Keighley v Bell

Facts

A civil action arising from acts done on the orders of a superior officer.

Issue

How far are superior orders a justification?

Held

Willes J commented on the question without needing to settle it finally.

Principle

Willes J said the better opinion was that a soldier acting under orders that are not necessarily or manifestly illegal is justified by them.

Why it matters

Often read with R v Smith on superior orders.

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