Judicial Review
(JR)
Judicial Review is a type of court proceedings in which a judge reviews the lawfulness of a decision or action made by a public body. It is not an appeal on the merits of a decision but a challenge to the process by which the decision was made (e.g., on grounds of illegality, irrationality, or procedural unfairness). Claimants must usually obtain permission to bring a claim and must do so promptly, typically within three months.
Judicial Review (JR) is a High Court procedure to challenge the lawfulness of decisions made by public bodies — councils, government departments, the NHS, regulators, and some private bodies exercising public functions. Grounds include illegality (acting outside legal powers), irrationality (a decision no reasonable decision-maker could make), and procedural unfairness. JR is not an appeal on the merits; the court does not substitute its own decision. Claimants must apply for permission promptly and in any event within 3 months of the challenged decision (shorter for planning and procurement). Legal aid is potentially available for JR claims. Costs risk is significant — losing claimants may be ordered to pay the public body's legal costs. A common first step is a pre-action protocol letter, which gives the public body 14 days to reconsider before proceedings are issued. JR is a remedy of last resort — other challenge routes (tribunal appeals, ombudsman referrals) should usually be exhausted first.