Handyside v United Kingdom
Encyclopedia
Handyside v. United Kingdom (5493/72) was a case decided by ECtHR in 1976. Its most famous conclusion is that Freedom of expression [..] is applicable not only to "information" or "ideas" that are favourably received or regarded as inoffensive or as a matter of indifference, but also to those that offend, shock or disturb the State or any sector of the population (Para. 49 of the judgment).
", written by Søren Hansen and Jesper Jensen and published, as of 1976, in Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, West Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland as well as several non-European countries. Its chapter on Pupils contained a twenty-six page section concerning "Sex". Handyside sent out several hundred review copies of the book, together with a press release, to a selection of publications from national and local newspapers to educational and medical journals. He also placed advertisements for the book. The book became subject of extensive press comment, both favourable and not.
On 31 March 1971, 1,069 copies of the book were provisionally seized together with leaflets, posters, showcards and correspondence relating to its publication and sale. On 1 April 1971, 139 more copies were seized. About 18,800 copies of a total print of 20,000 copies were missed and subsequently sold. On 8 April, a Magistrates’ Court issued two summonses against Handyside for having in his possession obscene books for publication for gain. Handyside ceased distribution of the book and advised bookshops accordingly but, by that time, some 17,000 copies were already in circulation. On 1 July 1971, Handyside was found guilty of both offences and fined £25 on each summons and ordered to pay £110 costs. His appeal was rejected.
had adopted its report on the case, finding no violations of Conventions, and specifically Articles 10, 17 and P1-1 by a majority (no violation of Article 18 was found unanimously). In 1976, Court's Chamber relinquished jurisdiction in favour of plenary court.
doctrine, the Court held by thirteen votes to one that the interference in Handyside's freedom of expression was both defined by law, having a legitimate aim and necessary in a democratic society, thus there was no violation of Article 10 ECHR. Judge H. Mosler disagreed and filed a dissenting opinion, considering that violation did take place due to interference not being necessary.
The court had also held unanimously that Handyside's property rights (Article 1 of Protocol No. 1) were not violated. Judge M. Zekia filed a concurring opinion in this question.
Facts
Mr. Richard Handyside, proprietor of "Stage 1" publishers, purchased British rights of "The Little Red SchoolbookThe Little Red Schoolbook
The Little Red Schoolbook is a book written by two Danish schoolteachers, Søren Hansen and Jesper Jensen in 1969, which was controversial upon its publication. The book was translated into many languages in the early 1970s.- Synopsis :...
", written by Søren Hansen and Jesper Jensen and published, as of 1976, in Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, West Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland as well as several non-European countries. Its chapter on Pupils contained a twenty-six page section concerning "Sex". Handyside sent out several hundred review copies of the book, together with a press release, to a selection of publications from national and local newspapers to educational and medical journals. He also placed advertisements for the book. The book became subject of extensive press comment, both favourable and not.
On 31 March 1971, 1,069 copies of the book were provisionally seized together with leaflets, posters, showcards and correspondence relating to its publication and sale. On 1 April 1971, 139 more copies were seized. About 18,800 copies of a total print of 20,000 copies were missed and subsequently sold. On 8 April, a Magistrates’ Court issued two summonses against Handyside for having in his possession obscene books for publication for gain. Handyside ceased distribution of the book and advised bookshops accordingly but, by that time, some 17,000 copies were already in circulation. On 1 July 1971, Handyside was found guilty of both offences and fined £25 on each summons and ordered to pay £110 costs. His appeal was rejected.
Proceedings before ECtHR
The application was lodged by Handyside in 1972. In 1975, the European Commission of Human RightsEuropean Commission of Human Rights
European Commission of Human Rights was a special tribunal.From 1954 to the entry into force of Protocol 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, individuals did not have direct access to the European Court of Human Rights; they had to apply to the Commission, which if it found the case to be...
had adopted its report on the case, finding no violations of Conventions, and specifically Articles 10, 17 and P1-1 by a majority (no violation of Article 18 was found unanimously). In 1976, Court's Chamber relinquished jurisdiction in favour of plenary court.
Judgment
Using margin of appreciationMargin of appreciation
Margin of Appreciation is a concept the European Court of Human Rights has developed when considering whether a member state of the European Convention on Human Rights has breached the convention. The margin of appreciation doctrine allows the court to take into effect the fact that the Convention...
doctrine, the Court held by thirteen votes to one that the interference in Handyside's freedom of expression was both defined by law, having a legitimate aim and necessary in a democratic society, thus there was no violation of Article 10 ECHR. Judge H. Mosler disagreed and filed a dissenting opinion, considering that violation did take place due to interference not being necessary.
The court had also held unanimously that Handyside's property rights (Article 1 of Protocol No. 1) were not violated. Judge M. Zekia filed a concurring opinion in this question.