R v Lord Chancellor, ex parte Witham [1998] QB 575, High Court (Queen’s Bench Division)
R v Lord Chancellor, ex parte Witham [1998] QB 575, High Court (Queen’s Bench Division)
- Thomas E. WebbThomas E. WebbLecturer in Law, Lancaster University
Abstract
Essential Cases: Public Law provides a bridge between course textbooks and key case judgments. This case document summarizes the facts and decision in R v Lord Chancellor, ex parte Witham [1998] QB 575, High Court (Queen’s Bench Division). This case concerns the constitutionality of fees payable to access court processes where the applicant’s limited financial means render them unable to pay those fees. More generally it concerns the capacity of the common law to provide rights protections, notwithstanding the Human Rights Act 1998. The document also includes supporting commentary from author Thomas Webb.