Ridge v Baldwin [1963] UKHL 2 (14 March 1963)
Ridge v Baldwin [1963] UKHL 2 is a judgment from United Kingdom on 14 March 1963. Cite it as [1963] UKHL 2. Search it by the party names, the citation [1963] UKHL 2, or United Kingdom judgment.
united-kingdom
March 14, 1963
UNITED KINGDOM
Ridge
v.
Baldwin [1963] UKHL 2
[1963] UKHL 2
Proceeding. Judgment. United Kingdom.
Held. A public body exercising a power that affects a person's rights or livelihood must observe the rules of natural justice, including the right to be heard, unless the statute clearly excludes it.
RIDGE v BALDWIN [1963] UKHL 2; [1964] AC 40 House of Lords 14 March 1963
Judges: Lord Reid, Lord Evershed, Lord Morris of Borth-y-Gest, Lord Hodson, Lord Devlin
Facts
Chief Constable Ridge was dismissed by the Brighton watch committee without being given a hearing, after he had been of criminal charges. He sought a declaration that the dismissal was void. The Court of Appeal held that the committee was not bound to observe natural justice. Ridge appealed.
Held
The House of Lords allowed the appeal. The dismissal was void. Where a body has power to decide questions affecting the rights of individuals, the rules of natural justice apply. Ridge was entitled to notice of the case against him and an opportunity to be heard.
Key Principles
1. The rules of natural justice apply to administrative decisions that affect rights or livelihood.
2. The right to be heard is not limited to judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings.
3. A decision reached in breach of natural justice is void.
4. The case revived the common-law duty of fairness in public law.
Why It Matters in Sierra Leone
Ridge v Baldwin is persuasive authority in Sierra Leone on the right to a fair hearing before dismissal or other adverse administrative action. It is cited in employment, licensing and disciplinary cases involving public bodies.