Understanding Judicial Review and Disclosure in Legal Proceedings
Judicial review is a legal process that examines the lawfulness of governmental decisions and actions. It serves as a crucial mechanism to hold public bodies accountable and ensure compliance with human rights laws. This process can involve reviewing enactments, decisions, or failures relating to public functions, ultimately aiming to uphold the rule of law and protect individuals' rights. The scope of review includes acts of public bodies, policies, and guidance documents, emphasizing the importance of transparency and legality in governance.
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Judicial Review and Disclosure Martin Chamberlain QC, Emily MacKenzie, Jennifer MacLeod Brick Court Chambers 9thOctober 2014 brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Introduction to Judicial Review Jennifer MacLeod Brick Court Chambers 9 October 2014 brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Judicial Review A pain in the backside? A lucrative industry A legal delaying tactic Part of the campaigner s armoury A way for campaigners to get media coverage for their cause -Chris Grayling, The judicial review system is not a promotional tool for countless Left-wing campaigners, Daily Mail, 11 September 2013. Or a constitutional fundamental? one of the most important means by which the Government and other public bodies are held legally accountable for the lawfulness of their decisions and actions, including their compatibility with the requirements of human rights law - Joint Committee on Human Rights, The implications for access to justice of the Government s proposals to reform judicial review, 2014 brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
What is a judicial review claim? a claim for judicial review means a claim to review the lawfulness of- i) an enactment; or ii) a decision, action or failure to act in relation to the exercise of a public function (CPR 54.1(2)(a)) brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Who can be reviewed? A body exercising a publicfunction Focus on the substance and effects of function rather than personality of defendant In the case of a human rights claim; a public authority (Human Rights Act 1998, s7) In other words: TfL brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
What can be reviewed? (1) Essentially, the acts of public bodies Includes delegated legislation, legislative acts by the EU, and, exceptionally, Acts of Parliament. Decisions Broad concept Includes failure to take action In many cases, a decision will be elicited by an applicant Examples: Taking regulatory/disciplinary action Granting or refusing a licence/subsidy Failure to discharge/exercise a statutory power Extreme delay in reaching a decision when that harms the applicant brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
What can be reviewed? (2) Policies or guidance documents Includes non-binding recommendations and advice Could include the issuance or failure to issue general guidelines or policy brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
On what grounds can an act be reviewed?(1) Two broad categories: procedural and substantive unlawfulness Procedural grounds (1): Failure to provide a fair hearing A fair hearing depends on the context Failure to provide adequate reasons Must have reasons Reasons must enable the reader to understand: i) why the matter was decided as it was; (ii) what conclusions were reached on main issues; and iii) how issues of fact were resolved Must not give rise to doubt as to error of law Failure to provide access to relevant documents Again, depends on what is fair in the context. Sometimes, confidentiality can override brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
On what grounds can an act be reviewed? (2) Procedural grounds (2): Failure to take account of legitimate expectations Where there has been an undertaking, or practice that a particular procedure will be followed Bias (actual or apparent) Failure to adequately consult Failure to comply with statutory duty (eg equality duty) Substantive grounds (1): Broadly, courts show deference for the decision of the expert body. However, will intervene in certain circumstances: brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
On what grounds can an act be reviewed? (3) Substantive grounds (2): Illegality/error of law Exceeding/fettering statutory power Misdirection as to statutory function Acting incompatibly with ECHR rights Acting incompatibly with EU law Improper purpose Powers can only be used for the purposes for which they were conferred Relevant/irrelevant considerations Must take into account everything that is relevant, and nothing that is irrelevant Outside statutorily mandated factors, for the decision-maker to decide brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
On what grounds can an act be reviewed? (4) Substantive grounds (3) Error of fact Contested facts are matters for the decision-maker Court will intervene if: No evidence Misunderstanding of an established and relevant fact Substantive legitimate expectations Requires an undertaking or practice that the public body will provide a substantive benefit If so, the court will determine whether a decision to resile from that is justified in the public interest brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
On what grounds can an act be reviewed? (5) Substantive grounds (4): Irrationality A decision which is so outrageous in its defiance of logic or of accepted moral standards that no sensible person who had applied his mind to the question to be decided could have arrived at it (CCSU v Minister for the Civil Service [1985] AC 374) Courts have indicated that a lesser test will be sufficient; error of reasoning which robs the decision of logic such that it does not add up (R v Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, ex p Balchin (No. 1) [1998] PLR 1) Proportionality If EU law is engaged, or the act affects ECHR rights, courts may consider whether the decision is proportionate This involves balancing the impact on the applicant with the (legitimate) aim of the public body brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Who can bring a claim for judicial review? Governed by rules on standing Applicant must have sufficient interest (Senior Courts Act 1981, s31(3)) Or, if claim rights have been violated, must be a victim (Human Rights Act 1998, s7) Can include: a public spirited citizen (if serious issue of public importance (R v SS for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Ex p. Lord Rees-Mogg [1994] QB 552) Campaign organisations (eg R v SS for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Ex p World Development Movement Ltd [1995] 1 WLR 386) brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Procedure of judicial review Pre-Action Protocol Letter before action Respondent normally has to respond in 14 days Time limit A claim must be filed promptly , and in any event not later than 3 months after the grounds to make the claim first arose (CPR r54.5(1)) Thus can be shorter than 3 months (R v Independent Television Commission Ex p. TV NI Ltd, The Times, December 30, 1991) 2 Stage process Permission (normally on the papers alone, can request reconsideration at an oral permission hearing) Merits brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Disclosure in judicial review (1) Disclosure generally Proceedings are adversarial, not investigative, but a move towards cards on the table litigation Part of this comes from disclosure ; providing the other side with the relevant documents Two stage process: 1) Documents are disclosed in different categories; and 2) Documents can then be inspected Disclosure in relation to JR CPR Part 31 (governing disclosure) does not apply to JR (CPR PD54A(12.1)) Disclosure is not required unless the court orders otherwise (CPR PD54A(12.1)) However, public authorities who are respondents are subject to a duty of candour Ordinarily, no need for an order, because Defendants are expected to comply with their duty, but can be granted if further disclosure is sought or needed brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Disclosure in judicial review (2) Disclosure in relation to JR Made by way of application if not agreed More likely if there are disputes of fact (more likely in human rights cases), or if there are concerns over volume or confidentiality The test is whether disclosure appears to be necessary in order to resolve the matter fairly and justly or it is necessary for fairly disposing of the case (Tweed v Parades Commission [2007] 1 AC 650, paras 3 and 38) Risk: if proper disclosure is not made, costs orders may follow (see eg R (Al-Sweady) v Secretary of State for Defence [2009] EWHC 1687) In essence, disclosure in judicial review can now be ordered in a similar way to an ordinary action (see R (Al-Sweady) v SS for Defence [2009] EWHC 2387 (Admin), para 27), and can include pre-action disclosure in exceptional circumstances (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection v SSHD [2014] EWHC 43 (Admin)) brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Disclosure in judicial review (3) Duty of Candour: The duty of candour: A public authority s objective must not be to win the litigation at all costs but to assist the court in reaching the correct result and thereby to improve standards in public administration Public authority must be open and honest in disclosing the facts and information needed for the fair determination of the issue Ordinarily meets this duty by way of a witness statement exhibiting key documents (see Tsol s 2010 Guidance). This witness statement should be clear. If intending to rely on a document, should always be exhibited (Tweed, para 4) Duty extends to documents/information that will assistthe applicant s case Duty extends to documents giving rise to additional grounds of challenge Applies throughoutproceedings: includes documents that comes to light late in proceedings Duty rests on the lawyer to ensure proper disclosure. brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Disclosure in judicial review (4) Duty of Candour: Tsol s GoldenRules Litigation case-handler must have overall responsibility for the disclosure exercise Take steps to preserve all potentially relevant documents as soon as proceedings are likely Start early, and formulate, record and implement a strategy for conducting the disclosure exercise based on an understanding of the issues in the case and knowledge of the systems for record-keeping Maintain a record of what has been seen and by whom and the decisions taken A document which is disclosable must be disclosed even if it is embarrassing or damaging to a party s case Before giving inspection look at the output of the disclosure as the claimant will; see what is not there as well as what is there Devote sufficient resources from the outset to ensure that the process can be, and is, conducted on time and properly Tsol s 2010 Guidance on Discharging the Duty of Candour and Disclosure in Judicial Review Proceedings brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Judicial Review Remedies If successful, court can order a remedy at its discretion Can make/order a: Quashing order (often quashed and remitted to decision maker) Prohibiting order Mandatory order Declaration Injunction Damages Interim relief brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Reform of Judicial Review: History Governmental concern regarding increasing volume of judicial review cases Government consulted on reforms to JR in 2013. Included in particular: Restrictions on standing Restrictions on legal aid and protective costs orders Restrictions on cases where there was no difference to the outcome Questioned the need for a public sector equality duty See Judicial Review: Proposals for further reform (Cm 8703, September 2013) Sparked significant concern in the legal community See the Joint Committee for Human Rights, The implications for access to justice of the Government s proposals to reform judicial review brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Reform of Judicial Review: Current Proposals Current (watered down) proposal includes: Restrictions on claims that can be brought where a change in the procedure would have been unlikely to make a difference to the outcome A tough package of reform to financial provisions to deter weak claims from being brought or pursued Restriction on legal aid unless claims are granted permission Costs awards against unsuccessful claimants at oral permission hearings - A stricter approach to protective costs orders - Costs consequences for interveners - Greater powers to identify non-parties involved with a claim and ensure they cannot avoid liability for costs - More provision for leapfrogging appeals-straight to the UKSC - Ministry of Justice, Judicial Review proposals for further reform: the Government Response, February 2014 brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Thank you Jennifer MacLeod www.brickcourt.co.uk brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
The Duty to Consult and The Public Sector Equality Duty Emily MacKenzie Brick Court Chambers 9 October 2014 brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Consultation brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Cabinet Office Consultation Principles Published July 17, 2012 No legal force (i.e. cannot prevail over statutory or mandatory external requirements) But should generally be regarded as binding on UK departments/agencies, unless exceptional circumstances require a departure from them brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
What is the point of consultation? There may be a number of reasons to consult:to garner views and preferences, to understand possible unintended consequences of a policy or to get views on implementation. Increasing the level of transparency and increasing engagement with interested parties improves the quality of policy making by bringing to bear expertise and alternative perspectives, and identifying unintended effects and practical problems. (Cabinet Office Consultation Principles) brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Case-study: proposed changes to bus routes TfL is considering amending bus provision on a particular route by: Altering the route to decrease journey times; and Changing the frequency of buses, to provide more buses at peak hours and fewer at off-peak hours. Benefits of consultation: Identify those affected and scale of impact upon them Identify potential unforeseen consequences e.g. school routes, access to facilities, impact on vulnerable stakeholders. brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
General guidance on when you should consult There may be circumstances where formal consultation is not appropriate, for example, where the measure is necessary to deal with a court judgment or where adequate consultation has taken place at an earlier stage for minor or technical amendments to regulation or existing policy frameworks. However, longer and more detailed consultation will be needed in situations where smaller, more vulnerable organisations such as small charities could be affected. The principles of the Compact between government and the voluntary and community sector must continue to be respected. (Cabinet Office Consultation Principles) brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
When is there a duty to consult? Imposed by statute (e.g. Greater London Authority Act 1999, section 183) If represent that a consultation will take place If represent that concerns and wishes will be taken into account Note: Come under a duty to carry out a consultation properly once one is embarked upon Cannot rely upon limited scope of statutory duty if embark upon fuller consultation brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Who to consult? Imposed by statute? E.g. Greater London Authority Act 1999, section 183 provides that TfL must consult with: the commissioner or commissioners of police affected, the London authorities affected, the London Transport Users' Committee, and any other person whom Transport for London considers it appropriate to consult. brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Who to consult cont. Attempt to identify stakeholders in policy/proposed policy Consultation must attempt to capture the full range Consider how to engage vulnerable/hard to reach groups e.g. if the bus route to be altered runs past a nursing home? brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
What does the duty comprise? To be proper, consultation must be undertaken at a time when proposals are still at a formative stage; it must include sufficient reasons for particular proposals to allow those consulted to give intelligent consideration and an intelligent response; adequate time must be given for this purpose; and the product of consultation must be conscientiously taken into account when the ultimate decision is taken. (R. v North and East Devon HA Ex p. Coughlan, [2001] Q.B. 213, [208]) See also the Sedley requirements (R. v Brent LBC ex parte Gunning (1985) 84 LGR 168) brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Timing and length of consultation When? When proposals are at a formative stage When views can genuinely be taken into account Ensure consulted party able to address concerns of decision-maker Have regard to holiday periods and other busy periods e.g. elections How long for? Proportionality realistic timeframe to allow considered response Usually between 2 and 12 weeks brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Content of the consultation Will depend on wording and statutory context where duty is imposed by statute General principles: Must clearly state purpose and policy areas capable of being influenced Must include consultation on every viable option If phased, must have opportunity to consider full package at some stage Must be on specific proposals, not general ideas Consultees must be aware of pertinent criteria/factors and their relative importance Duties of disclosure: Candid disclosure of reasons behind proposals Must disclose documents material to determination to be made, if public has legitimate interest brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Method of consulting Information should be easy to comprehend Consider informal methods e.g. e-mail, web forum, public meeting ,working group, focus group, surveys (Cabinet Office Consultation Principles) Tailor information provision for vulnerable stakeholders House on .GOV.UK web platform brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Example Easy Read consultation paper brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Example Easy Read consultation paper cont. brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Example Easy Read consultation paper cont. brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Considering representations and publishing results Duty of conscientiousconsideration of representations Have written representations before decision-maker Generate evidence that all representations have been considered e.g. minutes of meetings Address representations in a report What to do with the results? Publish document summarising responses Publish detailed response (usually within 12 weeks) brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
The duty to re-consult Fundamental difference between proposals you consulted on and proposals you wish to adopt Material or factor of potential significance Vitiation of consultation brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Public Sector Equality Duty brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
The duty Equality Act 2010, section 149: (1) A public authority must, in the exercise of its functions, have due regard to the need to a) eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under this Act; advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it; foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it. b) c) brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
The protected characteristics 1. age 2. disability 3. gender reassignment 4. pregnancy and maternity 5. race 6. religion or belief 7. sex 8. sexual orientation (Equality Act 2010, s.149(7)) brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
A duty of due regard Not a duty to achieve particular results, or take particular steps But still mandatory to consider it Not mere box-ticking , but substantial, rigorous, open-minded consideration Due regard to need to eliminate , advance , foster , rather than simply to promote brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
What is equality of opportunity? Having due regard to the need to advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it involves having due regard, in particular, to the need to a) remove or minimise disadvantages suffered by persons who share a relevant protected characteristic that are connected to that characteristic; b) take steps to meet the needs of persons who share a relevant protected characteristic that are different from the needs of persons who do not share it; c) encourage persons who share a relevant protected characteristic to participate in public life or in any other activity in which participation by such persons is disproportionately low. (Equality Act 2010, s.149(2)) brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
How to foster good relations Having due regard to the need to foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it involves having due regard, in particular, to the need to a) tackle prejudice, and b) promote understanding. (Equality Act 2010, s.149(3)) brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
When to consider the duty? In the exercise of its functions Before and at the time that policy/change is being considered Must be possible for due regard to influence outcome of decision brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Judicial review of compliance with the duty Not highly susceptible to review. But some common pitfalls: Not having regard to the duty at all, or having no evidence of regard Inadequate regard e.g. failure to consider practical impact, insufficiently conscientious regard Unreasonable/irrational assessment of the weight of equality factors countervailing the policy choice brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Equality Impact Assessments Not a box-ticking exercise A bad example: We have considered whether the proposed changes to the bus route would have a particular impact upon persons with disabilities. However, as the number of wheelchair spaces on buses will continue to exceed the average number of wheelchair users on this bus route, we do not consider that persons with disabilities will be disproportionately disadvantaged by the changes. brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
Equality Impact Assessments cont. Ask more nuanced questions: What about disabled people who do not use wheelchairs? Are persons with disabilities more likely to travel at a particular time? What is the impact of bus stop waiting times on disabled persons? What will be the effect of the route change on disabled persons? Are disabled persons more likely to make shorter journeys, and therefore to find a bus route with fewer stops less useful? Alternative provisions to mitigate the impact? brickcourt.co.uk +44 (0)20 7379 3550
