R v Greater Manchester Coroner, ex parte Tal

Facts

The Divisional Court had to decide whether it was bound by its own previous decisions when exercising supervisory jurisdiction.

Issue

Is the Divisional Court bound by its own earlier decisions?

Held

In its supervisory jurisdiction the Divisional Court would normally follow its earlier decisions, but could depart from them if satisfied they were wrong, on principles like those in Young v Bristol Aeroplane.

Principle

Courts of first instance and supervisory courts have a degree of flexibility over their own decisions.

Why it matters

Illustrates how precedent operates at the level of the High Court.

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