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McBride v The Body Shop International Plc: QBD 10 Jul 2007

The claimant sought damages for libel in an internal email written by her manager, accusing her of being a compulsive liar. The email had not been disclosed save in Employment Tribunal proceedings, and the claimant sought permission to use the email and to extend the limitation period saying it had been withheld. Held: There had … Continue reading McBride v The Body Shop International Plc: QBD 10 Jul 2007

VTB Capital Plc v Nutritek International Corp and Others: SC 6 Feb 2013

The claimant bank said that it had been induced to create very substantial lending facilities by fraudulent misrepresentation by the defendants. They now appealed against findings that England was not clearly or distinctly the appropriate forum for resolution of VTB’s tort claims, and nor that there was a proper basis for piercing the corporate veil. … Continue reading VTB Capital Plc v Nutritek International Corp and Others: SC 6 Feb 2013

Caborn-Waterfield v Gold and Others: QBD 11 Mar 2013

The defendants requested a preliminary ruling that the words complained of in the claimant’s action were not capable of bearing a defamatory meaning. Held: Some of the pleaded meanings were not supported, but others were clearly defamatory, and should not be struck out. Nor could it properly be said that there had been no substantial … Continue reading Caborn-Waterfield v Gold and Others: QBD 11 Mar 2013

Citation Plc v Ellis Whittam Ltd: CA 8 Mar 2013

The parties competed in providing employment law services. The claimant complained of slanderous comments said to have been made by the defendant in discussions with a firm of solicitors seeking to select a firm. The claimant now appealed against the striking out of its action as ‘not worth the candle’. No damage was pleaded, and … Continue reading Citation Plc v Ellis Whittam Ltd: CA 8 Mar 2013

Andre v Price: QBD 11 Oct 2010

The word ‘calculated’ as used in s.2 of the 1952 Act meant ‘likely’: accepting that, in that context, that meant something less than ‘more likely than not’. Judges: Tugendhat J Citations: [2010] EWHC 2572 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Defamation Act 1952 2 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd … Continue reading Andre v Price: QBD 11 Oct 2010

Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Com v Al Refai and Others: ComC 12 Jun 2013

Andrew Smith J, dismissed a defendant’s application for summary judgment, saying that that it was not fatal to the claim that the claimant could not plead or prove that the defendant caused or authorised publication of ‘the specific defamatory words of which complaint is made’, as opposed to the imputation(s) arising from them. Where the … Continue reading Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Com v Al Refai and Others: ComC 12 Jun 2013

Singh v Moorlands Primary School and Another: CA 25 Jul 2013

The claimant was a non-white head teacher, alleging that her school governors and local authority had undermined and had ‘deliberately endorsed a targeted campaign of discrimination, bullying, harassment and victimisation’ against her as an Asian head teacher; and that the Council, ‘deliberately and unlawfully endorsed a targeted campaign of discrimination, bullying and harassment and victimisation … Continue reading Singh v Moorlands Primary School and Another: CA 25 Jul 2013

Krause v Newsquest Media Group Ltd and Another: QBD 11 Nov 2013

Each defendant sought summary rejection of defamation claims by the claimant as regards reports of breaches of harassment injunctions granted against her. Held: ‘There is no doubt that the proceedings are an attempt by the Claimant to relitigate in this libel action the matters which she sought to rely upon in support of her unsuccessful … Continue reading Krause v Newsquest Media Group Ltd and Another: QBD 11 Nov 2013

McGrath v Independent Print Ltd: QBD 26 Jul 2013

The claimant alleged defamation in an article on the defendant’s web-site discussing a failure of his earlier defamation action. He now sought directions for a jury trial. Judges: Nicola Davies DBE J Citations: [2013] EWHC 2202 (QB) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Tolstoy Miloslavsky v United Kingdom ECHR 19-Jul-1995 The applicant … Continue reading McGrath v Independent Print Ltd: QBD 26 Jul 2013

Waterson v Lloyd and Another: QBD 26 Jul 2013

When looking at a political speech, the court should be careful of over-elaborate analysis. Judges: Nicola Davies DBE J Citations: [2013] EWHC 2201 (QB) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – Waterson v Lloyd MP and Another CA 28-Feb-2013 The former MP for Eastbourne had brought an action for defamation against the … Continue reading Waterson v Lloyd and Another: QBD 26 Jul 2013

Wates Construction Ltd v HGP Greentree Allchurch Evans Ltd: TCC 10 Oct 2005

A unit constructed by the claimant had collapsed under a weight of rainwater. It had been constructed according to a design provided by the defendants. The claimants had discontinued the action on the morning of the trial, and the defendants now sought costs on an indemnity basis. Held: An order for indemnity costs may only … Continue reading Wates Construction Ltd v HGP Greentree Allchurch Evans Ltd: TCC 10 Oct 2005

Core Issues Trust v Transport for London: Admn 22 Mar 2013

The claimant sought judicial review of the decision made by TfL not to allow an advertisement on behalf of the Trust to appear on the outside of its buses. It was to read: ‘NOT GAY! EX-GAY, POST-GAY AND PROUD. GET OVER IT!’. The decision was said to be based on the resondent’s policies. The respondent … Continue reading Core Issues Trust v Transport for London: Admn 22 Mar 2013

Wilson v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; Wilson v First County Trust Ltd (No 2): HL 10 Jul 2003

The respondent appealed against a finding that the provision which made a loan agreement completely invalid for lack of compliance with the 1974 Act was itself invalid under the Human Rights Act since it deprived the respondent lender of its property rights. It was also argued that it was not possible to make a declaration … Continue reading Wilson v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; Wilson v First County Trust Ltd (No 2): HL 10 Jul 2003

McGraddie v McGraddie and Another (Scotland): SC 31 Jul 2013

The parties were father and son, living at first in the US. On the son’s wife becoming seriously ill, the son returned to Scotland. The father advanced a substantal sum for the purchase of a property to live in, but the son put the properties in his own name. The father sought a conveyance of … Continue reading McGraddie v McGraddie and Another (Scotland): SC 31 Jul 2013

Monroe v Hopkins: QBD 10 Mar 2017

The claimant, a transgender chef and food blogger claimed in defamation against the defendant journalist in respect of two tweets. The court now set out to decide the meanings, whether they were defamatory by nature, and whether the serious harm requirement had been met. Held: ‘Ms Monroe complains of the natural and ordinary meaning. That … Continue reading Monroe v Hopkins: QBD 10 Mar 2017

Stocker v Stocker: QBD 10 Jun 2015

The claimant alleged defamation by his former wife in a post on facebook. The posting and associatedeEmails were said falsely to have accused him of serious abuse, and that the accusations had undermined his relationship with his new partner. Held: However unappealing it may be to contemplate these issues being resolved via a defamation trial, … Continue reading Stocker v Stocker: QBD 10 Jun 2015

Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd v Zodiac Seats UK Ltd: SC 3 Jul 2013

Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd sought to recover damages exceeding 49,000,000 pounds for the infringement of a European Patent which did not exist in the form said to have been infringed. The Technical Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office had retrospectively amended it so as to remove with effect from the date of grant … Continue reading Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd v Zodiac Seats UK Ltd: SC 3 Jul 2013

Makudi v Baron Triesman of Tottenham In London Borough of Haringey: QBD 1 Feb 2013

The claimant, former chairman of the Thailand Football Association, claimed in defamation against the defendant who had been chairman of the English Football Association. The defendant asked the court to strike out the claim, saying that some of the claims were based on privileged evidence given to a parliamentary committee, and associated publications, and the … Continue reading Makudi v Baron Triesman of Tottenham In London Borough of Haringey: QBD 1 Feb 2013

Kaschke v Osler: QBD 13 May 2010

The claimant sued in defamation as regards the defendant’s comments in his internet blog on her historical left wing political connections. She complained that they made a connection with terrorist activities. The defendant said that the article was based upon material from the claimant’s own web-site, which republished an old article from a German magazine … Continue reading Kaschke v Osler: QBD 13 May 2010

Hays Plc v Hartley: QBD 17 May 2010

Mr Hartley operated a news agency, and provided to the publisher of the Sunday Mirror, MGN Ltd, allegations of racism that had been levelled at the claimant company by former employees. The allegations were reported in an article headed ”KKK chants’ and racist abuse claim at top firm But recruitment bosses fight 3 black workers’ … Continue reading Hays Plc v Hartley: QBD 17 May 2010

Bunt v Tilley and others: QBD 10 Mar 2006

The claimant sought damages in defamation in respect of statements made on internet bulletin boards. He pursued the operators of the bulletin boards, and the court now considered the liability of the Internet Service Providers whose systems had inevitably carried the traffic from the bulletin boards to their own customers. Held: The claims were struck … Continue reading Bunt v Tilley and others: QBD 10 Mar 2006

Bewry v Reed Elseveir (UK) Ltd and Another: QBD 10 Oct 2013

The claimant had begin proceedings against the defendant legal publishers, saying that their summary of a cash had brought was defamatory. He now sought leave to extend the limitation period for his claim, and the defendants argued that, given the very limited publication, the case was not worth pursuing. Held: There had been considerable delay, … Continue reading Bewry v Reed Elseveir (UK) Ltd and Another: QBD 10 Oct 2013

Delfi As v Estonia: ECHR 10 Oct 2013

[2013] ECHR 941, [2013] ECHR 1218, (2014) 58 EHRR 29 Bailii, Bailii European Convention on Human Rights Human Rights Cited by: See Also – Delfi As v Estonia ECHR 16-Jun-2015 Article 10-1 Freedom to impart information Award of damages against internet news portal for offensive comments posted on its site by anonymous third parties: no … Continue reading Delfi As v Estonia: ECHR 10 Oct 2013

Ungvary And/Et Irodalom Kft v Hungary: ECHR 3 Dec 2013

Freedom of expression Award of damages against a historian and a publisher for alleging that a public official had collaborated with the state security services during the Communist era: violation Facts – In 2007 a literary and political weekly owned by Irodalom Kft (the second applicant) published a study by a historian, Mr Ungvary (the … Continue reading Ungvary And/Et Irodalom Kft v Hungary: ECHR 3 Dec 2013

Belpietro v Italy: ECHR 24 Sep 2013

Article 10-1 Freedom of expression Imposition of suspended sentence on newspaper chief for publishing defamatory article: violation Facts – At the relevant time the applicant was the director of the daily newspaper Il Giornale. In 2004 the newspaper published an article written by a senator criticising a number of members of the national legal service. … Continue reading Belpietro v Italy: ECHR 24 Sep 2013

Cumhuriyet Vakfi And Others v Turkey: ECHR 8 Oct 2013

ECHR Article 10-1 Freedom of expression Freedom to impart information Lack of procedural safeguards when issuing injunction against national newspaper: violation Facts – The applicants were respectively the owner, publisher, editor-in-chief and chief editorial writer of a daily Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet. In April 2007, in the run-up to the presidential elections, the newspaper published a … Continue reading Cumhuriyet Vakfi And Others v Turkey: ECHR 8 Oct 2013

Stojanovic v Croatia: ECHR 19 Sep 2013

ECHR Article 10-1 Freedom of expression Award of damages against applicant who denied making the defamatory statements for which he was found liable: Article 10 applicable; violation Facts – In 2003 a municipal court found the applicant jointly and severally liable with the publisher in a civil action in damages brought by a government minister … Continue reading Stojanovic v Croatia: ECHR 19 Sep 2013

Wegrzynowski And Smolczewski v Poland (Legal Summary): ECHR 16 Jul 2013

ECHR Article 8 Positive obligations Courts’ refusal to order newspaper to remove article damaging applicant’s reputation from its Internet archive: no violation Facts – The applicants are lawyers who won a libel case against two journalists working for the daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita following the publication of an article alleging that they had made a fortune … Continue reading Wegrzynowski And Smolczewski v Poland (Legal Summary): ECHR 16 Jul 2013

Jon Richard Ltd v Gornall: QBD 16 May 2013

The company sought relief after the defendant a former senior employee had left but then written to customers alleging fraud by the claimant. Held: ‘ this is as clear a case as there could possibly be that the Defendant’s denial that she published the two letters was, in the case of each, untrue and that … Continue reading Jon Richard Ltd v Gornall: QBD 16 May 2013

Haney and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v The Secretary of State for Justice: SC 10 Dec 2014

The four claimants, each serving indeterminate prison sentences, said that as they approached the times when thy might apply for parol, they had been given insufficient support and training to meet the requirements for release. The courts below had been bound by decisions of the House of Lords despite those decisions being ruled incorrect by … Continue reading Haney and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v The Secretary of State for Justice: SC 10 Dec 2014

McGrath and Another v Dawkins and Others: CA 5 Feb 2013

The claimant appealed against a finding that the defendant Amazon was bound to succeed in its defence under the 2002 Regulations against the claim in defamation, and that the claim should be dismissed as an abuse of process under Jameel. He had constructed a series of false adverse reviews of the claimant’s book in order … Continue reading McGrath and Another v Dawkins and Others: CA 5 Feb 2013

Fiddes v Channel Four Television Corporation and Others: CA 29 Jun 2010

The claimants in a defamation case made an interlocutory appeal against an order for trial by judge alone. The parties had agreed for trial by jury, but the defendants made a late application for trial by judge alone. Held: The claimant’s appeal failed. The right to a trial by jury is a constitutional right subject … Continue reading Fiddes v Channel Four Television Corporation and Others: CA 29 Jun 2010

Brady v Norman: QBD 26 May 2010

The claimant appealed against refusal of the Master to extend the 12 month limitation period in his proposed defamation claim. The allegations related to a dispute at an Aslef barbecue, and later of forgery. The claimant was a former General Secretary of the union, and the defendant the current General Secretary. Earlier allegations had been … Continue reading Brady v Norman: QBD 26 May 2010

Hayes v Willoughby: SC 20 Mar 2013

The claimant and appellant had been employer and employee who had fallen out, with a settlement in 2005. The appellant then began an unpleasant and obsessive personal vendetta against Mr Hayes, complaining to public bodies with allegations of tax evasion, fraud and similar. Several investigations all concluded against the appellant, and indeed disproved in 2007. … Continue reading Hayes v Willoughby: SC 20 Mar 2013

Mitchell MP v News Group Newspapers Ltd: CA 27 Nov 2013

(Practice Note) The claimant brought defamation proceedings against the defendant newspaper. His solicitors had failed to file his costs budget as required, and the claimant now appealed against an order under the new Rule 3.9, restricting very substantially the costs which might be made in his favour. Held: The appeal was refused. It was inherent … Continue reading Mitchell MP v News Group Newspapers Ltd: CA 27 Nov 2013

Thornton v Telegraph Media Group Ltd: QBD 16 Jun 2010

The claimant said that a review of her book was defamatory and a malicious falsehood. The defendant now sought summary judgment or a ruling as to the meaning of the words complained of. Held: The application for summary judgment succeeded. The words related to the claimant’s profession and integrity. In the context of business libels, … Continue reading Thornton v Telegraph Media Group Ltd: QBD 16 Jun 2010

McAlpine v Bercow: QBD 24 May 2013

The claimant alleged defamation in a tweet by the defendant. The court now decided as a preliminary point, the meaning of the words: ‘Why is Lord McAlpine trending? *Innocent face*’. There had been other but widespread (mistaken) allegations against a senior Conservative of child sexual abuse. Held: The text contained an innuendo that the claimant … Continue reading McAlpine v Bercow: QBD 24 May 2013

Acts

1267 – 1278 – 1285 – 1297 – 1361 – 1449 – 1491 – 1533 – 1677 – 1688 – 1689 – 1700 – 1706 – 1710 – 1730 – 1737 – 1738 – 1751 – 1774 – 1792 – 1793 – 1804 – 1814 – 1819 – 1824 – 1828 – 1831 – 1832 … Continue reading Acts

Brett Wilson Llp v Person(s) Unknown, Responsible for The Operation and Publication of The Website www.solicitorsfromhelluk.com: QBD 16 Sep 2015

The claimant solicitors sought remedies against the unknown publishers of the respondent website which was said to publish material defamatory of them, and to ampunt to harassment. Held: The alleged defamatory meanings were not challenged by the defendants. The pleaded allegations made out a case for the grant of injunctions against the defendants. The court … Continue reading Brett Wilson Llp v Person(s) Unknown, Responsible for The Operation and Publication of The Website www.solicitorsfromhelluk.com: QBD 16 Sep 2015

Armagas Ltd v Mundogas SA (‘The Ocean Frost’): CA 1985

Proof of corruption not needed for bribe In establishing that money was paid as an improper inducement or bribe, proof of corruptness or a corrupt motive was unnecessary. When a court looks at a decision of a judge at first instance, the court stressed the need to look at the objective facts and the overall … Continue reading Armagas Ltd v Mundogas SA (‘The Ocean Frost’): CA 1985

Buckley v Dalziel: QBD 3 May 2007

There was a heated dispute between neighbours, culminating in some generous or perhaps over-generous pruning by the claimant of the defendant’s trees and shrubs on the boundaries. The defendants reported the matter to the police. Both Mr and Mrs Dalziel made oral complaints to the officer who attended upon them. He later returned and Mr … Continue reading Buckley v Dalziel: QBD 3 May 2007

Lincoln v Daniels: CA 1961

The defendant claimed absolute immunity in respect of communications sent by him to the Bar Council alleging professional misconduct by the plaintiff, a Queen’s Counsel. Held: Initial communications sent to the secretary of the Bar Council alleging professional misconduct by a barrister did not attract absolute privilege, since they were not yet a step in … Continue reading Lincoln v Daniels: CA 1961

Varsani and others v Jesani, Patel and Her Majesty’s Attorney-General: CA 3 Apr 1998

A Hindu religious sect, constituted as a charity, had split into two factions. Held: The court had jurisdiction to order that the assets of the sect should be divided under the powers in the Act, and held upon separate trusts for the two factions. The court declined to adjudicate as to which group was correctly … Continue reading Varsani and others v Jesani, Patel and Her Majesty’s Attorney-General: CA 3 Apr 1998

Lucasfilm Ltd and Others v Ainsworth and Another: SC 27 Jul 2011

The claimant had produced the Star War films which made use of props, in particular a ‘Stormtrooper’ helmet designed by the defendant. The defendant had then himself distributed models of the designs he had created. The appellant obtained judgment against the respondent in the US for punitive damages, but these had not been collected, and … Continue reading Lucasfilm Ltd and Others v Ainsworth and Another: SC 27 Jul 2011

F and C Alternative Investments (Holdings) Ltd and Others v Barthelemy and Another: CA 22 Jun 2012

The parties, former partners in a limited liability partnership providing investment funds management, had been involved in protracted and bitter litigation. The appellant now challenged the award of indemnity costs. Judges: Arden, Tomlinson, Davis LJJ Citations: [2012] EWCA Civ 843, [2012] WLR (D) 183, [2013] Bus LR 186, [2013] 1 Costs LR 35, [2013] 1 … Continue reading F and C Alternative Investments (Holdings) Ltd and Others v Barthelemy and Another: CA 22 Jun 2012

Watts v Aldington, Tolstoy v Aldington: CA 15 Dec 1993

There had been a settlement of proceedings for libel brought by Lord Aldington against Mr Nigel Watts and Count Nikolai Tolstoy. Lord Aldington had obtained judgment for andpound;1.5 million in damages against both defendants following a trial. Bankruptcy orders were made against both Mr Watts and Count Tolstoy. By early 1991 Lord Aldington was faced … Continue reading Watts v Aldington, Tolstoy v Aldington: CA 15 Dec 1993

Allen v Times Newspapers Ltd: QBD 15 May 2019

‘(1) At common law, a statement is defamatory of the claimant if, but only if, (a) it imputes conduct which would tend to lower the claimant in the estimation of right-thinking people generally, and (b) the imputation crosses the common law threshold of seriousness, which is that it ‘[substantially] affects in an adverse manner the … Continue reading Allen v Times Newspapers Ltd: QBD 15 May 2019

eDate Advertising GmbH v X: ECJ 25 Oct 2011

ECJ (Grand Chamber) Regulation (EC) No 44/2001 – Jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters – Jurisdiction ‘in matters relating to tort, delict or quasi-delict’ – Directive 2000/31/EC – Publication of information on the internet – Adverse effect on personality rights – Place where the harmful event occurred or may occur … Continue reading eDate Advertising GmbH v X: ECJ 25 Oct 2011

Tesla Motors Ltd and Another v British Broadcasting Corporation: QBD 23 Feb 2012

The claimant, manufacturer of electric cars, complained of a review of its car on ‘Top Gear’. It’s pleaded meanings had been rejected, and it now sought leave to amend its pleading to add new alleged defamatory meanings. Judges: Tugendhat J Citations: [2012] EWHC 310 (QB) Links: Bailii Citing: See also – Tesla Motors Ltd and … Continue reading Tesla Motors Ltd and Another v British Broadcasting Corporation: QBD 23 Feb 2012

Coventry and Others v Lawrence and Another: SC 22 Jul 2015

The appellants challenged the compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights of the system for recovery of costs in civil litigation in England and Wales following the passing of the Access to Justice Act 1999. The parties had been involved in very substantial litigation over an alleged nuisance. The claimants’ lawyers had acted under … Continue reading Coventry and Others v Lawrence and Another: SC 22 Jul 2015

Lait v Evening Standard Ltd: CA 28 Jul 2011

The claimant alleged defamation by the defendant in an article regarding her expenses claims as an MP. She appealed against summary judgment in favour of the defence in their pleaded defence of honest comment. Held: Laws LJ said: ‘The principle identified in Jameel consists in the need to put a stop to defamation proceedings that … Continue reading Lait v Evening Standard Ltd: CA 28 Jul 2011

Ahuja v Politika Novine I Magazini Doo and Others: QBD 23 Nov 2015

Action for misuse of private information and libel. Application to have set aside leave to serve out of the jurisdiction. The defendant published a newspaper in Serbian, in print in Serbia and online. Though in Serbian, the claimant said that online translations to English could be created automatically. The parties disputed the number of hits … Continue reading Ahuja v Politika Novine I Magazini Doo and Others: QBD 23 Nov 2015

Hamilton v Al Fayed: HL 23 Mar 2000

The claimant MP sued the defendant in defamation after he had alleged that the MP had corruptly solicited and received payments and benefits in kind as a reward for parliamentary services rendered. Held: Parliament has protected by privilege an MP against action for defamation arising from his parliamentary activities. A defendant in an action for … Continue reading Hamilton v Al Fayed: HL 23 Mar 2000

Belhaj and Another v Straw and Others: SC 17 Jan 2017

The claimant alleged complicity by the defendant, (now former) Foreign Secretary, in his mistreatment by the US while held in Libya. He also alleged involvement in his unlawful abduction and removal to Libya, from which had had fled for political persecution. The defendants now appealed from rejection of the defendants’ claim to state immunity and … Continue reading Belhaj and Another v Straw and Others: SC 17 Jan 2017

Thevarajah v Riordan and Others: SC 16 Dec 2015

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

BPP University College of Professional Studies v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 1 Jul 2014

FTTTx HMRC directed to provide further and better particulars – unless order breached – whether HMRC should be barred – whether Mitchell applies – HMRC barred. Judges: Judge Mosedale Citations: [2014] UKFTT 644 (TC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Finance Act 2011 75 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Mitchell MP v News Group Newspapers Ltd … Continue reading BPP University College of Professional Studies v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 1 Jul 2014

Kennedy v The Charity Commission: SC 26 Mar 2014

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

Attorney-General v Guardian Newspapers Ltd (No 2) (‘Spycatcher’): HL 13 Oct 1988

Loss of Confidentiality Protection – public domain A retired secret service employee sought to publish his memoirs from Australia. The British government sought to restrain publication there, and the defendants sought to report those proceedings, which would involve publication of the allegations made. The AG sought to restrain those publications. Held: A duty of confidence … Continue reading Attorney-General v Guardian Newspapers Ltd (No 2) (‘Spycatcher’): HL 13 Oct 1988

Lord Browne of Madingley v Associated Newspapers Ltd: CA 3 Apr 2007

The appellant sought to restrict publication by the defendants in the Mail on Sunday of matters which he said were a breach of confidence. He had lied to a court in giving evidence, whilst at the same time being ready to trash the reputation of his opponent. The judge had refused to excise the details … Continue reading Lord Browne of Madingley v Associated Newspapers Ltd: CA 3 Apr 2007

In re S (a Child) (Identification: Restrictions on Publication): HL 28 Oct 2004

Inherent High Court power may restrain Publicity The claimant child’s mother was to be tried for the murder of his brother by poisoning with salt. It was feared that the publicity which would normally attend a trial, would be damaging to S, and an application was made for reporting restrictions to be applied to avoid … Continue reading In re S (a Child) (Identification: Restrictions on Publication): HL 28 Oct 2004

Attorney-General v Leveller Magazine Ltd: HL 1 Feb 1979

The appellants were magazines and journalists who published, after committal proceedings, the name of a witness, a member of the security services, who had been referred to as Colonel B during the hearing. An order had been made for his name not to be disclosed during the hearing, but the court had had no power … Continue reading Attorney-General v Leveller Magazine Ltd: HL 1 Feb 1979

Olafsson v Gissurarson (No 2): CA 3 Mar 2008

The defendant appealed against an order that service of the claim form could be dispensed with.Sir Anthony Clarke MR said: ‘the whole purpose of service is to inform the defendant of the contents of the claim form and the nature of the claimant’s case: see eg Barclays Bank of Swaziland Ltd v Hahn [1989] 1 … Continue reading Olafsson v Gissurarson (No 2): CA 3 Mar 2008

Associated Newspapers Ltd v Burstein: CA 22 Jun 2007

The newspaper appealed an award of damages for defamation after its theatre critic’s review of an opera written by the claimant. The author said the article made him appear to sympathise with terrorism. Held: The appeal succeeded. Keene LJ said: ‘It is unusual for this court to overturn a judge who has ruled that a … Continue reading Associated Newspapers Ltd v Burstein: CA 22 Jun 2007

Lumba (WL) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 23 Mar 2011

The claimants had been detained under the 1971 Act, after completing sentences of imprisonment pending their return to their home countries under deportations recommended by the judges at trial, or chosen by the respondent. They challenged as unlawful the respondent’s, at first unpublished, policy introduced in 2006, that by default, those awaiting deportation should be … Continue reading Lumba (WL) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 23 Mar 2011

Greene v Associated Newspapers Ltd: CA 5 Nov 2004

The claimant appealed against refusal of an order restraining publication by the respondent of an article about her. She said that it was based upon an email falsely attributed to her. Held: ‘in an action for defamation a court will not impose a prior restraint on publication unless it is clear that no defence will … Continue reading Greene v Associated Newspapers Ltd: CA 5 Nov 2004

PNM v Times Newspapers Ltd and Others: SC 19 Jul 2017

No anonymity for investigation suspect The claimant had been investigated on an allegation of historic sexual abuse. He had never been charged, but the investigation had continued with others being convicted in a high profile case. He appealed from refusal of orders restricting publication of his name and involvement in the inquiry. Held: (Kerr and … Continue reading PNM v Times Newspapers Ltd and Others: SC 19 Jul 2017

Jennings v Buchanan: PC 14 Jul 2004

(New Zealand) (Attorney General of New Zealand intervening) The defendant MP had made a statement in Parliament which attracted parliamentary privilege. In a subsequent newspaper interview, he said ‘he did not resile from his claim’. He defended the action for defamation claiming the privilege. Held: The original statement had privilege but the repetition outside parliament … Continue reading Jennings v Buchanan: PC 14 Jul 2004

Hashtroodi v Hancock: CA 27 May 2004

The claimant had issued proceedings in time, but then the limitation period expired before it was served, and in the meantime the limitation period had expired. The defendant appealed against an automatic extension of time for service granted to the claimant. Held: The Rules should generally be interpreted without reference to case law under the … Continue reading Hashtroodi v Hancock: CA 27 May 2004

Bacon v Automattic Inc and Others: QBD 6 May 2011

The court was asked whether a defendant domiciled in the United States of America be served by means of email with a claim form issued in England. Judges: Tugendhat J Citations: [2011] EWHC 1072 (QB), [2012] 1 WLR 753, [2011] All ER (D) 37, [2011] 2 All ER (Comm) 852 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and … Continue reading Bacon v Automattic Inc and Others: QBD 6 May 2011

Watson v M’Ewan: HL 1905

A claim was brought against a medical witness in respect of statements made in preparation of a witness statement and similar statements subsequently made in court. The appellant was a doctor of medicine who had been retained by the respondent in respect of proposed proceedings against her husband for separation and aliment. He was later … Continue reading Watson v M’Ewan: HL 1905

Steedman, Clohosy, Smith, Kiernan, Newman, Creevy, Anderson v The British Broadcasting Corporation: CA 23 Oct 2001

The claimants had issued defamation proceedings. The defendant said they were out of time, having begun the action more than one year after the alleged publication, but accepted that they had not been prejudiced in their defence. The court refused to extend the period. The lack of prejudice to the defendant was not in itself … Continue reading Steedman, Clohosy, Smith, Kiernan, Newman, Creevy, Anderson v The British Broadcasting Corporation: CA 23 Oct 2001

Observer and Guardian v The United Kingdom: ECHR 26 Nov 1991

The newspapers challenged orders preventing their publication of extracts of the ‘Spycatcher’ book. Held: The dangers inherent in prior restraints are such that they call for the most careful scrutiny on the part of the court. This is especially so as far as the press is concerned, for news is a perishable commodity and to … Continue reading Observer and Guardian v The United Kingdom: ECHR 26 Nov 1991

Tolstoy Miloslavsky v United Kingdom: ECHR 19 Jul 1995

The applicant had been required to pay andpound;124,900 as security for the respondent’s costs as a condition of his appeal against an award of damages in a defamation case. Held: It followed from established case law that article 6(1) did not guarantee a right of appeal. It was not disputed that the security for costs … Continue reading Tolstoy Miloslavsky v United Kingdom: ECHR 19 Jul 1995

Williams v Spautz: 27 Jul 1992

(High Court of Australia) Criminal Law – Abuse of process – Stay of proceedings – Action for wrongful dismissal against university – Information for criminal defamation by plaintiff against officer of university – Predominant purpose of informant to secure reinstatement or favourable settlement of action – Whether abuse of process.Brennan J attempted a partial definition … Continue reading Williams v Spautz: 27 Jul 1992

Vizetelly v Mudie’s Select Library: 1900

The court was asked about the liability in defamation of a circulating library who provided books to subscribers, in this case about the book on Stanley’s search for Emir Pasha in Africa. Judges: Romer LJ Citations: [1900] 2 QB 170 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Godfrey v Demon Internet Limited QBD 26-Mar-1999 … Continue reading Vizetelly v Mudie’s Select Library: 1900

Fulham (orse Fullam) v Newcastle Chronicle and Journal Ltd and Another: CA 1977

A local newspaper circulating in Teesside, where the claimant had been appointed deputy headmaster of a school, published an article in 1973 saying of the claimant that he was a former Roman Catholic priest who had left his parish in the Salford diocese and later married and it was claimed of him that he ‘went … Continue reading Fulham (orse Fullam) v Newcastle Chronicle and Journal Ltd and Another: CA 1977

Berezovsky v Forbes Inc and Michaels; Glouchkov v Same: HL 16 May 2000

Plaintiffs who lived in Russia sought damages for defamation against an American magazine with a small distribution in England. Both plaintiffs had real connections with and reputations in England. A judgment in Russia would do nothing to repair the reputations in England, and accordingly the proper place to sue was in England. Under English law … Continue reading Berezovsky v Forbes Inc and Michaels; Glouchkov v Same: HL 16 May 2000

Cassell and Co Ltd v Broome and Another: HL 23 Feb 1972

Exemplary Damages Award in Defamation The plaintiff had been awarded damages for defamation. The defendants pleaded justification. Before the trial the plaintiff gave notice that he wanted additional, exemplary, damages. The trial judge said that such a claim had to have been pleaded. The Court of Appeal had considered Rookes -v- Barnard to have been … Continue reading Cassell and Co Ltd v Broome and Another: HL 23 Feb 1972

Dow Jones and Co Inc v Jameel: CA 3 Feb 2005

Presumption of Damage in Defamation is rebuttable The defendant complained that the presumption in English law that the victim of a libel had suffered damage was incompatible with his right to a fair trial. They said the statements complained of were repetitions of statements made by US authorities. The claimant had asserted that no more … Continue reading Dow Jones and Co Inc v Jameel: CA 3 Feb 2005

Black-Clawson International Ltd v Papierwerke Waldhof Aschaffenburg AG: HL 5 Mar 1975

Statute’s Mischief May be Inspected The House considered limitations upon them in reading statements made in the Houses of Parliament when construing a statute. Held: It is rare that a statute can be properly interpreted without knowing the legislative object. The courts may look outside a statute in order to identify the ‘mischief’ Parliament was … Continue reading Black-Clawson International Ltd v Papierwerke Waldhof Aschaffenburg AG: HL 5 Mar 1975

Lewis v Daily Telegraph Ltd: HL 1964

Ascertaining Meaning of Words for Defamation The Daily Telegraph had published an article headed ‘Inquiry on Firm by City Police’ and the Daily Mail had published an article headed ‘Fraud Squad Probe Firm’. The plaintiffs claimed that those articles carried the meaning that they were guilty of fraud. The defendants admitted that the articles were … Continue reading Lewis v Daily Telegraph Ltd: HL 1964

Thornton v Telegraph Media Group Ltd: QBD 26 Jul 2011

The claimant alleged defamation and malicious falsehood in an article published and written by the defendants. She complained that she was said to have fabricated an interview with the second defendant for her book. An interview of sorts had now been accepted to have taken place. Held: To be counted as defamatory an allegation must … Continue reading Thornton v Telegraph Media Group Ltd: QBD 26 Jul 2011

Singh v Weayou: QBD 11 Aug 2017

The claimant male nurse sued in defamation contained in a complaint of sexual harrassment made by the defendant against him. Judges: Nicola Davies DBE J Citations: [2017] EWHC 2102 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Defamation Act 2013 1 2 3 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Defamation Updated: 05 April 2022; Ref: scu.592026

Alsaifi v Trinity Mirror Plc and Board of Directors and Another: QBD 17 Nov 2017

Nicklin J noted that: ‘In mass media cases (where it is unlikely that the readers can be identified) it is almost impossible to advance evidence that publishees did not believe the allegation made against the claimant.’ Judges: Nicklin J Citations: [2017] EWHC 2873 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Defamation Act 2013 1 Jurisdiction: England and Wales … Continue reading Alsaifi v Trinity Mirror Plc and Board of Directors and Another: QBD 17 Nov 2017

Ibrahim v HCA International Ltd: EAT 13 Sep 2018

VICTIMISATION DISCRIMINATION – Whistleblowing In a whistleblowing claim the issue was whether the Tribunal had correctly interpreted and applied section 43B(1)(b) Employment Rights Act 1996 in two respects; (1) what amounts to an allegation of a breach of a legal obligation and (2) the public interest element in light of the guidance from the Court … Continue reading Ibrahim v HCA International Ltd: EAT 13 Sep 2018