The document discusses the challenges of bringing a judicial review case, noting that it will likely result in loss, cost a fortune in legal fees and time, and may just lead to the same decision being made again if won. It provides examples of past cases and reasons one may still want to pursue a judicial review, such as believing the position is right, creating transparency, and potentially changing decision-making culture or carving a decision into stone. It concludes by advising to consider what will be gained from the process and ensuring campaign and organizational alignment and support before pursuing a challenging judicial review.

1. Public Law Challenges – A
personal perspective
Phil Michaels (Solar Panel Installer*)
*Previously Head of Legal at Friends of the Earth

2. You’d be mad to bring a JR
• You’re going to lose
• It’ll cost you a fortune
• Huge amounts of time
• You’ve no idea what you’re doing
• Even if you win, they just do it again.
• Difficulty of communicating legal challenges

3. Some examples
• Ghost Ships (2003)
• Operating & Financial Review (2006)
• Fuel Poverty (2009)

4. So why do we do it?
• Because I’m right!
• Sunlight is the best disinfectant
• Last tool in the tool-box
• Change of culture / change in decision making
• Get it carved in stone
• Winning is fantastic

5. Things to think about
• What will I get out of it? (Win or lose)
• Campaign alignment
• Time costs
• Organisational buy-in
• Have I tried everything else first?