Facts
Soldiers entered the claimant's house early in the morning to arrest her and kept her family in one room before she was formally told she was under arrest.
Issue
Can a person be falsely imprisoned without knowing it?
Held
The House of Lords held the arrest lawful on the facts, but confirmed () that knowledge of the restraint is not required.
Principle
A person may be falsely imprisoned while unaware, e.g. while asleep, though damages may then be nominal.
Why it matters
Confirms Meering and the modern rule.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Murray v Ministry of Defence [1988] 1 WLR 692 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/murray-v-ministry-of-defence> 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.