Background: John Prescottt judicial review

A JUDICIAL review is a method of holding a public body to account over a decision it made which has failed to protect the rights of an individual.

It can question the actions taken by a government minister or council, or in this case police force, and overturn or quash any decision they have taken.

The review can also lead to a compensation payment for the individual.

The three grounds for reversing a decision by judicial review are illegality, irrationality or unreasonableness, and procedural impropriety.

Even if the review finds in the individual's favour, it does not automatically lead to compensation. Negligence, breach of statutory duty or a Human Rights Act claim must also be proven.