Griffiths v Tickle: Members of Chambers represent Rights of Women in intervention in Transparency Proceedings

10th December 2021

Two members of 4PB, Chris Barnes and Charlotte Baker, led by Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC of Doughty Street Chambers represented Rights of Women in their intervention in the High Court and Court of Appeal.

The decision of the Court of Appeal permits publication of an earlier decision of Mrs Justice Lieven and the fact-finding hearing of HHJ Williscroft where she made serious findings against a former MP and minister of state.

Whilst the decision has, since publication, received considerable media attention the focus of Rights of Women’s intervention was on the public interest in transparency in the Family Court and the importance of victims of domestic abuse having the opportunity to see the Family Court judges addressing serious allegations in a careful and considered manner. Rights of Women also sought to promote the right of those who have suffered domestic abuse to exercise their freedom of expression, to exercise their right to informational self-determination, and to seek clarification of the extent to which victims of domestic abuse whose cases have been before the Family Court can discuss their experiences with their support network.