R v Reeves Taylor (AP) (Appellant)

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Case summary

Case ID

UKSC/2019/0028

Parties

Appellant(s)

Agnes Reeves Taylor

Respondent(s)

Crown Prosecution Service

Intervener(s)

Redress

Issue

What is the correct interpretation of the term ‘person acting in an official capacity’ in section 134(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988? In particular, does it include someone who acts otherwise than in a private and individual capacity for or on behalf of an organisation or body which exercises or purports to exercise the functions of government over the civilian population in the territory which it controls and in which the relevant conduct occurs?

Facts

The appellant is charged with conspiracy to torture contrary to section (1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977 and torture contrary to section 134(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. The Supreme Court is now asked to consider the questions above.