The case involved twins Rosie and Gracie, who were conjoined at the lower abdomen and shared vital organs and doctors concluded if the twins weren’t surgically separated both would die. Gracie was the stronger of the twins; Rosie depended on her sister’s organs to survive.

Whilst their parents objected to the proposed separation, the hospital sought legal permission to perform the operation. They argued saving Gracie outweighed the moral concerns surrounding Rosie’s death. The Court of Appeal ruled in favour of performing the operation, with the judges presenting a variety of arguments and legal reasoning to support their decision. The twins were separated, with Gracie surviving and Rosie unfortunately passing away. The ethical and legal dilemmas thrown up by this case are still discussed today.

No matter which legal cases you choose to research each will provide an opportunity to expand your legal knowledge, deepen critical thinking skills and enhance your reasoning. There are many more cases which you’ll explore throughout your studies which have changed the legal landscape and shaped the laws which govern us today, but we hope this small selection whets your appetite for more.