Nature of Court of Protection proceedings

Independent News & Media Ltd and others v A (by his litigation friend, the Official Solicitor) [2010] EWCA Civ 343

Counsel: For the appellant: Gavin Millar QC and Barbara Hewson For the respondent: Antony White QC and Guy Vassall-Adams Solicitors: For the appellant: Irwin Mitchell For the Respondent: Independent News & Media Ltd

A was a disabled person who was a regular target for media attention because of his unusual musical talent. When a case concerning A’s affairs was brought before the Court of Protection, press representatives were keen to attend the hearing. Traditionally, legal proceedings concerning such individuals have always taken place in private, and problems concerning privacy, the public interest in the proceedings and the exercise of very wide powers by the court, are similar to those that arise in Family proceedings.