Understanding when someone is deprived of their liberty

This guide on the law relating to deprivation of liberty will help solicitors and people working in health and social care to identify when a deprivation of liberty may be taking place.

This guide is being updated

On 2 June 2026, the UK Supreme Court handed down its judgment in A Reference by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland of a devolution issue under paragraph 34 of Schedule 10 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 [2026] UKSC 16.

The case has changed the law significantly. This guide is being reviewed and will be updated in light of the judgment.