Table of Lady Hale’s landmark decisions

Under the impetus of Brenda Hale, Baroness Hale of Richmond, the UK Supreme Court has delivered several landmark judgments that have profoundly shaped constitutional law, family law and fundamental rights. Even when in the minority, or dissenting, her opinions stand out for their acuity.

This collection brings together a selection of these major decisions, in order to illuminate the legal and human significance of a body of work that continues to inform our contemporary understanding of UK law.

 
 

Citation

Date

Subject

§

Position vis-à-vis other judges

Link

R (Miller) v Prime Minister; Cherry v Advocate General

2019

Parliamentary sovereignty, separation of powers, prorogation

[1]-[71]

Majority (co-author)

Ici

In re Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission’s Application

2018

Abortion, ECHR

[1]-[41]

Dissenting

Ici

R (Miller) v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union

2017

Parliamentary sovereigntyseparation of powers, Brexit, devolution

[1]-[152]

Majority (8 v. 3)

Ici

R (Tigere) v Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills

2015

HRA 1998, immigration law, discriminations

[1]-[49]

Majority (author, 3 v. 2))

Ici

R (SG) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

2015

HRA 1998, women’s rights, discriminations

[156]-[232]

Dissenting (3 v. 2)

Ici

Sharland v Sharland

2015

Family law, divorce

[1]-[44]

Unanimous (author)

Ici

Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board

2015

women’s rights, childbirth, negligence

[107]-[117]

Majority (concurring opinion)

Ici

R (Nicklinson) v Ministry of Justice

2014

Fundamental rights, assisted suicide, HRA 1998

[299]-[325]

Majority (concurring opinion)

Ici

Re B (A Child)

2013

Family law, parenthood, proportionality

[143]-[224]

Dissenting (4 v. 1)

Ici

Radmacher v Granatino

2010

Family law, divorce

[131]-[195]

Dissenting (8 v. 1)

Ici

Stack v Dowden

2007

Family law, cohabiting partners

[40]-[95]

Majority (4 v. 1)

Ici

In Re G (Children)

2006

Family law, parenthood, same-sex couples

[6]-[45]

Unanimous (auhtor)

Ici

Lady Hale’s podcasts and videos

Through her podcast activity, Lady Brenda Hale extends her lifelong commitment to making the law accessible to a broader audience. In a freer, more conversational

Lady Hale’s media coverage

The many press articles devoted to Lady Brenda Hale reflect the singular place she occupies in the British public sphere. One of the rare judicial

Lady Hale’s Lectures

In her lectures and other speeches, Lady Brenda Hale has established herself as a leading voice in contemporary legal circles. With remarkable clarity, she develops