Information Note on the Court’s case-law
October 1994
Maxwell v. the United Kingdom - 18949/91
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 issues were 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 five years' imprisonment.
Conclusion: violation (unanimously).
II.ARTICLE 50 OF THE CONVENTION
Non-pecuniary damage: present judgment constitutes, in itself, sufficient just satisfaction for any non-pecuniary damage suffered.
Pecuniary damage: claim dismissed.
Conclusion: claim dismissed (unanimously).
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This summary by the Registry does not bind the Court.
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