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Bank Line Ltd v Arthur Capel and Co: HL 12 Dec 1918

The defendant ship-owners contracted to lease the ship on charter to the plaintiffs. Before the term, the ship was requisitioned for the war effort. The plaintiffs did not exercise the contractual right given to them to cancel the charterparty. The charterparty embodied no specific date as the date for the initial delivery of the vessel; … Continue reading Bank Line Ltd v Arthur Capel and Co: HL 12 Dec 1918

Re MA and Others (Children): CA 31 Jul 2009

Children appealed against dismissal of their care proceedings on the basis that the threshold had not been reached. The parents resisted. Held: It could not be said that the decision so plainly wrong that the judge’s conclusion on the facts could be set aside. Citations: [2009] EWCA Civ 853, [2010] 1 FLR 431, [2010] 1 … Continue reading Re MA and Others (Children): CA 31 Jul 2009

Cook v Plummer: CA 9 Apr 2008

Application for permission to appeal and for permission to amend his grounds of appeal in relation to a discretionary decision acceding to an application for a common-law stay on the grounds of forum non conveniens. Citations: [2008] EWCA Civ 484 Links: Bailii Statutes: Children Act 1989 Sch 1 14 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Child Support, … Continue reading Cook v Plummer: CA 9 Apr 2008

Collins v Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council: Admn 29 Oct 2008

The court was asked whether the Claimant became a ‘looked after child’ as defined in Section 22(1) of the 1989 Act. Citations: [2009] 1 FLR 493, [2009] Fam Law 14, (2009) 12 CCL Rep 59, [2009] PTSR CS35, [2008] EWHC 2551 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Children Act 1989 22(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children Updated: … Continue reading Collins v Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council: Admn 29 Oct 2008

S, Regina (on the Application of) v London Borough of Sutton: Admn 18 May 2007

Application for assistance in providing accomodation to allow early release from prison. Citations: [2007] EWHC 1196 (Admin), [2007] 2 FLR 849 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – G, Regina (on the Application of) v London Borough Of Southwark HL 20-May-2009 The House was asked whether when a child of 16 or … Continue reading S, Regina (on the Application of) v London Borough of Sutton: Admn 18 May 2007

Leander v Sweden: ECHR 26 Mar 1987

Mr Leander had been refused employment at a museum located on a naval base, having been assessed as a security risk on the basis of information stored on a register maintained by State security services that had not been disclosed him. Mr Leander complained that he should have been provided with the information in question, … Continue reading Leander v Sweden: ECHR 26 Mar 1987

In Re S (A Minor) (Change of Surname): CA 15 Dec 1998

When a child in care applied for leave to change his surname, the court should allow for the age of the child applying the Gillick competence test, and the views of a guardian ad litem, and scrutinise carefully the motives of someone who sought to oppose the application. Judges: Thorpe LJ, Mummery LJ Citations: Gazette … Continue reading In Re S (A Minor) (Change of Surname): CA 15 Dec 1998

Re KK (A Child); London Borough of Lambeth v TK: CA 21 Feb 2008

The court was asked when, an investigation by a local authority under the section having concluded that the person at issue was not a child, the court should consider the issue further. Judges: Lord Justice Wilson Citations: [2008] EWCA Civ 103 Links: Bailii Statutes: Children Act 1989 37 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children Updated: 27 … Continue reading Re KK (A Child); London Borough of Lambeth v TK: CA 21 Feb 2008

T-T (Minors): CA 13 Nov 1998

The father sought leave to appeal an order refusing him access to his children, and order made under section 91 restricting further applications. The court welfare officer had been strongly against supervised contact because of the father’s inconsistent behaviour. The mother was utterly against and completely opposed to any form of direct contact. A psychiatrist … Continue reading T-T (Minors): CA 13 Nov 1998

In re F (A Child) (Placement Order); C v East Sussex County Council (Adoption): CA 1 May 2008

The father sought to revoke a freeing order. He said that the social workers had conspired to exclude him from the process. The child was born of a casual relationship, and at first he was unaware of the proceedings. On learning of them he sought to revoke the placement order. Aware that they were doing … Continue reading In re F (A Child) (Placement Order); C v East Sussex County Council (Adoption): CA 1 May 2008

C (Children), Re (Residential Assessment): CA 4 Jul 2001

Citations: [2001] EWCA Civ 1305, [2001] 3 FCR 164, [2001] 3 FCR 164 Links: Bailii Statutes: Children Act 1989 38(6) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Kent County Council v G and others HL 24-Nov-2005 A residential assessment order had been made under the 1989 Act in care proceedings. When the centre recommended … Continue reading C (Children), Re (Residential Assessment): CA 4 Jul 2001

P v P (Ancillary Relief: Proceeds of Crime): FD 8 Oct 2003

The parties sought guidance from the court on the circumstances which arose in ancillary relief proceedings where a legal representative came to believe that one party might be holding the proceeds of crime. In the course of ancillary relief proceedings, the parties legal representatives concluded that some part of the matrimonial assets might represent the … Continue reading P v P (Ancillary Relief: Proceeds of Crime): FD 8 Oct 2003

Regina v Norfolk County Council, ex parte M: QBD 1989

The plaintiff worked as a plumber. His work took him to a private children’s home. An allegation of sexual abuse was made against him by a 13 year old child. She had made other claims against other men which had proved to be false. He was released by the police without charge. The local authority … Continue reading Regina v Norfolk County Council, ex parte M: QBD 1989

In the Matter of B (Minors): CA 22 Jul 1998

The court had directed that the parents of the child be offered therapeutic treatment which, it was hoped, would enable their child to be entrusted to their care. The local authority appealed. Held: The appeal succeeded. Thorpe LJ said that counsel was correct to characterise the proposal ‘as essentially a programme of therapy for the … Continue reading In the Matter of B (Minors): CA 22 Jul 1998

In Re C (A Minor) (Change of Name): CA 2 Feb 1998

A parent challenging a child’s lawful change of name after the event must do so against the background at time of name change; cogent reasons were needed. Citations: Times 02-Feb-1998 Statutes: Children Act 1989 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – In Re T (A Minor)(Change of Surname) FD 8-Jul-1998 A child’s surname should … Continue reading In Re C (A Minor) (Change of Name): CA 2 Feb 1998

Masri v Consolidated Contractors International Co Sal and Others: HL 30 Jul 2009

The claimant sought to enforce a judgment debt against a foreign resident company, and for this purpose to examine or have examined a director who lived abroad. The defendant said that the rules gave no such power and they did, the power was outside the rule-maker’s power. Held: Even though the rule-making power is wide … Continue reading Masri v Consolidated Contractors International Co Sal and Others: HL 30 Jul 2009

H (Child), Re (Care Order: Appropriate Local Authority): CA 18 Nov 2003

The court had to decide to which of two local authorities, responsibility for supervising a care order should be assigned. The child had moved to live with his grandparents. Held: The judge had been correct to find that family circumstances might justify not following the rules in Northamptonshire and Plymouth, but the case was not … Continue reading H (Child), Re (Care Order: Appropriate Local Authority): CA 18 Nov 2003

In re W (Children) (Direct Contact): CA 24 Jul 2012

The court took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of parental responsibility as an incident of family life. McFarlane LJ said: ‘Whether or not a parent has parental responsibility is not simply a matter that achieves the ticking of a box on a form. It is a significant matter of status as between parent and … Continue reading In re W (Children) (Direct Contact): CA 24 Jul 2012

In Re O (A Minor) (Contact: Imposition of Conditions): CA 17 Mar 1995

The court may impose detailed conditions on the form of indirect contact. His Lordship set out the relevant principles: ‘1 Overriding all else, as provided by section 1(1) of the Children Act 1989, the welfare of the child was the paramount consideratin, and the court was concerned with the interests of the mother and the … Continue reading In Re O (A Minor) (Contact: Imposition of Conditions): CA 17 Mar 1995

Bowden and Another v Lancashire County Council: CA 18 Jun 1994

The council had made an ex parte application to the magistrates to cancel the appellant’s registration as a child minder. Held: The court affirmed the order setting aside the magistrates decision. The circumstances which the council put before the justices did not constitute an emergency sufficient to justify a summary order without notice under section … Continue reading Bowden and Another v Lancashire County Council: CA 18 Jun 1994

In Re D (a Minor) (Contact: Mother’s Hostility): CA 1993

Waite LJ: ‘It is now well settled that the implacable hostility of a mother towards access or contact is a factor which is capable, according to the circumstances of each particular case, of supplying a cogent reason for departing from the general pronciple that a child should grow up in the knowledge of both his … Continue reading In Re D (a Minor) (Contact: Mother’s Hostility): CA 1993

Barry Young (Deceased) v Western Power Distribution (South West) Plc: CA 18 Jul 2003

The deceased had begun an action on becoming ill after exposure to asbestos by the defendant. He withdrew his action after receiving expert evidence that his illness was unrelated. A post-mortem examination showed this evidence to be mistaken. His widow sought to pursue an action, but it was claimed that this was out of time. … Continue reading Barry Young (Deceased) v Western Power Distribution (South West) Plc: CA 18 Jul 2003

In re K (Children) (Non-accidental injuries: Perpetrator: New Evidence): CA 27 Aug 2004

The children had been taken into care, and freed for adoption. The mother appealed saying the blame for non-accidental injury was misplaced. The court had not thought her responsible for the non-accidental injuries, but she had been unwilling to separate from the assumed perpetrator. Held: The mother had now taken the step of breaking free. … Continue reading In re K (Children) (Non-accidental injuries: Perpetrator: New Evidence): CA 27 Aug 2004

In re X and Y (Foreign Surrogacy): FD 9 Dec 2008

The court considered the approval required for an order under the 2002 Act. Held: Welfare considerations were important but not paramount: ‘Given the permanent nature of the order under s.30, it seems reasonable that the court should adopt the ‘lifelong’ perspective of welfare in the Adoption and Children Act 2002 rather than the ‘minority’ perspective … Continue reading In re X and Y (Foreign Surrogacy): FD 9 Dec 2008

Bouamar v Belgium: ECHR 29 Feb 1988

Hudoc Violation of Art. 5-1; Violation of Art. 5-4; Just satisfaction reserved; Judgment (Just satisfaction) Struck out of the list (friendly settlement)A person detained as a juvenile in need of educational supervision should not be detained in a prison where no education is available. The applicant’s successive placements in a remand prison, by way of … Continue reading Bouamar v Belgium: ECHR 29 Feb 1988

J v C and E (a Child) (Void Marriage: Status of Children): CA 15 May 2006

The parties had lived together as a married couple. They had had a child together by artificial insemination. It was then revealed that Mr J was a woman. The parties split up, and Mr J applied for an order for contact with the child. Held: The appeal was dismissed. The HFEA Act required that to … Continue reading J v C and E (a Child) (Void Marriage: Status of Children): CA 15 May 2006

Watkins-Singh, Regina (on the Application of) v The Governing Body of Aberdare Girls’ High School and Another: Admn 29 Jul 2008

Miss Singh challenged her school’s policy which operated to prevent her wearing while at school a steel bangle, a Kara. She said this was part of her religion as a Sikh. Held: Earlier comparable applications had been made under human rights law, but this was under the 1976 Act. The evidence established that the Sikh … Continue reading Watkins-Singh, Regina (on the Application of) v The Governing Body of Aberdare Girls’ High School and Another: Admn 29 Jul 2008

In re S (A Child); TL v London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, ED, S (by a Children’s Guardian): CA 15 Jul 2011

TL, the mother appealed against refusal of her application by the appellant for a residential parenting assessment pursuant to section 38(6) of the Children Act 1989. Judges: Sir Nicholas Wall P, Moore-Bick, Black LJJ Citations: [2011] EWCA Civ 812 Links: Bailii Statutes: Children Act 1989 38(6) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children Updated: 16 September 2022; … Continue reading In re S (A Child); TL v London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, ED, S (by a Children’s Guardian): CA 15 Jul 2011

SH v HH (Jurisdiction to Grant Wardship): CA 8 Jul 2011

The British father, of Afghan origin, travelled back to Afghanistan to marry. His wife, the mother, planned to come to England but had never left Afghanistan when their first child was born. Her subsequent journey (alone) to England may have resulted in her own habitual residence being established in England, but clearly could not affect … Continue reading SH v HH (Jurisdiction to Grant Wardship): CA 8 Jul 2011

Associated Japanese Bank (International) Ltd v Credit du Nord SA: 1988

A contract of guarantee was made, but based upon a term of fundamental importance which was mistaken as to the existence of certain machines. Held: The court must first look to the nature of the purported agreement. Steyn J said: ‘Logically, before one can turn to the rules as to mistake, whether at common law … Continue reading Associated Japanese Bank (International) Ltd v Credit du Nord SA: 1988

Eat, Regina (on The Application of) v London Borough of Newham: Admn 28 Feb 2013

Whether the Defendant local authority is obliged to provide support, including accommodation, to the Claimant and her mother pursuant to section 17 of the Children’s Act 1989, pending determination of the mother’s appeal against the refusal by the United Kingdom Border Agency acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Home Department, of … Continue reading Eat, Regina (on The Application of) v London Borough of Newham: Admn 28 Feb 2013

O and others (Children); In re O (Children), In re W-R (a Child), In re W (Children): CA 22 Jun 2005

In each case litigants in person had sought to be allowed to have the assistance and services of a Mackenzie friend in children cases. In one case, the court had not allowed confidential documents to be disclosed to the friend. Held: The courts had been unhelpful to the parties appearing before them. If given access … Continue reading O and others (Children); In re O (Children), In re W-R (a Child), In re W (Children): CA 22 Jun 2005

Re L-W (Children) (Enforcement and Committal: Contact); CPL v CH-W and Others: CA 4 Nov 2010

The father appealed against orders made in the county court in the course of child contact enforcement proceedings. He had residence of the child, but had repeatedly failed to make his son available for contact at the times ordered causing financial loss to the mother who had travelled to see him. Held: With minor exceptions, … Continue reading Re L-W (Children) (Enforcement and Committal: Contact); CPL v CH-W and Others: CA 4 Nov 2010

Launder v The United Kingdom: ECHR 8 Dec 1997

The Commission considered the admissibility of a complaint that the United Kingdom would violate articles 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 if it extradited him to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Held: The application was manifestly ill-founded: ‘The Commission considers that it is only in exceptional circumstances that the extradition of a person to … Continue reading Launder v The United Kingdom: ECHR 8 Dec 1997

French and others v Chief Constable of Sussex Police: CA 28 Mar 2006

The claimants sought damages for psychiatric injury. They were police officers who had been subject to unsuccessful proceedings following a shooting of a member of the public by their force. Held: The claim failed: ‘these claimants have no real prospect of establishing that it was reasonably foreseeable that the corporate failings would cause them psychiatric … Continue reading French and others v Chief Constable of Sussex Police: CA 28 Mar 2006

Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department ex parte Bugdaycay: HL 19 Feb 1986

Three applicants had lied on entry to secure admission, stayed for a considerable time, and had been treated as illegal immigrants under section 33(1). The fourth’s claim that upon being returned he would been killed, had been rejected without investigation. Held: A claim to refugee status was not an exception to the ban on appeals … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department ex parte Bugdaycay: HL 19 Feb 1986

D and F Estates v Church Commissioners for England: HL 14 Jul 1988

The House considered the liability of main contractors on a construction site for the negligence of it sub-contractors.Lord Bridge said: ‘It is trite law that the employer of an independent contractor is, in general, not liable for the negligence or other torts committed by the contractor in the course of the execution of the work. … Continue reading D and F Estates v Church Commissioners for England: HL 14 Jul 1988

In Re A (Minors) (Conjoined Twins: Medical Treatment); aka In re A (Children) (Conjoined Twins: Surgical Separation): CA 22 Sep 2000

Twins were conjoined (Siamese). Medically, both could not survive, and one was dependent upon the vital organs of the other. Doctors applied for permission to separate the twins which would be followed by the inevitable death of one of them. The parents, devout Roman Catholics, resisted. Held: The parents’ views were subject to the overriding … Continue reading In Re A (Minors) (Conjoined Twins: Medical Treatment); aka In re A (Children) (Conjoined Twins: Surgical Separation): CA 22 Sep 2000

Regina v Birmingham City Council ex parte Equal Opportunities Commission: HL 1989

At the council’s independent, single-sex grammar schools there were more places available for boys than girls. Consequently the council were obliged to set a higher pass mark for girls than boys in the grammar school entrance examination. Held: The council, as local education authority, had discriminated against girls. Discrimination can take place when a woman … Continue reading Regina v Birmingham City Council ex parte Equal Opportunities Commission: HL 1989

The Local Authority v RK and RU and Z (by her Children’s Guardian): FD 21 Aug 2008

Three elder brothers and sisters of Z had been taken into care after one suffered serious non-accidental injury. Before Z’s birth the authority planned for a placement, but had stayed with her parents for nearly a year subject to supervision in the hope that she could stay there. The evidence was that she could not … Continue reading The Local Authority v RK and RU and Z (by her Children’s Guardian): FD 21 Aug 2008

The Father v The Mother, O by Cafcass Legal; In re O (a Child) (Contact: Withdrawal of application): FD 12 Dec 2003

The father sought to withdraw his application for contact, but the court took the opportunity to explain some points relating to contact disputes. Held: Such disputes engender very deep feelings. Courts must ensure contact with both parents save when absolutely necessary. Joint residence order should be more widespread, but they were not the default order. … Continue reading The Father v The Mother, O by Cafcass Legal; In re O (a Child) (Contact: Withdrawal of application): FD 12 Dec 2003

KA, Regina (on The Application of) v Essex County Council: Admn 18 Jan 2013

The claimant, an illegal immigrant challenged the refusal of the respondent Council to provide support to her children under the 1989 Act. Judges: Robin Purchas QC Citations: [2013] EWHC 43 (Admin), [2013] 1 WLR 1163, [2013] 2 FCR 319, [2013] BLGR 363, [2013] WLR(D) 60, (2013) 16 CCL Rep 63 Links: Bailii, WLRD Statutes: Children … Continue reading KA, Regina (on The Application of) v Essex County Council: Admn 18 Jan 2013

AC, Regina (on the Application of) v Birmingham City Council: Admn 18 Nov 2008

Caim for judicial review brought by the mother of four children against a decision made by Birmingham City Council relating to payments to be made to her for both her benefit and that of the children, under provisions of the Children Act, in particular section 17, but also potentially section 20. The overall effect of … Continue reading AC, Regina (on the Application of) v Birmingham City Council: Admn 18 Nov 2008

A v London Borough of Croydon; Regina (WK) v Kent County Council: Admn 8 May 2009

The claimants had arrived as asylum seekers, and said that they were under eighteen, and entitled to assistance as children. The social workers decided that they were older. The claimants said that insufficient attention had been given to paediatricians’ reports. Held: The paediatricians’ views should be taken into account but they were not likely to … Continue reading A v London Borough of Croydon; Regina (WK) v Kent County Council: Admn 8 May 2009

In re P (A Child), Re; CS and WS v A Local Authority: CA 8 May 2009

The applicants, grandparents, sought leave to appeal against a care order and placement for adoption. The child’s parents would be unable to provide care. The grandmother siffered tinnitus and reduced vision. Held: No error of law had been shown, and leave was refused. Judges: Wall LJ Citations: [2009] EWCA Civ 376 Links: Bailii Statutes: Children … Continue reading In re P (A Child), Re; CS and WS v A Local Authority: CA 8 May 2009

ETS v BT; in re T (A child); In Re L (a child) (internal relocation: shared residence order: CA 28 Jan 2009

The mother appealed against a residence order granting the father equal time with the child, saying that she wished to move away. Held: Wall LJ examined the authorities.Wall LJ P said: ‘In twenty years time it will not matter a row of beans whether or not L spent x or y hours more with one … Continue reading ETS v BT; in re T (A child); In Re L (a child) (internal relocation: shared residence order: CA 28 Jan 2009

A, Regina (on the Application of) v London Borough of Croydon: CA 18 Dec 2008

The court declined appeals against findings that local authorities through social workers could properly assess whether the claimants were under eighteen and entitled, though asylum seekers, to housing provision and support under the 1989 Act. Judges: Ward, maurice Kay LJJ, Sir John Chadwick Citations: [2008] EWCA Civ 1445, [2009] PTSR 1011, [2009] ACD 17, [2009] … Continue reading A, Regina (on the Application of) v London Borough of Croydon: CA 18 Dec 2008

Dacre and Another v City of Westminster Magistrates Court and others: Admn 16 Jul 2008

The claimants, a newspaper and its editor sought judicial review of a refusal to stay private prosecutions brought against them alleging breach of requirements that they not identify children involved in court proceedings, in this case those of the prosecutor. Held: This was ‘a clear case where the court’s conscience is offended by the fact … Continue reading Dacre and Another v City of Westminster Magistrates Court and others: Admn 16 Jul 2008

W, Regina (on the Application of) v North Lincolnshire Council: Admn 30 Jul 2008

W sought assistance from the Council. As a 17 year old without significant family support he had been released from custody and was entitled to admitted support under section 20 of the 1989 Act. Judges: Mackie QC J Citations: [2008] EWHC 2299 (Admin), [2008] 2 FLR 2150, [2008] Fam Law 1196 Links: Bailii Statutes: Children … Continue reading W, Regina (on the Application of) v North Lincolnshire Council: Admn 30 Jul 2008

M, Regina (on the Application of) v London Borough of Barnet: Admn 6 Aug 2008

Challenge to the alleged ongoing refusal by the defendant to acknowledge its obligations to her under section 20 of the Children Act 1989 and therefore its alleged ongoing failure to comply with its obligations to her as a looked after, and therefore an eligible, child for the purposes of the leaving care provisions. Citations: [2008] … Continue reading M, Regina (on the Application of) v London Borough of Barnet: Admn 6 Aug 2008

In re S (A Child): CA 12 Aug 2008

The mother of the child applied for leave to appeal against an order under section 38(9), seeking a residential assessment. Held: The judge had been exercising a discretion which he had done properly, and the court would not interfere with it. Judges: Mummery LJ, Wall LJ Citations: [2008] EWCA Civ 1078 Links: Bailii Statutes: Children … Continue reading In re S (A Child): CA 12 Aug 2008

C, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: CA 28 Jul 2008

The court was asked as to what methods of physical restraint were proper in institutions accommodating youths in custody. Held: The Court had been wrong not to quash the amended rules on the grounds of procedural breaches. The amended rules would have infringed the human rights of the children to whom such restraint was to … Continue reading C, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: CA 28 Jul 2008

In Re M (Residential Assessment Directions): FD 23 Sep 1998

When ordering a local authority to pay the costs of residential assessment of mother and child, the court should allow for these factors. It must be assessment not treatment, in long term interests of the child, to enable court to decide and not unreasonable. As to Re C: ‘ . . it does seem to … Continue reading In Re M (Residential Assessment Directions): FD 23 Sep 1998

RP v Nottingham City Council (Includes Official Solicitor Statement): CA 8 May 2008

The court looked at the role of the official solicitor in Part IV proceedings when giving his consent to act and when acting for a parent when that parent is alleged to lack litigation capacity and is said to be a ‘protected party’ within the meaning of the court rules. Held: There had not been … Continue reading RP v Nottingham City Council (Includes Official Solicitor Statement): CA 8 May 2008