Forbes v Heffernan

In *Forbes v Heffernan*, the applicant sought orders directing government agencies to disclose the status of seized goods, which had been obtained under a warrant later conceded to be invalid. The applicant argued that this information was crucial for potential forensic advantage in future prosecution proceedings. The third respondent conceded the invalidity of the warrant.

The central legal issue before the court was the nature of the controversy between the parties, particularly concerning the applicant's entitlement to orders regarding the seized goods, and the consequential question of costs. The applicant's claim hinged on the potential forensic utility of the seized items, even in the absence of a concluded prosecution.

Judge Brown considered the concession of the warrant's invalidity and the applicant's stated purpose for seeking the information. The court's reasoning focused on the practical implications of the invalid warrant and the applicant's ongoing interest in the seized property for potential future legal proceedings. The court ultimately made orders regarding the costs of the proceedings.