A public authority is any organisation that carries out public functions or exercises governmental power. Common examples include:
If you are unsure whether your claim involves a public authority, our experienced solicitors can advise you.
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At Satchell Moran, we regularly assist clients with claims in the following areas:
Actions Against The Police: Challenging police misconduct or unlawful actions.
Actions Against Probation Services: Addressing failures or mistreatment by probation authorities.
Death In Police Custody: Seeking accountability and answers in cases where a loved one has died while in police custody.
Inquests: Legal support and representation during official inquiries into deaths involving public authorities.
Wrongful Arrest: Being arrested without proper legal grounds.
Trespass To Property: Unlawful entry or interference with your property by public officials.
Judicial Review: Challenging the lawfulness of decisions or actions taken by public authorities.
Human Rights Breaches: Violations under the Human Rights Act by public bodies.
Assault: Physical mistreatment by officials.
Data Protection Breaches: Mishandling or unlawful disclosure of your personal information.
Misfeasance In Public Office: Abuse of power or wrongful conduct by a public official.
Incorrect Prison Recall: Being wrongly returned to prison due to administrative or procedural errors.
If your experience is not listed above, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your situation.
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Our experienced team has a proven track record of holding public authorities to account, delivering successful outcomes for our clients. As the Number 1 rated firm on Review Solicitors, we’re recognised for our expertise and commitment to excellence.
Every case is managed by highly qualified and experienced file handlers who combine professionalism with a friendly, approachable manner. You’ll never be left waiting days for a reply; our calls are taken or returned promptly, and you’ll always speak to someone who understands your case.
We know that challenging a public authority can feel daunting, which is why we provide clear, tailored advice and unwavering support at every stage. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible while ensuring you feel fully supported throughout.
You may be able to make a claim against a public authority if they have acted unlawfully or failed in their duty of care towards you, including wrongful arrest, use of excessive force, unlawful search of your property, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, breach of your rights under the Human Rights Act 1998, or a failure of duty of care while you or a loved one were in custody.
These are civil claims for compensation, separate from any police complaint or prosecution, and strict time limits apply, so it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
At Satchell Moran Solicitors, we believe everyone deserves access to justice without financial worry. That’s why we offer straightforward, No Win, No Fee services, ensuring you only pay if your claim is successful.
Our team is open and transparent about costs from the start and will guide you through all funding options to find the solution that best suits your circumstances.
Our dedicated team handles a wide range of claims arising from misconduct by public authorities. We are experienced, professional and will be by your side every step of the way.
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A claim against a public authority arises when a body such as the police, a probation service or another government body has breached your rights or acted unlawfully towards you. This can include wrongful arrest, trespass, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, or a failure of duty of care while you were in custody or under supervision.
A complaint, usually handled by the authority itself or a regulator such as the IOPC, can lead to disciplinary action but does not itself pay compensation. A civil claim is a separate legal case brought against the authority seeking compensation, an apology, or changes to its practices, and the two processes run independently of each other.
Generally, we act on civil claims once a complaint outcome is known or any related prosecution has concluded, since these can affect the strength and timing of a case. If either applies to you, contact our team so we can advise on your options.Generally, we act on civil claims once a complaint outcome is known or any related prosecution has concluded, since these can affect the strength and timing of a case. If either applies to you, contact our team so we can advise on your options.
Time limits vary. Claims for false imprisonment, trespass, malicious prosecution and misfeasance in public office generally must be brought within six years under the Limitation Act 1980, while claims involving personal injury are usually limited to three years. Given these strict deadlines, it is best to seek advice as early as possible.
Legal aid technically remains available for some actions against public authorities under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, but it is subject to strict means and merits testing and is rarely granted in practice. For this reason, most claims, including those we handle, proceed on a no win no fee basis
Yes. Claims can be brought on behalf of children or adults who lack the capacity to instruct solicitors themselves, and by the family of someone who has died following contact with a public authority, including in a death in custody case.
Outcomes vary depending on what happened and the impact it had on you. They can include financial compensation for injury, distress or financial loss, a formal apology, or changes to the authority’s policies. We cannot guarantee a specific outcome, but we can advise honestly on the strength of your case.