header-logo header-logo

Unlawful detention?

27 October 2023 / Jenni Dempster KC , Alex Benn
Issue: 8046 / Categories: Features , In Court , Criminal
printer mail-detail
144297
Jenni Dempster KC & Alex Benn examine the modern problems of unlawful detention & provide practitioners with some valuable guidance on navigating the system
  • Considers the challenges of the modern criminal justice system and highlights the risk of unlawful detention—one which arises more frequently than might be expected.
  • Sheds light on how the threat of unlawful detention manifests itself and how practitioners can counter it.

The concept of ‘detention’ arises in various contexts. The fundamental principle of habeas corpus remains a key characteristic of this jurisdiction’s sense of natural justice, including for those who are not British nationals: ex parte Khawaja [1984] AC 74 at 111. Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights furthers this commitment, enshrining a person’s right to their own liberty and security.

False imprisonment is a crime and, as a tort, it comprises complete deprivation of liberty without lawful justification for any period of time: R v Hague [1992] 1 AC 58 at 162 (Lord Bridge). Elsewhere, the Bail (Amendment) Act 1993 provides

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
The Court of Protection has ruled in Macpherson v Sunderland City Council that capacity must be presumed unless clearly rebutted. In this week's NLJ, Sam Karim KC and Sophie Hurst of Kings Chambers dissect the judgment and set out practical guidance for advisers faced with issues relating to retrospective capacity and/or assessments without an examination
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
back-to-top-scroll