Facts
A suffragette on hunger strike in prison was force-fed by prison officers.
Issue
Was force-feeding a ?
Held
It was justified by necessity, to save her life.
Principle
Necessity can justify a done to prevent greater harm.
Why it matters
Leading case on necessity; its approach to adults with capacity is now doubted.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Leigh v Gladstone (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/leigh-v-gladstone> accessed 31 October 2026
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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.