What is the ratio in Associated Provincial Picture Houses v Wednesbury?

The ratio establishes that administrative decisions can only be challenged for unreasonableness if they are so unreasonable that no reasonable authority could have made them.

What did the court decide in Associated Provincial Picture Houses v Wednesbury?

The Court of Appeal held that the cinema licensing condition was not unreasonable enough to warrant judicial intervention under the high threshold test.

Why is Associated Provincial Picture Houses v Wednesbury important for administrative law?

It established the fundamental 'Wednesbury test' for reviewing administrative decisions, creating the standard threshold for judicial intervention in public authority decision-making.

What is the ratio in Associated Provincial Picture Houses v Wednesbury?

The ratio establishes that administrative decisions can only be challenged for unreasonableness if they are so unreasonable that no reasonable authority could have made them.

What did the court decide in Associated Provincial Picture Houses v Wednesbury?

The Court of Appeal held that the cinema licensing condition was not unreasonable enough to warrant judicial intervention under the high threshold test.

Why is Associated Provincial Picture Houses v Wednesbury important for administrative law?

It established the fundamental 'Wednesbury test' for reviewing administrative decisions, creating the standard threshold for judicial intervention in public authority decision-making.

Public Law1 min read

Associated Provincial Picture Houses v Wednesbury

[1948] 1 KB 223Court of Appeal1948

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“Court establishes landmark test for challenging unreasonable government decisions”

Facts

Wednesbury Corporation granted a cinema licence to Associated Provincial Picture Houses but imposed a condition that no children under 15 could be admitted on Sundays. The cinema company challenged this condition as unreasonable and beyond the corporation's powers.

Issues

Whether the courts could review the reasonableness of conditions imposed by a local authority when granting a cinema licence, and what standard should apply to such review.

Held

The Court of Appeal held that the condition was within the corporation's powers and not unreasonable. The challenge failed.

Significance

This case created the foundational test for judicial review in administrative law, establishing the boundaries between judicial oversight and administrative discretion. The Wednesbury test remains central to UK administrative law today.

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OSCOLA Citation

Associated Provincial Picture Houses Ltd v Wednesbury Corp [1948] 1 KB 223 (CA)

Administrative LawJudicial ReviewLocal Government Law

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