Public Bodies
Police & Public Authority Claims
Assessing whether police or other public-body conduct gives rise to a civil remedy. A complaint, a compensation claim and judicial review are different processes with different purposes and deadlines.
Unlawful arrest & false imprisonment
Examining the legal basis for arrest, necessity and the lawfulness of continued detention. False imprisonment concerns a complete restriction of liberty without lawful justification, even without physical injury. We review custody records, witness accounts, footage and the explanation for the detention.
Police battery & personal injury
Claims involving unlawful or excessive force, assault or battery, including physical injuries and medically evidenced psychiatric harm. Compensation may address injury, loss of liberty, lost earnings and other proven losses; an arrest or use of force is not automatically unlawful.
Other routes to accountability
Potential negligence where a duty of care exists, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, discrimination and Human Rights Act claims. Police complaints and the IOPC route may also be relevant. These claims have specific legal tests; preserve evidence and obtain early advice on the applicable limitation period.
Government decisions & judicial review
Assessing challenges to decisions by government departments, local authorities and other public bodies, including procedural unfairness, unlawful decisions and relevant human rights issues. Judicial review is not an ordinary appeal and has strict, often very short deadlines. Specialist solicitors assess standing, alternative remedies, permission and any appropriate damages claim.