Divisional Court certifies point of law of general public importance in George Hepburne-Scott’s Japanese extradition case

On 26 February 2025, the Divisional Court (Lewis LJ & Griffiths J) certified the following point of law of general public importance in the extradition appeal of Government of Japan v Anthony Chappell:

“Whether a requirement for a convicted prisoner to work 40 hours a week, that is 8 hours a day, five days a week excluding weekends and public holidays, is work done in the ordinary course of detention and so not forced or compulsory labour within the meaning of Article 4 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms”.

The Court went on to refuse permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, however, an application will now be made to that Court and may be granted in due course.

George Hepburne Scott was instructed by Lisa French of Foxes Solicitors and led by Mark Summers KC of Matrix Chambers.