R v Brown (1994) addressed the limits of consent in criminal law. It involved a group of consenting adults engaging in sadomasochistic activities. The House of Lords ruled that consent was not a defence to charges of actual bodily harm, sparking debate on personal autonomy versus public interest.
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🏛️ Court: House of Lords 🗓️ Judgment: Date 11 March 1993 🗂️ Where Reported: [1994] 1 A.C. 212; [1993] 2 W.L.R. 556; [1993] 2 All E.R. 75 📍 Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
Limits of Consent: Consent is not a defence to actual bodily harm or wounding unless the activity serves a lawful purpose, such as sports or medical treatment. Private agreements to cause harm, even consensually, fall outside this boundary if no societal benefit exists.
