regina v Mullen: CACD 4 Feb 1999

Regina v Bowden (BT): CACD 10 Feb 1999

The defendant was charged with robbing a McDonald’s restaurant. He had refused to answer questions when interviewed on arrest, and his solicitor had put on record that this was on the grounds that the solicitor did not think the evidence strong enough. At the trial, the defendant adduced the terms of that advice. The questions … Continue reading Regina v Bowden (BT): CACD 10 Feb 1999

Regina v Ward (Judith): CACD 15 Jul 1992

The defendant had been wrongly convicted of IRA bombings. She said that the prosecution had failed to disclose evidence. Held: The prosecution’s forensic scientists are under a common law duty to disclose to the defence anything they may discover which may assist the defendant. ‘Non-disclosure is a potent source of injustice and even with the … Continue reading Regina v Ward (Judith): CACD 15 Jul 1992

Regina v Smurthwaite; Regina v Gill: CACD 5 Oct 1993

It is not a defence merely to show that there had been entrapment or the use of an agent provocateur, but the Judge has a discretion to exclude the evidence obtained if it would be unfair to use it. The need is to ensure a fair trial. Citations: Gazette 13-Oct-1993, Ind Summary 11-Oct-1993, Times 05-Oct-1993, … Continue reading Regina v Smurthwaite; Regina v Gill: CACD 5 Oct 1993

Regina v Brown etc: CACD 15 Apr 1992

The defendants appealed against their convictions for offences under the 1861 Act of assaults inflicting injury. They said that as sado-masochists, they had mutually consented to the assaults and that no offences had been commited, but pleaded gulty after the judge ruled that consent was not a defence. Held: In the case of a mere … Continue reading Regina v Brown etc: CACD 15 Apr 1992

Regina v Lichniak: HL 25 Nov 2002

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

Regina v McLoughlin; Regina v Newell: CACD 18 Feb 2014

In each case the appellant had been convicted of particularly serious murders and had been given whole life terms. They now appealed saying that such sentences were incompatible with their human rights after the ruling of the ECHR Grand Chamber in Vinter v UK. Held: The appeals failed. Judges: Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, LCJ; Sir … Continue reading Regina v McLoughlin; Regina v Newell: CACD 18 Feb 2014

Vinter And Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 9 Jul 2013

(Grand Chamber) The appellants had each been convicted of more than one murder and had been sentenced to whole life terms. They complained that the absence of a possibility of review or remission was a breach of their rights. Held: For a life sentence to remain compatible with Article 3 there must be a prospect … Continue reading Vinter And Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 9 Jul 2013

Aldi Stores Ltd v Holmes Buildings Plc: CA 1 Dec 2003

What makes a claim a ‘new claim’ as defined in section 35(2) of the Limitation Act 1980 is not the newness of the case according to the type or quantum of the remedy claimed, but the newness of the cause of action that it involves. A cause of action is a set of facts that … Continue reading Aldi Stores Ltd v Holmes Buildings Plc: CA 1 Dec 2003

In re P and Others, (Adoption: Unmarried couple) (Northern Ireland); In re G: HL 18 Jun 2008

The applicants complained that as an unmarried couple they had been excluded from consideration as adopters. Held: Northern Ireland legislation had not moved in the same way as it had for other jurisdictions within the UK. The greater commitment to traditional family structures did not however justify the difference. The rules were unlawful discrimination.Lord Hoffmann … Continue reading In re P and Others, (Adoption: Unmarried couple) (Northern Ireland); In re G: HL 18 Jun 2008

Livingstone v Rawyards Coal Co: HL 13 Feb 1880

Damages or removal of coal under land User damages were awarded for the unauthorised removal of coal from beneath the appellant’s land, even though the site was too small for the appellant to have mined the coal himself. The appellant was also awarded damages for the damage done to the houses on the surface. If … Continue reading Livingstone v Rawyards Coal Co: HL 13 Feb 1880

Regina v Graham, Kansal, etc: CACD 25 Oct 1996

The court discussed when it was appropriate for the Court of Appeal to substitute other lesser convictions, after the main conviction had been declared unsafe. Held: After studying the authorities at length, the court felt that the various convictions should be quashed, but that in some cases there was a possibility of substituting verdicts of … Continue reading Regina v Graham, Kansal, etc: CACD 25 Oct 1996

Regina v Condron, Condron: CACD 17 Oct 1996

The defendants were charged with the supply of heroin. They had declined to answer police questions and it was on the record that their solicitor had advised them not to do so, on the grounds that he considered them unfit because they were displaying withdrawal symptoms; the doctor who examined them had disagreed. Held: The … Continue reading Regina v Condron, Condron: CACD 17 Oct 1996

Regina v Whelan: CACD 22 Oct 1996

The defendant appealed his conviction based upon the evidence of police officers who were subsequently discredited. Citations: [1996] EWCA Crim 1186, [1997] Cr LR 353 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Deans, Regina v CACD 30-Jul-2004 In 1989 the defendant was convicted of assorted serious drugs crimes. His case came before the court … Continue reading Regina v Whelan: CACD 22 Oct 1996

Regina v Major Sandhu: CACD 10 Dec 1996

The defendant appealed his conviction and sentence for infringements of the 1990 Act. The house was already very severly dilapidated when it came to be listed. He was accused of making changes outside the extent of the listed buildings consent he had obtained. Held: The offence was one of strict liability, and guilt did not … Continue reading Regina v Major Sandhu: CACD 10 Dec 1996

Regina v Marison: CACD 16 Jul 1996

A diabetic who drove anticipating a diabetic attack was driving recklessly and his act constituted dangerous driving. Citations: Gazette 02-Aug-1996, Times 16-Jul-1996, [1997] RTR 457 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 2A Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Milton v Crown Prosecution Service Admn 16-Mar-2007 The defendant appealed his conviction for dangerous driving, saying … Continue reading Regina v Marison: CACD 16 Jul 1996

Regina v Keane: CACD 15 Mar 1994

Public Interest Immunity Certificates for the protection of informants must be used only carefully. The Crown must specify the purpose of the public interest immunity certificate. The principles on disclosure in Ward are not limited to scientific evidence. The great principle is that of open justice: ‘If the disputed material may prove the defendant’s innocence … Continue reading Regina v Keane: CACD 15 Mar 1994

Regina v Cowan and Another: CACD 12 Oct 1995

Detailed directions were provided for the judge to give to a jury where a defendant chooses not to give evidence in his defence in the Crown Court. Lord Taylor of Gosforth said: ‘1. The judge will have told the jury that the burden of proof remains upon the prosecution throughout and what the required standard … Continue reading Regina v Cowan and Another: CACD 12 Oct 1995

Director of Public Prosecutions v Patterson: Admn 19 Oct 2004

Prosecutor’s appeal against dismissal of charge for possession of offensive weapon. The defendant had a butterfly knife with him when arrested. the respondent went with his father to a shopping precinct at 3 o’clock on the day concerned and that he intended to leave a butterfly knife that he had with him at the shop … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Patterson: Admn 19 Oct 2004

EDO MBM v Axworthy: QBD 4 Nov 2005

The several defendants were said to have conducted against the claimants, protesting at their involvement in arms design and manufacture. The claimant sought orders under the 1997 Act to restrain them thus protecting its staff. Held: The orders were made. The test of purpose under the 1997 Act was subjective. Judges: Walker J Citations: [2005] … Continue reading EDO MBM v Axworthy: QBD 4 Nov 2005

Sheikh and Another v Dogan and Others: ChD 17 Nov 2009

The judge had reserved his judgment, but had since received further voluminous representations from a party. Held: None of the matters raised suggested a proper reason for exercising the jurisdiction given by In re Barrell. The claimant was subject to a civil restraint order, and these applications had been made without consent. Nor had she … Continue reading Sheikh and Another v Dogan and Others: ChD 17 Nov 2009

Stern v Piper and Others: CA 21 May 1996

The defendant newspaper said that allegations had been made against the plaintiff that he was not paying his debts. In their defence they pleaded justification and the fact that he was being sued for debt. Held: A defamation was not to be justified in respect of extracts from affirmations in pending lawsuits. The court applied … Continue reading Stern v Piper and Others: CA 21 May 1996

Equality and Human Rights Commission v Prime Minister and Others: Admn 3 Oct 2011

The defendant had published a set of guidelines for intelligence officers called upon to detain and interrogate suspects. The defendant said that the guidelines could only be tested against individual real life cases, and that the court should not answer hypothetical questions. The objection lay to reactions to anticipated torture and mistreatment by third party … Continue reading Equality and Human Rights Commission v Prime Minister and Others: Admn 3 Oct 2011

Lehman Brothers International (Europe) v Exotix Partners Llp: ChD 9 Sep 2019

The parties had contracted to trade global depository notes issued by the Peruvian government. Each made mistakes as to their true value, thinking them scraps worth a few thousand dollars, whereas their true value was over $8m. On the defendant recognising their worth, they sought to sell and pocket the profit. The claimant sought restitutionary … Continue reading Lehman Brothers International (Europe) v Exotix Partners Llp: ChD 9 Sep 2019

P, Regina v; Regina v Blackburn: CACD 22 Oct 2007

Whilst awaiting trial, P had offered evidence against others on other serious crimes. On conviction, the judge was supplied with a statement explaining his assistance. He now appealed sentence of 17 years imprisonment for assorted serious drugs crimes. Blackburn’s case raised similar issues. Held: The sections sought to give a statutory framework to encouraging assistance … Continue reading P, Regina v; Regina v Blackburn: CACD 22 Oct 2007

Greenfield, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 16 Feb 2005

The appellant had been charged with and disciplined for a prison offence. He was refused legal assistance at his hearing, and it was accepted that the proceedings involved the determination of a criminal charge within the meaning of article 6 of the Convention, that the deputy controller was not an independent tribunal and that the … Continue reading Greenfield, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 16 Feb 2005

Clifford v The Chief Constable of The Hertfordshire Constabulary: QBD 1 Apr 2011

The claimant alleged malicious prosecution and misfeasance in public office bought by the claimant who was charged with child pornography offences in July 2004. The prosecution had eventually offered no evidence. He said that it should have been clear much earlier that no further action was sustainable, the prosecution expert having indicated that his evidence … Continue reading Clifford v The Chief Constable of The Hertfordshire Constabulary: QBD 1 Apr 2011

Regina v Manzur; Regina v Mahmood: CACD 28 Nov 1996

The prosecution was seeking to rely upon the plea of guilty of a person who had not given evidence. Held: A co-accused’s guilty plea was admissible only with an explanation of its basis. Citations: Times 06-Dec-1996, [1996] EWCA Crim 1566 Statutes: Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 74 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Distinguished … Continue reading Regina v Manzur; Regina v Mahmood: CACD 28 Nov 1996

Belhaj and Another v Straw and Others: SC 17 Jan 2017

The claimant alleged complicity by the defendant, (now former) Foreign Secretary, in his mistreatment by the US while held in Libya. He also alleged involvement in his unlawful abduction and removal to Libya, from which had had fled for political persecution. The defendants now appealed from rejection of the defendants’ claim to state immunity and … Continue reading Belhaj and Another v Straw and Others: SC 17 Jan 2017

Regina on the Application of Uttley v Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 30 Jul 2003

Licence conditions imposed at the time of sentence would restrict the defendant after he had served his sentence and been released, and so operated as a heavier penalty, and section 33(1) was incompatible with the defendant’s Art 7.1 rights. Held: Before the 1991 Act, a prisoner was entitled to release after serving the necessary part … Continue reading Regina on the Application of Uttley v Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 30 Jul 2003

Howlett v Holding: QBD 25 Jan 2006

The court had granted an injunction to restrain the defendant from flying aircraft trailing banners abusive of the claimant. He now said that this infringed his right to free speech, and that his actions were permitted by virtue of section 1(3). Held: Eady J drew from Hansard the proposition that the sub-section was framed with … Continue reading Howlett v Holding: QBD 25 Jan 2006

O and others (Children); In re O (Children), In re W-R (a Child), In re W (Children): CA 22 Jun 2005

In each case litigants in person had sought to be allowed to have the assistance and services of a Mackenzie friend in children cases. In one case, the court had not allowed confidential documents to be disclosed to the friend. Held: The courts had been unhelpful to the parties appearing before them. If given access … Continue reading O and others (Children); In re O (Children), In re W-R (a Child), In re W (Children): CA 22 Jun 2005

Regina v Brown (Gregory): HL 9 Feb 1996

The issue was whether ‘data’ within the Data Protection Act 1984 was limited to data in computer-readable form. Held: The offence of the ‘use’ of protected data required something beyond inspection on a computer screen including printout. There is a tension at inter-state level between the need to protect privacy, and the need for free … Continue reading Regina v Brown (Gregory): HL 9 Feb 1996

Re C (A Child): FC 29 Sep 2015

There had been care proceedings as to C. The mother was treated by a psychiatrist, X, and an associate Y. They also prepared expert reports. M formally complained about X, and the charges having been dismissed, the doctors now sought disclosure of further medical recods from the care proceedings. His medical reputation had been severely … Continue reading Re C (A Child): FC 29 Sep 2015

Haw, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department and Another: CA 8 May 2006

The applicant had demonstrated continuously against the war in Iraq from the pavement outside the House of Commons. The respondent sought an order for his removal under the law preventing demonstrations near Parliament without consent which was passed after the demonstrations began. He said that the demonstration was a continuing one, and the the Act … Continue reading Haw, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department and Another: CA 8 May 2006