Kuljit Bhogal KC named Lawyer of the Week by The Times
Public Law and Judicial Review, Housing, Local Government, Court of Protection, Commercial and Regulatory, Information Law
Cornerstone’s Kuljit Bhogal KC has been named Lawyer of the Week by The Times for her role in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council v Livia Tossici-Bolt, a case concerning the enforcement of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) outside a healthcare facility in Bournemouth where abortions are performed.
You can read Kuljit’s interview in The Times here.
The Case
The case concerned the defendant’s repeated presence within a designated safe zone while holding a sign offering to talk, contrary to the PSPO’s restrictions. District Judge Austin found that the Council’s officers were entitled to act on a reasonable belief that the PSPO had been breached, and that the defendant’s refusal to comply justified the conviction. The judge acknowledged an interference with the defendant’s Article 10 rights, but ruled the interference lawful and necessary for protecting the rights of others.
The case drew national and international attention for its engagement with free speech and public order, including criticism from the American Vice President JD Vance.
About Kuljit
Kuljit Bhogal KC is a public law specialist with particular interest in local government, judicial review, housing, and the Court of Protection. She is the leading authority on PSPOs and Anti-Social Behaviour, and is currently writing the 3rd edition of her book, Bhogal on Anti-Social Behaviour (Bloomsbury).
Learn more about her work here.
