Cases

Walker v Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Comment

This case emphasises the need for professional disciplinary tribunals to give sufficient reasons for their decisions. The Board recognised that the reasons were prepared quickly and informally by a lay body but nevertheless found that the brevity of the reasons, and the criticisms which could be made of the reasons which were given, required the Board to consider the matter afresh.

The Board also rejected the RCVS's invitation to give weight to the fact that Dr Walker could apply for readmission to the register after a period of 10 months. A clear distinction should be recognised between removal and suspension. Any argument that it was appropriate to pass the maximum penalty having regard to the right to reapply after 10 months was "inimical to the transparency at which any tribunal engaged in sentencing or sanctioning misconduct should aim."

Areas of work

General Common Law
Professional Discipline
Sports Law

Also