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

Facts

The Home Secretary set a long minimum term for two boys convicted of murder, taking account of public petitions and newspaper campaigns.

Issue

Was the decision lawful?

Held

No. He had taken account of irrelevant considerations and applied too rigid a policy.

Principle

A decision-maker exercising a quasi-judicial function must ignore public clamour and consider the individual case.

Why it matters

A leading case on irrelevant considerations.

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