Watkins v Secretary of State for the Home Department

Subject Matter

TORT — Cause of action — Misfeasance in public office — Prison officers opening prisoner's correspondence with legal advisers in breach of Prison Rules — Whether proof of damage necessary ingredient

[2004] EWCA Civ 966; [2005] QB 883; [2005] 2 WLR 1538; [2004] 4 All ER 1158, CA

DAMAGES — Exemplary — Misfeasance in public office — Prison officers acting in bad faith when opening prisoner's mail in breach of Prison Rules — No actual damage suffered — Whether exemplary damages recoverable

[2006] UKHL 17; [2006] 2 AC 395; [2006] 2 WLR 807; [2006] 2 All ER 353, HL(E)

TORT — Cause of action — Misfeasance in public office — Prison officers opening prisoner's correspondence with legal advisers in breach of Prison Rules — Whether proof of damage necessary ingredient

[2006] UKHL 17; [2006] 2 AC 395; [2006] 2 WLR 807; [2006] 2 All ER 353, HL(E)

Appellate History