R v Secretary of State for the Home Department, ex parte Doody

Facts

Prisoners serving life sentences for murder were not told the judges' advice on their minimum terms or the reasons for the terms set.

Issue

Did fairness require disclosure and reasons?

Held

Yes. They were entitled to know the gist of the judges' views, to make representations, and to be given reasons.

Principle

Lord Mustill: what fairness demands depends on the context. A person should usually be told the gist of the case against him.

Why it matters

A leading statement of the content of fairness and of reasons.

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