Judicial Review
Challenging decisions of public bodies, grounds of review, remedies, and procedural requirements.
Introduction
Judicial review is the mechanism by which the High Court supervises public power. It concerns legality, not merits. Grounds include illegality, irrationality (Wednesbury unreasonableness), and procedural unfairness.
Core Principles
Three Grounds — Illegality, irrationality, and procedural impropriety (GCHQ [1985]).
Proportionality — Applied where fundamental rights are engaged (post-HRA 1998).
Standing — The applicant must have 'sufficient interest' (s.31(3) Senior Courts Act 1981).
Permission Stage — Claims must be arguable and brought within 3 months.
Remedies — Quashing orders, mandatory orders, prohibiting orders, declarations, injunctions.
Ouster Clauses — Courts resist attempts to exclude judicial review (Anisminic [1969]).
Key Statutes
Senior Courts Act 1981
Human Rights Act 1998
Leading Cases
Common Scenarios
Council refuses planning permission unreasonably
If irrational or failing to consider material factors, judicial review may succeed. Planning JR must be issued within 6 weeks.