Tyrer v United Kingdom (1979-80) 2 EHRR 1, European Court of Human Rights

Essential Cases: Public Law provides a bridge between course textbooks and key case judgments. This case document summarizes the facts and decision in Tyrer v United Kingdom (1979-80) 2 EHRR 1, European Court of Human Rights. The substantive issue in this case concerned whether state-inflicted corporal punishment was a breach of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In ruling on the issue, the Court also established an interpretive doctrine—the Convention as a ‘living instrument’—which is the focus of this case note. The document also includes supporting commentary from author Thomas Webb.