Information Note on the Court’s case-law
October 1994
Boner v. the United Kingdom - 18711/91
Judgment 28.10.1994
Article 6
Article 6-3-c
Free legal assistance
Applicant sentenced to a long term of imprisonment, refused legal aid for representation at the hearing of his appeal against conviction: violation
[This summary is extracted from the Court’s official reports (Series A or Reports of Judgments and Decisions). Its formatting and structure may therefore differ from the Case-Law Information Note summaries.]
I. ARTICLE 6 § 3 (C) OF THE CONVENTION
Differences between this case and Granger v. the United Kingdom - legal issue was not particularly complex - however, without a lawyer the applicant was unable competently to address the court.
In addition, appeal court had wide powers and its decision was final.
Of even greater relevance, the applicant was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment.
Conclusion: violation (unanimously).
II.ARTICLE 50 OF THE CONVENTION
Non-pecuniary damage: present judgment constitutes, in itself, sufficient just satisfaction.
Costs and expenses: claim for reimbursement upheld in part.
Conclusion: respondent State to pay the applicant a specified sum (unanimously).
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This summary by the Registry does not bind the Court.
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