Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
Following the Supreme Court judgment issued on 2 June 2026, A Reference by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland of a devolution issue under paragraph 34 of Schedule 10 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (2026) UKSC 16 (AGNI Judgment), which redefines what amounts to a deprivation of liberty, this page is being updated.
Links to the judgment and related commentary are included below for reference.
Please also see a helpful guidance note prepared by 39 Essex Chambers and Supreme Court overrules Cheshire West – Mental Capacity Law and Policy.
Requests for DoLS can still be made where you believe a person’s care arrangements require formal scrutiny and seek advice on any urgent or complex cases.