'Closed Hearings' and 'Closed Material': Guidance [2023] EWCOP 6 (06 February 2023)

'Closed Hearings' and 'Closed Material': Guidance [2023] EWCOP 6 (06 February 2023)

Closed hearings and closed material in the Court of Protection are permissible only in rare, strictly necessary circumstances, subject to procedural safeguards, ongoing review, and transparency requirements, to balance open justice and protection of P's interests.

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2023] EWCOP 6
Parties
Judge: The Hon Mr Justice Hayden
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
06 February 2023
Procedural Posture
Practice Guidance / Issuance of Guidance
Outcome
Guidance issued
Legal Topics
Closed Hearings, Closed Material, Open Justice, Disclosure, Case Management, Best Interests, ECHR Article 6
Mental Capacity Court of Protection Human Rights Closed Hearings Closed Material Open Justice Disclosure Case Management +2 more

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Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

The Hon Mr Justice Hayden

Judge

Procedural Posture

Practice Guidance / Issuance of Guidance

  1. 1 When and how closed hearings and closed material may be used in the Court of Protection
  2. 2 Balancing open justice with protection of P's interests
  3. 3 Procedural safeguards for excluding parties or withholding material

Ratio Decidendi

Closed hearings and closed material in the Court of Protection are permissible only in rare, strictly necessary circumstances, subject to procedural safeguards, ongoing review, and transparency requirements, to balance open justice and protection of P's interests.

Court Disposition

Guidance issued

Orders

  • Establishes procedural requirements and principles for closed hearings and closed material in the Court of Protection
  • Mandates reasoned judgments and ongoing review of necessity for closed procedures