R v Bow Street Metropolitan Stipendiary Magistrate, ex parte Pinochet Ugarte (No 2)

Facts

The House of Lords decided that General Pinochet was not immune from extradition. Amnesty International had intervened. Lord Hoffmann, one of the majority, was a director of a charity controlled by Amnesty.

Issue

Should the decision stand?

Held

No. The House set aside its own decision and ordered a rehearing.

Principle

Automatic disqualification extends to a judge closely linked with a party promoting a cause in the litigation.

Why it matters

Extends Dimes beyond financial interests.

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