Directions supplemental to the new Civil Procedure Rules are brought in from 26 April 1999 and apply in the QBD, Chancery and County Courts save in Family Cases. Long list of supplemental practice directions also handed down. Citations: Times 26-Apr-1999 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 11 May 2022; Ref: scu.84850
It was claimed that the defendant’s computer software infringed the copyright in software owned by the claimant. A declaration was sought beacause of allegations that assertions about infringement had been made to third parties. Held: The declaration was refused. There was no explicit provision in copyright law for a declaration of non-infringement as was available … Continue reading Point Solutions Ltd v Focus Business Solutions Ltd and Another: ChD 16 Dec 2005
The court had failed to stamp an order as to the entitlement to serve it outside the jurisdiction, and the defendant applied for summary dismissal. The court held that although the directions were mandatory, and the court should endorse reasons why leave had been given to serve the document outside the jurisdiction, such a failure … Continue reading Trustor AB v Barclays Bank plc: ChD 16 Nov 2000
Important point as to the strength of the case on the merits to be established in order to obtain leave to serve out of the jurisdiction and its relationship to the strength of the claim to be established to avoid being struck out under CPR 3.4 or 24.2. Judges: Mr Justice Colman Citations: [2001] EWHC … Continue reading De Molestina and Others v Ponton and Others: ComC 16 May 2001
The claimant had delivered his claim form to the court, but it was not processed until after the limitation period had expired. The defendant appealed a finding that the claimant had brought the cliam within the necessary time. Held: The claim was brought within the necessary time limit. ‘the courts have given claimants the full … Continue reading St. Helens Metropolitan Borough Council v Barnes: CA 25 Oct 2006
The issue was the appropriateness of a Court striking an action out where there has been considerable delay if: (i) the cause of action relied upon by the plaintiff in the proceedings would be statute barred if the action were to be struck out, but (ii) the plaintiff has another cause of action upon which … Continue reading Arbuthnot Latham Bank Limited; Nordbanken London Branch v Trafalgar Holdings Limited; Ashton and Ashton: CA 16 Dec 1997
Judges: Mr Justice Fancourt Citations: [2020] EWHC 3934 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 25.13, Companies Act 2006 996 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Costs, Company Updated: 12 November 2022; Ref: scu.682729
The parties experts had met and agreed evidence, but the claimant’s expert later changed his mind. She now appealed being refused permission to bring additional evidence. Held: The meeting of experts was to encourage them to seek agreement. The fact that an expert had changed his mind would not alone be sufficient to call additional … Continue reading Stallwood v David and Another: QBD 25 Oct 2006
Judges: Costs Judge Leonard Citations: [2022] EWHC 2561 (SCCO) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 36.20(1), (2) (4) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Costs Updated: 04 November 2022; Ref: scu.682260
ECJ Order – Civil service – Duty to provide assistance – Articles 12a and 24 of the Staff Regulations – Psychological harassment by a hierarchical superior – Production of a confidential document – Article 44(2) of the Rules of Procedure Citations: F-42/10, [2011] EUECJ F-42/10 Links: Bailii Cited by: Order – Skareby v Commission (Civil … Continue reading Skareby v Commission (Civil Service): ECJ 6 Apr 2011
A civilian who was subject to military law whilst abroad was properly tried by a court-martial for a murder committed whilst abroad. The accused was the son of a serving soldier, and living with him, and subject to martial law. There was no inherent abuse of process, and the procedure had been explicitly adopted by … Continue reading Regina v Alan Martin (On Appeal From Her Majesty’s Courts – Martial Appeal Court): HL 16 Dec 1997
A quia timet action in a defamation case must specify the precise words which are expected to be used. Citations: Times 28-Feb-1996, [1996] 3 All ER 707 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Affirmed – Best v Charter Medical of England Ltd and Another CA 26-Oct-2001 The Civil Procedure Rules did not alter the previous … Continue reading British Data Management Plc v Boxer Commercial Removals Plc and Another: CA 28 Feb 1996
The claimant estate agents appealed dismissal of their claim for commission. The owners were splitting up, and there was to begin with no clear instruction to market the property. Later the property was sold privately, but to a buyer introduced by the claimant to Mrs Voyce. The agent asked the court to go beyond its … Continue reading Day Morris Associates v Voyce and Another: CA 26 Feb 2003
(Patent) The claimant sought to amend its statement by referring to a further prior art document. The defendant raised no objection, subject to an order for costs wasted in respect of the amendment. However in its subsequent counter-statement, the defendant said that the statement was lengthy, repetitive and could not be succinctly answered, and later … Continue reading Ingenico (UK) Ltd v Newt Ltd: IPO 18 Jan 2006
The claimant sought a declaration that an offer earlier given to settle the action was no longer open for acceptance not having been accepted. Judges: Warren J Citations: [2010] EWHC 2940 (Ch), [2010] 47 EG 140, [2011] 1 WLR 331, [2011] 3 EG 84 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 3(1)(m) 36 Jurisdiction: England and … Continue reading C v D and D2: ChD 16 Nov 2010
Where a patentee sues for infringement and then discontinues his claim against the alleged infringer and consents to the revocation of his patent, he may yet require the alleged infringer to pay a substantial proportion of his costs if he can show that this situation came about because the alleged infringer had amended his defence … Continue reading Baird v Moule’s Patent Earth Closet Co Ltd: CA 3 Feb 1876
The applicant trustee in bankruptcy sought an extended civil restraint order against the respondents, saying that they had made unmeritorious claims in the proceedings. Held: The rules required there to be shown that person had ‘persistently issued claims or made applications which are totally without merit’. The court must respond to such behaviour in a … Continue reading Courtman v Ludlam and Another; In re Ludlam (Bankrupts): ChD 6 Aug 2009
In the course of the hearing some of the claimant’s allegations were dropped. Newspapers having taken an interest in the case sought disclosure of the full document. Held: The parts of the statements not relied upon included allegations against third parties who would have no opportunity of reply, and which allegations were not pursued. The … Continue reading Cox v Jones: ChD 6 May 2004
There had been proceedings as to the misuse of confidential information. X, a non-party, now sought disclosure of papers used in that case. The case had been settled by means of a Tomlin Schedule, and that, subject to further order, non-parties might not obtain documents on the court file. Held: The applicant X was entitled … Continue reading ABC Ltd v Y: ChD 6 Dec 2010
Pre-action disclosure. The test of a properly arguable case with a real prospect of success is the same test as is set out in CPR 13.3(1) and 24.2 in relation to setting aside judgments in default and resisting summary judgment respectively. The Court of Appeal in Rose had not been concerned with whether a lower … Continue reading BSW Ltd v Balltec Ltd: ChD 11 Apr 2006
Application for permission to appeal in respect of a refusal by a County Court Judge to grant permission to appeal from a District Judge. It is also an application for permission to appeal against the costs, assessed at pounds 280, which were awarded against the applicant by the County Court Judge. Citations: [2001] EWCA Civ … Continue reading French v French and Another: CA 6 Apr 2001
The court considered issues relating to the appropriateness of the claimants instructing London solicitors in a case in which those solicitors had submitted a bill of costs totalling pounds 220,000 in connection with a claim in which their clients had recovered pounds 90,000. Sir Christopher Staughton said: ‘So surely case management powers will allow a … Continue reading Solutia UK Limited v Griffiths: CA 26 Apr 2001
The new Civil Procedure Rules did not change the circumstances where the Court of Appeal would interfere with a first instance decision, but would apply the new rules on that decision. Very extensive pleadings in defamation cases should now be otiose. In the modern era of witness statements, extensive and fully particularised pleadings are no … Continue reading McPhilemy v Times Newspapers Ltd and Others (2): CA 26 May 1999
The defendant, having been sued for defamation by the claimant social worker pleaded justification and now sought third party disclosure against the hospital involved and against the police of documents which might support the stories it had published. Judges: Eady J Citations: [2011] EWHC 1364 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 31.17 Defamation, Civil … Continue reading Henry v News Group Newspapers Ltd and Others: QBD 26 May 2011
Judgment in default had been entered against the defendant after the court had in its own discretion corrected an error in service of the claim form. The form had been served personally in Reykjavik, but that form of service was not allowed in Iceland. Held: The appeal was allowed. Rule 3.10 could not be used … Continue reading Olafsson v Gissurarson: QBD 8 Dec 2006
The defendant company sought to appear by a lay representative in a small claims track case in a county court. The court did not allow that, and the only representative was a director with limited English. The company appealed. Held: The normal rule as to representation of companies did not apply in cases allocated in … Continue reading Sunrule Ltd v Avinue Ltd: CA 26 Nov 2003
E Was born with and still suffered severe learning difficulties. The court was asked as to the extent of his capacity to make decisions, and as to where he should live, with a family member, the carer or with the local authority, which had removed him from her care. As he had become an adult, … Continue reading G v E and Others: CoP 26 Mar 2010
The claimant suffered severe brain injury in a crash. The parties sought guidance form the court as to his legal capacity. Held: The fact that a party may be particularly susceptible to exploitation was a relevant element when considering his capacity to act, though alone it would not usually be enough to find a lack … Continue reading Lindsay v Wood: QBD 16 Nov 2006
The defendants had failed to comply with an ‘unless’ order requiring disclosure, and had been first debarred from defending the cases as to liability. They applied to a second judge who granted relief from sanctions after new solicitors had complied with the order. The claimant challenged the right of the second judge to grant such … Continue reading Thevarajah v Riordan and Others: SC 16 Dec 2015
The respondent having successfully defended the claim by the Revenue, now sought its costs on an indemnity basis having made a Part 36 offer. The Revenue responded that Part 36 did not apply to such claims. Judges: Carnwath , Moses LJJ Citations: [2010] EWCA Civ 1448, [2011] STC 547, [2011] BVC 30, [2011] STI 129 … Continue reading Revenue and Customs v Blue Sphere Global Ltd: CA 16 Dec 2010
The claimant sought an order for enhanced disclosure. Judges: Gloster DBE J Citations: [2010] EWHC 2010 (Comm) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 31.5(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 29 August 2022; Ref: scu.425307
The appeal raises the following interesting and difficult question: On an application for retrospective validation of what is now accepted to be the defective service of a claim form, and where any new claim would now be statute-barred, is it appropriate for the court to allow a respondent to take advantage of an honest mistake … Continue reading Phoenix Healthcare Distribution Ltd v Woodward and Another: ChD 26 Jul 2018
SERVICE CHARGES -Costs before leasehold valuation tribunal – Whether payable under Lease – Effect of Paragraph 10(4) of Schedule 12 of Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 – Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 – jurisdiction of LVT’s – how it should be exercised – Significant imbalance in parties’ rights – Reasonableness of legal … Continue reading Canary Riverside Pte Ltd v Schilling and others: LT 16 Dec 2005
The court considered an appeal against an order allowing an amendment outside the limitation period which would Judges: Lloyd, Wilson, Gross LJJ Citations: [2010] EWCA Civ 1153, [2011] Bus LR 504, [2011] BPIR 158, [2011] 1 WLR 1364 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 19.5, Limitation Act 1980 35 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited … Continue reading Irwin and Another v Lynch and Another: CA 6 Oct 2010
The court was asked, on a reference back from the Supreme Court: ‘to determine whether the court should require [the interested party] to provide a copy of any other document placed before the judge and referred to in the course of the trial to [the applicant] . . in accordance with the principles laid down … Continue reading Dring v Cape Intermediate Holdings Ltd: QBD 16 Jul 2020
Application for partial or total disallowance of the Claimants’ costs pursuant to rule 44.11(1)(b) of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (CPR); the Defendants allege ‘gross misconduct before and during the proceedings’. Citations: [2019] EWHC B2 (Costs) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Costs Updated: 19 August 2022; Ref: scu.641805
Application under CPR r81.14(1) for permission to bring proceedings for committal for interference with the administration of justice. That is covered by Section III of CPR Part 81 (r81.12 to r81.14). The interference relied on is the use of documents disclosed in an action for a collateral purpose, contrary to CPR r31.22 Judges: Birss J … Continue reading Grosvenor Chemicals Ltd and Others v UPL Europe Ltd and Others: ChD 26 Jul 2017
The claimant journalist sought disclosure of papers acquired by the respondent in its conduct of enquiries into the charitable Mariam appeal. The Commission referred to an absolute exemption under section 32(2) of the 2000 Act, saying that the exemption continued until the papers were destroyed, or for 20 years under the 1958 Act. Held: The … Continue reading Kennedy v The Charity Commission: SC 26 Mar 2014
The court was asked whether the applicant’s entitlement to a statutory sickness allowance, which was a contributory scheme but for which she had not registered due to illness, was a civil right within the meaning of article 6. Held: The applicant claimed a right ‘flowing from specific rules laid down by the legislation in force’ … Continue reading Feldbrugge v The Netherlands: ECHR 29 May 1986
Appeals were made against interlocutory injunctions for alleged trade mark infringement. Held: The court should hesitate about making a final decision for summary judgment without a trial, even where there is no obvious conflict of fact at the time of the application, where reasonable grounds exist for believing that a fuller investigation into the facts … Continue reading Doncaster Pharmaceuticals Group Ltd and Others v The Bolton Pharmaceutical Company 100 Ltd: CA 26 May 2006
The claimant had failed to file a document at court, and omitted to apply for an extension of time to file it. The defendant now appealed the grant by the court of that extension of time notwithstanding. Held: The appeal failed. The rules did not remove the judge’s discretion to make such an order. Judges: … Continue reading Keen Phillips (A Firm) v Field: CA 26 Oct 2006
The respondent brought in laws restricting marriages between persons subject to immigration control, requiring those seeking non Church of England marriages to first obtain a certificate from the defendant that the marriage was approved. The applicants said this was discriminatory and infringed their human rights. Held: Legislation which prevented marriages of convenience between aliens and … Continue reading Baiai and Others, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 10 Apr 2006
Mortgagees claimed possession of the land. The occupiers claimed a right of occupation under a lease. The mortgagees argued that the lease had been surrendered. Held: The lease had been surrendered by a deed. The defects in notice alleged did not affect the result. The bank’s claim under estoppel was made out. Judges: John Randall … Continue reading Hardy and others v Fowle and Another: ChD 26 Oct 2007
Application, issued on 2.7.15, of the Applicant for pre-action disclosure under CPR r.31.16 Judges: Behrens HHJ Citations: [2016] EWHC 381 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 31.16 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 12 July 2022; Ref: scu.562168
Date of service of claim form sent from England to defendant in Scotland. Judges: Sharp, Asplin LJJ, Sir Rupert Jackson Citations: [2019] EWCA Civ 648, [2019] WLR(D) 282 Links: Bailii, WLRD Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 6.14 7.5 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 11 July 2022; Ref: scu.638808
The court had ordered preparation of a joint statement by the parties expert witnesses with a view to encouraging mediation. The claimant obtained an order that the statement was privileged, and could not be used later in the proceedings. Held: The defendant’s appeal succeeded. Though ‘with some exceptions not relevant to this appeal’, what goes … Continue reading Aird and Another v Prime Meridian Ltd: CA 21 Dec 2006
Application for disclosure against a non-party. Citations: [2006] EWHC 2756 (TCC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Supreme Court Act 1981 34, Civil Procedure Rules 1998 31.17 Litigation Practice, Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 08 July 2022; Ref: scu.246935
Action against animal rights protester for protection against alleged threats againt bio-medical research centre. Judges: Irwin J Citations: [2006] EWHC 2490 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 19.6 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Boyle, Regina (On the Application of) v Haverhill Pub Watch and Others Admn 8-Oct-2009 The claimant had been … Continue reading Oxford University v Webb: QBD 13 Oct 2006
The court was asked the parties agree an extension of time for service of a claim form outside the period specified in r. 7.5. The particulars of claim were served nearly five months late. Held: An extension of time could be agreed between the parties in writing, but the claim was struck out because there … Continue reading Thomas v The Home Office: CA 19 Oct 2006
The House was asked whether an asylum applicant whose original application was determined in Scotland, but his application for leave to appeal rejected in London, should apply to challenge those decisions in London or in Scotland. Held: Such an application must be heard in Scotland save only in exceptional circumstances. The appropriate forum would be … Continue reading Tehrani v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 18 Oct 2006
The defendant did not appear at the trial and now appealed the judgment. The claim form and court papers had been served by post at the wrong address. The question was whether a defendant wanting to set aside a judgment was required to persuade the court to exercise its discretion or whether he was entitled … Continue reading Nelson and Another v Clearsprings (Management) Ltd: CA 22 Sep 2006
The defendant a serving prisoner sought an adjournment of his extradition to a time closer to the end of the sentence he was to serve in England. Held: The court had sympathy with the argument that where the district judge is being invited to express his satisfaction over matters under section 11 and section 21 … Continue reading United States of America, Regina (on the Application of) v Bow Street Magistrates’ Court: Admn 6 Sep 2006
The Court considered the interpretation of a consent order on an application to vary its terms. The terms were incorporated within a consent order. It was argued that the variation could be based on CPR 3.1(7) which provides that the Court has power to vary or revoke an order. It was also argued that the … Continue reading Weston v Dayman: CA 7 Jun 2006
The defendants had started but abandoned a request against third parties, and had to pay their costs. It now sought those and its own costs from the claimant, saying that the abortive application would have been unnecessary had the claimant complied with its own disclosure obligations. The claimant said the court did not have jurisdiction … Continue reading Environment Agency v Lewin Fryer and Partners: TCC 6 Jul 2006
The claimant wished to bring an action against the defendant enquiry agent, saying that it had obtained unlawful access to details of his bank accounts, and now sought disclosure of documents. The defendant denied wrongdoing, and said it had returned all papers to solicitors. Held: The proposed respondents had not been fully candid, and a … Continue reading Hughes v Carratu International Plc: QBD 19 Jul 2006
The police sought the closure of premises under an anti-social behaviour order. Held: A body seeking such an order had an obligation to serve written copies of the evidence upon which they wished to rely on the proposed respondent. The respondent had therefore been entitled to the adjournment he sought but was refused by the … Continue reading Cleary, Regina (on the Application of) v Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court and others: Admn 26 Jul 2006
The court considered the consequences of delay in applications for judicial review: ‘It is important that those parties, and indeed the public generally, should be able to proceed on the basis that the decision is valid and can be relied on, and that they can plan their lives and make personal and business decisions accordingly.’ … Continue reading Hardy and others v Pembrokeshire County Council and Another: CA 19 Jul 2006
The defendants appealed a decision that they had no sufficient reason for not attending court on the day of the trial. Held: The fact that the defendants had a continuing commercial relationship with the claimants was not enough to justify an inference that they should be aware of proceedings served at a former address. In … Continue reading Estate Acquisition and Development Ltd v Wiltshire and Another: CA 4 May 2006
The court considered an appeal against an award under the 1996 Act. The appeal had been brought under Part 8 of the Civil Procedure Rules. Held: The appeal was by virtue of the 1996 Act, and as such was a statutory appeal, and should have been brought under Part 52, not Part 8. Judges: Sir … Continue reading Zissis v Lukomski and Another: CA 5 Apr 2006
The patent application had been presented to the European Patent Office and granted only after 13 years. The claimant now appealed refusal to allow amendment of its claim to allow a claim in its sole name. The defendant argued that it was out of time. Held: The appeal succeeded: ‘ the long-standing rule of practice … Continue reading Rhone-Poulenc Rorer International Holdings Inc and Another v Yeda Research and Development Co Ltd: ChD 16 Feb 2006
The court considered the effect of negotiations on costs claims: ‘Changes were made to the Rules of Court. Some of these changes, and in particular the provisions of Sections II to V of CPR45, were introduced following ‘industry wide’ discussions under the aegis of the Civil Justice Council. Agreement was reached on the recoverable costs … Continue reading Butt v Nizami: QBD 9 Feb 2006
The claimant had been severely injured in a road traffic accident. His claim was compromised and embodied in a court order, but later a question was raised as to whether he had had mental capacity at the time to make the compromise he had. Held: The term ‘patient’ in this context had a meaning specific … Continue reading Bailey v Warre: CA 7 Feb 2006
The defendant had made a part 36 offer of settlement. The claimant did not accept it, but then tried to accept it after the trial had begun. Held: The risks of litigation were such that situations would often alter when a case came on for trial. It was implied in a part 36 offer that … Continue reading Hawley v Luminar Leisure Plc Ase Security Services Limited, Mann: CA 1 Feb 2006
The defendant company resisted disclosure of documents saying that they had been supplied by the Financial Services Authority in confidence, and that to disclose them would be an offence. Held: The information had already in principle been known to the defendants before the FSA investigation, and were not protected from disclosure. Judges: David Richards J … Continue reading Real Estate Opportunities Ltd v Aberdeen Asset Managers Jersey Ltd and others: ChD 15 Dec 2006
Various parties appealed refusal and grant of extensions of time for service of claim forms. Held: The court gave detailed guidance. The three central issues were the proper construction of the rule, the question of whether the court could reconsider an application made without notice and on paper, and whether the Hashtroodi guidance was being … Continue reading Collier v Williams and others: CA 25 Jan 2006
The parties had disputed payments for subcontracting work on a major project. The matter had been referred to arbitration, and the claimants now appealed refusal of leave to appeal the adjudicator’s award. Held: The dispute was complex and substantial. Nevertheless, the adjudicator ‘not only took the initiative in ascertaining the facts but also applied his … Continue reading Carillion Construction Ltd v Devonport Royal Dockyard Ltd: CA 16 Nov 2005
The defendants appealed against confiscation orders on the basis that in various ways, the Crown had failed to comply with procedural requirements. Held: The courts must remember the importance of such procedures in the fight against crime, and must not allow procedural or technical failures to defeat that purpose. Courts should rather look to see … Continue reading Sekhon, etc v Regina: CACD 16 Dec 2002
An accountant sought payment of his professional fees. The defendants had sought to re-amend their defence and counterclaim. Appeals had variously been allowed to go ahead or denied after the master had not been able to deal with all of them for lack of time. Held: The several appeals raised common issues. Some were first … Continue reading The Convergence Group Plc and Another v Chantrey Vellacott (a Firm): CA 16 Mar 2005
The court considered what was meant by ‘act promptly’ in the Rule. Held: Dictionary definitions were considered by both Arden LJ and Simon Brown LJ – ‘with alacrity’ or ‘all reasonable celerity in the circumstances’. The court no longer has a broad discretion whether to grant such an application: all three of the conditions listed … Continue reading Regency Rolls Ltd and Another v Carnall: CA 16 Oct 2000
The Civil Procedure Rules did not alter the previous practice in defamation actions, that the words to be relied upon should be pleaded in detail, save only in exceptional circumstances. The case had been properly struck out, as disclosing no reasonable cause of action, where the claimant had failed to establish the words used. Judges: … Continue reading Best v Charter Medical of England Ltd and Another: CA 26 Oct 2001
The claimant sought his profit share from a partnership. The defendant complained that the claimant had for some time put his assets beyond reach, and obtained an order for security for costs. The claimant now appealed. Held: The appeal failed. It was not necessary for a defendant in such an action to show that the … Continue reading Harris v Wallis: ChD 10 Mar 2006
The three rules listed in the Civil Procedure Rules, should also be applied in the Admiralty and Commercial Courts, with effect from March 25 2002. Child marks the change over to the Civil Procedures Rules from the Commercial Court Guide, for much business in those courts, and a new edition of the Guide has been … Continue reading Practice Statement (Admiralty and Commercial Courts: Procedure): ChD 18 Mar 2002
There was a boundary dispute. The judge in the County Court had made an error. Counsel had offered to apply to amend the order under the slip rule, and therefore the judge had refused leave to appeal. Held: This was an application for leave to apply for a second appeal, and such appeals only very … Continue reading Markos v Goodfellow and Barke and Barke: CA 26 Jul 2001
The defendant sought to set aside judgment entered in his absence. Held: The right of a defendant to have set aside a judgment where he had not known of the proceedings did not necessarily apply where, as here, he had attended one hearing, but did not attend a later hearing because he had not been … Continue reading London Borough of Hackney v Driscoll: CA 16 Jul 2003
The claimant sought damages for personal injury based upon one version of events. The defendant pleaded another, contrary, set of events and objected when the claimant sought to plead an alternative case to apply if the court found the defendants version of the facts. Held: The alternative set of facts could be pleaded without the … Continue reading Binks v Securicor Omega Express Ltd: CA 16 Jul 2003
The claimant sought damages from his wife for personal injuries. He had been late beginning the claim, and it was served without particulars. He then failed to serve the particulars within 14 days. Totty and then Sayers had clarified the procedure for applications for extension of time. Held: The lower courts had failed to apply … Continue reading Price v Price (Trading As Poppyland Headware): CA 26 Jun 2003
ECJ National rules embodying a specification contained in a document which lays down the characteristics required of a product, including the requirements applicable to the product as regards labelling, constitute technical specifications within the meaning of Article 1(2) of Directive 83/189 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical … Continue reading Unilever Italia SpA v Central Food SpA: ECJ 26 Sep 2000
The defendant appealed against a decision not to set aside a judgment obtained against him by default. Whilst he retained a property in England, he lived in Ethiopia. The claim was served at the address in England, but was redirected to another address in Ethiopia. Held: The appeal suceeded. The proceedings had not been served … Continue reading Fairmays (A Firm) v Palmer: ChD 31 Jan 2006
The claimant had for many years kept private journals, whose contents were circulated within a small circle of friends. He now sought to claim confidentiality and copyright in them when the defendant sought to publish them. Held: There was an arguable case that confidence existed in some part of the journals. The order for restraint … Continue reading HRH the Prince of Wales v Associated Newspapers Ltd: ChD 13 Jan 2006
The formalities of committal proceedings are to be strictly observed, but a breach of the formalities may be overlooked if it does not affect the justice of the case.Lord Woolf MR considered the discretion given to a court to commit for contempt: ‘Like any other discretion, the discretion provided by the statutory provisions, must be … Continue reading Nicholls v Nicholls: CA 20 Dec 1996
Where a party seeking injunctive relief departed from normal practice, in this case by applying to the Queen’s Bench rather than the Chancery Division for an injunction in an intellectual property case, they must file an explanation of why they had departed from that practice. Where a court did not give its reasons for a … Continue reading Elvee Ltd v Taylor and others: CA 6 Dec 2001
The court heard an appeal by the Commissioners from the VAT Duties Tribunal that ‘Spreadable butter’ and ‘Ammix butter’ from New Zealand made and imported by the respondent are ‘manufactured directly from milk or cream’, and are not ‘recombined butter’, and are therefore subject to a lower rate of tariff duty under Annex I to … Continue reading Commissioners of Customs and Excise v Anchor Foods Limited: Admn 26 Jun 1998
The defendants had paid money into court to settle the claim. The claimant sought payment also of all the interest earned by it. The claimant was a patient suing by his next friend. Held: He was entitled to the interest only from the time when he accepted the money even if that had been delayed … Continue reading Brennan v ECO Composting Ltd and Another: QBD 7 Dec 2006
The court’s powers under the new CPR to deal with non-compliance with time limits, were wide enough to allow the court to allow re-instatement of an action previously struck out. The court could find alternative ways of dealing with any delay which could recompense the other party and seek to achieve justice as between the … Continue reading Biguzzi v Rank Leisure Plc: CA 26 Jul 1999
The court considered an application for permission to appeal. The Defendant had not attended the trial, but had applied by letter for an adjournment, which was refused. The trial proceeded and resulted in an order against the Defendant. He applied unsuccessfully under rule 39.3(3) to set the judgment aside, and he also appealed in effect … Continue reading Tennero Ltd v Arnold: QBD 6 Jul 2006
The slip rule could not be used by the court to add second thoughts to a judgment, but could be used by the court to amend the judgment to give effect to the court’s original intention. In this case the effect of an appeal was to restart the running of interest from the date of … Continue reading Bristol-Myers Squibb Company v Baker Norton Pharmaceuticals Inc and Another: CA 26 Apr 2001
Wills J said: ‘All the common law statutes as to interpleader are now repealed and the right to that class of relief is regulated by Order LVII, by which the old practice of the Court of Chancery is modified’. Judges: Wills J Citations: (1886) 16 QBD 686 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – … Continue reading Reading v The London School Board: 1886
It was proper to strike out a claim for abuse of process where the party had been involved in a wholesale disregard of the Civil Procedure Rules and of court orders. The court has a range of remedies appropriate to the degree of such disregard. Where such disregard indicated that the party had no intention … Continue reading UCB Corporate Services Ltd (formerly UCB Bank plc) v Halifax (SW) Ltd: CA 6 Dec 1999
The claimant had begun proceedings for the return of money held by the respondent. His action was stayed for inactivity, and the respondent later had the claim struck out on the basis that it would be an abuse of process to proceed. Held: The claim could still be tried without unfairness, and accordingly it should … Continue reading Fay v Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police: QBD 6 Feb 2003
The Court of Appeal will normally identify in advance those cases where it expected to apply a summary assessment of costs and at which a statement of costs would be required, though parties may propose such an assessment. Citations: Times 26-Apr-1999 Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules Part 44 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 11 … Continue reading Practice Note (Court of Appeal Civil Division: Assessment of Costs): CA 26 Apr 1999
Following a trial, and before the judgment was delivered, the parties arranged to meet and settled their dispute. The judges and the court were not advised and continued to take the trouble of preparing the now nugatory judgment. The legal representatives had a clear duty to inform the court of such happenings in order to … Continue reading HFC Bank Plc v HSBC Bank Plc (Formerly Midland Bank Plc): CA 26 Apr 2000
Interpleader proceedings Citations: [1967] 1 WLR 1059 Cited by: Applied – TSP Group Ltd v Globemark (UK) Ltd QBD 2-Nov-2005 The claimant interpleader appealed summary dismissal of its claim. Held: The appeal was upheld. Despite the Civil Procedure Rules, the old case law on interpleader retained value. Although under the new rules, the precise formulation … Continue reading P B J Davis Manufacturing Co Ltd v Fahn: 1967
Disclosure was refused of documents to support an argument of invalidity. Judges: Birss J Citations: [2016] WLRD 244 Links: WLRD Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 31.5(7) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Intellectual Property Updated: 08 May 2022; Ref: scu.564961
Whether or not the examination ought to be conducted generally in private. Judges: Master John Dagnall Citations: [2021] EWHC 2406 (Comm) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 71 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 08 May 2022; Ref: scu.667406
Judgment following a Case Management Conference, at which was also listed the Claimants’ application for orders under CPR 19.6(1)(b) that the First Claimant be permitted to act as representative of four other insurers who participated as followers in the Primary Policy in issue in this case, and that RSA also be permitted to act as … Continue reading Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance Plc and Others v Textainer Group Holdings Ltd and Others: ComC 26 Jul 2021
The Court had to decide whether an order in the standard form of freezing order was effective to cover assets which were held in the defendant’s name but which belonged beneficially to third parties. Held: It did not. A Mareva injunction in its standard form operated only to attach and freeze assets in which the … Continue reading Federal Bank of the Middle East v Hadkinson and Others: CA 16 Mar 2000
Appeal from Order joining party for purposes of third party costs order. Judges: Moore-Bick VP, Lewison, Simon LJJ Citations: [2016] EWCA Civ 23, [2016] CP Rep 17, [2016] 4 WLR 17, [2016] WLR(D) 25 Links: Bailii, WLRD Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Approved – Dymocks Franchise Systems (NSW) Pty Limited v Todd and Todd, Bilgola … Continue reading Deutsche Bank AG v Sebastian Holdings Inc and Another: CA 21 Jan 2016
The court considered applications for relief from sanction under CPR 3.1(7). Held: An application under CPR 3.1(7) usually requires a change of circumstances. Considerations of finality, the undesirability of allowing litigants to have two bites at the cherry and the need to avoid undermining the concept of appeal all required a principled curtailment of an … Continue reading Tibbles v SIG Plc (T/A Asphaltic Roofing Supplies): CA 26 Apr 2012
The defendant sought an order that the defamation proceedings had been invalidly served. Held: The Rule introduced an additional code and alternative method of service, but not a comprehensive code. Establishing a place of business under section 695 connoted a greater degree of permanence than was required under the rules. However the rules still required … Continue reading Lakah Group and Another v al-Jazeera Satellite Channel and Another: QBD 26 Mar 2003
Claim by international firm of lawyers for breach of confidence against publishers who had received and published that information. The court now considered which division of the High Court should hear the claim. Held: Rose J considered the creation of the M and CL and observed: ‘the starting point is, as I have said, that … Continue reading Appleby Global Group Llc v British Broadcasting Corporation and Another: ChD 26 Jan 2018
