Proportionality and Deference under the UK Human Rights Act
An Institutionally Sensitive Approach

A rigorous analysis of the relationship between proportionality and deference under the Human Rights Act.

Alan D. P. Brady (Author)

9781107013001, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 3 May 2012

310 pages
23.4 x 15.7 x 1.9 cm, 0.62 kg

'Brady's work provides a good addition to the voluminous literature on deference. It does so by taking a step back from abstract, conceptual analysis focusing instead on how deference and proportionality can be applied in practice.' Alison L. Young, Oxford Journal of Legal Studies

The courts use the proportionality test to assess the Convention-compatibility of the full range of government action, from administrative decisions to primary legislation. In applying the test, the courts are often conscious of the need to pay some deference to the expertise and competence of other branches of government. This rigorous analysis of the relationship between proportionality and deference under the Human Rights Act sets out a model of proportionality, drawn from existing case law, which integrates deference within the multi-stage proportionality test. The model is 'institutionally sensitive' and can be applied to proportionality-based judicial review of all forms of government activity. The model is shown in operation in three fields that span the full range of government activity: immigration (administrative action), criminal justice (legislation) and housing (multi-level decisions).

1. Proportionality, deference and institutional sensitivity
2. An integrated account of proportionality and deference
3. An institutionally sensitive approach
4. Proportionality and deference in judicial review of administrative action: immigration
5. Proportionality and deference in judicial review of legislation: criminal justice
6. Proportionality and deference in judicial review of multi-level decisions: housing
7. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Constitutional & administrative law [LND], Law [L], Human rights [JPVH]