The court described the peculiarly difficult position of a solicitor sued for the negligence of losing litigation for his client by reason of having his client’s claim struck out: ‘It is true that if the action for professional negligence were fought, the court which tried it would have to assess what those chances were. But … Continue reading Allen v Sir Alfred McAlpine and Sons Ltd: CA 1968
The paper owner of the disputed land had grazed cattle on it in winter, and denied that the defendant claiming adverse possession had been in continuous occupation. Held: Even though the adverse possessor had received rent from the real owner, who had been then unaware of his ownership and became the tenant of the land, … Continue reading Bligh v Martin: ChD 1968
Tenants of apartments asked the Rent Officer to fix the fair rents. On appeal, the rents were then set at a rate lower even than they had requested. The rents would serve as a guide for other local rents. The landlords now complained that the chairman of the Rent Assessment Committee had been assisting his … Continue reading Metropolitan Properties Company (FGC) Limited v Lannon: 11 Jul 1968
The defendant was told by a police officer to park up his car. He did so, but stopped with his wheel, trapping the officer’s foot. The magistrates were unable to decide whether the parking on the officer’s foot was deliberate, but agreed that leaving it there had been deliberate. Held: James J described the distinction … Continue reading Fagan v Metropolitan Commissioner: 31 Jul 1968
The defendants who were resident in Greece appealed a decision that the English court had jurisdiction over them, by virtue of a close connection of the matter with earlier proceedings heard here. Held: The fact that the defendants were all defendants in the earlier proeedings was what mattered. That these were new proceedings did not … Continue reading Masri v Consolidated Contractors International (UK) Ltd: CA 24 Oct 2005
Application for return of deposit made to secure commencement of road works on development. Citations: [2005] EWCA Civ 644 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 139 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Pountney v Griffiths QBD 1975 A mental patient sought damages for assault from a nurse. The nurse replied that the proceedings … Continue reading Patel and others v London Borough of Brent: CA 25 May 2005
The failure to obtain the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions to a prosecution under section 8 of the Sexual Offences Act 1967 rendered the whole of the trial, including the committal proceedings, a complete nullity. Judges: Lord Parker LCJ Citations: [1968] 1 WLR 669, (1968) 52 Cr App R 280 Statutes: Sexual Offences … Continue reading Regina v Angel: CACD 1968
PC (New Zealand) The Crown created a charitable trust for certain Maori people. Upon exhaustion of the purpose, the fund was to revert to the Crown. The trustees appealed a finding of liability to income tax. Held: A charitable trust could co-exist with a non-charitable trust. ‘The distinction is between ends, means and consequences. The … Continue reading Sir Graham Stanley Latimer and others – Trustees for the Crown Forestry Rental Trust v The Commissioner of Inland Revenue: PC 25 Feb 2004
The court asked whether a rent assessment committee constituted under the Rent Act 1968 could act by a majority in determining a fair rent. Was the well established rule of law in Grindley controlled either by something expressed in this statute or by something to be collected from the nature of the power and the … Continue reading Picea Holdings Ltd v London Rent Assessment Panel: QBD 1971
The respondent had determined a fair rent under the 1977 Act, on the grounds that LRAC had adopted an impermissible approach to the question of whether any ‘scarcity’ deduction fell to be made and to its assessment of that deduction as 30%. Judges: Mr Justice Ouseley Citations: [2002] EWHC 835 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Rent … Continue reading Yeoman’s Row Management Ltd v Chairman of the London Rent Assessment Committee: Admn 19 Apr 2002
Europa 1. ECSC treaty – economic and social provisions – prices – discriminatory practices – comparable transactions – concept (ECSC treaty, article 60(1)) 2. ECSC treaty – economic and social provisions – prices – discriminatory practices – identical final price applied to comparable transactions – possibility of discrimination not excluded by this fact alone (ECSC … Continue reading De Wendel and Cie SA v Commission of the European Communities (Judgment): ECJ 11 Jun 1968
Europa Measures adopted by an institution – regulation – concept (EEC treaty, article 189). A measure which is applicable to objectively determined situations and which involves legal consequences for categories of persons viewed in a general and abstract manner constitutes a regulation. Cf. Paragraph 3, summary, joined cases 16 and 17/62, (1962) ECR 471. A … Continue reading Zuckerfabrik Watenstedt GmbH v Council of the European Communities (Judgment): ECJ 11 Jul 1968
Europa 1. Transport – special internal rates and conditions – purpose of such special rates and conditions – authorization justified (ECSC treaty, article 70) 2. Transport – special internal rates and conditions – unforeseeable circumstances justifying authorization of special rates and conditions – modifications in the infrastructure of transport 3. ECSC treaty – general objectives … Continue reading Kingdom of the Netherlands v Commission of the European Communities: ECJ 8 Feb 1968
Lord Parker CJ defined ‘attempt’ in criminal law: ‘What amounts to an attempt has been described variously in the authorities, and for my part I prefer to adopt the definition given in Stephen’s Digest of the Criminal Law, 5th Ed. (1894) art. 50, where it says that: ‘An attempt to commit a crime is an … Continue reading Davey v Lee: 1968
The curt was asked whether a resettlement of part of a trust fund on a new trust could be a variation which the court could approve under the 1958 Act. Held: A variation under the Act must not be such as to change the fundamentals of the trust.Megarry J said: ‘If an arrangement changes the … Continue reading Re Ball’s Settlement Trusts: ChD 1968
The County Court decided that a notice to quit given to a tenant by a director of the landlord company in his own name was valid. Held: The decision was correct. The director had carried out the letting and acted as if he were the landlord in every way. He was held to have been … Continue reading Harmond Properties Ltd v Gajdzis: CA 1968
The control of the wardship court over the person of its ward is far from absolute. It is ousted in a wide variety of situations in which the law has entrusted such controlled persons other than those having responsibility for the upbringing of the ward. This limiting principle may be expressed more generally by saying … Continue reading In Re Mohamed Arif (an infant): 1968
Mrs T, by summons under section 17 sought a declaration that she and her husband were beneficial owners in equal shares of the matrimonial home and that the premises should be sold and the proceeds divided equally between them. She registered a lis pendens under the Land Charges Act. The house was in the husband’s … Continue reading Taylor v Taylor: CA 1968
The settlor applied for the approval of an arrangement for the export of his trust to Jersey, where he had gone to live. The court considered its powers under the 1968 Act. Held: The court should not consider merely the financial benefit to the infants or unborn children, but also their educational and social benefit. … Continue reading Re Weston’s Settlement Trusts: CA 1968
The antecedent criminal history of an offender is a factor which may be taken into account in determining the sentence to be imposed, but it cannot be given such weight as to lead to the imposition of a penalty which is disproportionate to the gravity of the instant offence. The offender must be regarded as … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Ottewell: HL 1968
The appellant said the different verdicts against him were inconsistent. Held: ‘The principle in every case is whether the inconsistency is such that it would not be safe to allow the verdict to stand. The fact that two verdicts are logically inconsistent does not however make the verdict complained of unsafe unless the only explanation … Continue reading Regina v Hunt: CACD 1968
The truster had left funds applying the income inter alia to the improvement and expansion of ‘the Universities of Scotland’. When the trust was created in 1901 only the four ancient universities existed. When Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt Universities came into existence they claimed to be entitled to participate in the benefit of the trust. Held: … Continue reading The Carnegie Trustees for the Universities of Scotland v The University of St Andrews: HL 1968
A rogue opened a new bank account under a false name with the help of an incorrect reference from a valued customer. Held: When an account is fraudulently opened with the bank in the name of another person by someone pretending to be that person, the person opening the account is the customer. The court … Continue reading Marfani and Co Ltd v Midland Bank Ltd: CA 1968
Europa 1. Policy of the EEC – common rules – tax provisions – internal taxation imposed by one member state on products from other member states – absence of similar domestic products or other products capable of being protected – permissibility (EEC treaty, article 95) 2. Quantitative restrictions and taxes – different nature – joint … Continue reading Firma Fink-Frucht GmbH v Hauptzollamt Munchen-Landsbergerstrasse: ECJ 4 Apr 1968
The alleged tenant (the rector of a parish) knew that rent should have been paid but had not paid it. ‘Only one of the previous rectors gave evidence. He was the Rev. Richard Phillips (dates) He knew the rectory cottages and said that the land behind the cottages was used by the occupants, including the … Continue reading Hayward v Chaloner: CA 1968
Courts to Settle upon a single meaning if disputed The ‘single meaning’ rule adopted in the law of defamation is in one sense highly artificial, given the range of meanings the impugned words sometimes bear. The law of defamation ‘has passed beyond redemption by the courts’. Where in a libel action there is a dispute … Continue reading Slim v Daily Telegraph Ltd: CA 1968
(Reported 1993) A doctor failed to treat with penicillin a patient, the plaintiff, in a maternity ward. She was suffering from septic spots on her skin though he knew them to contain organisms capable of leading to puerperal fever. Several distinguished doctors gave evidence that they would not, in the circumstances, have treated with penicillin. … Continue reading Hucks v Cole: CA 1968
Requirememts to prove breach of confidence A claim was made for breach of confidence in respect of technical information whose value was commercial. Held: Megarry J set out three elements which will normally be required if, apart from contract, a case of breach of confidence is to succeed. In this case the information was found … Continue reading Coco v A N Clark (Engineers) Ltd: ChD 1968
The defendant appealed against a ruling that the words in an article – ‘This organisation is the respectable face of the chiropractic profession and yet it happily promotes bogus treatments’ – were statements of fact, and were not comment. Held: The appeal succeeded. The statement was of one of his opinion, not an assertion of … Continue reading British Chiropractic Association v Dr Simon Singh: CA 1 Apr 2010
R Ltd were in serious financial difficulties. The company’s overdraft with the appellant bank was almost twice its permitted limit. The company sought a loan of 1 million pounds from a financier, who was willing to lend the company that sum provided the company found the money necessary to pay the ordinary share dividend, a … Continue reading Barclays Bank Ltd v Quistclose Investments Ltd; etc: HL 31 Oct 1968
The appellant had been convicted of an offence contrary to section 1 of the 1964 Act, of having been found in possession of drugs. Held: (Reid dissenting) The prosecution had only to prove that the accused knew of the existence of the thing and that it was in general not a defence for him to … Continue reading Warner v Metropolitan Police Commissioner: HL 1968
A mother had persuaded her daughter to come to England to study for the Bar, promising to allow her to stay in her house Several years later, the daughter had still not passed any Bar examinations. They fell out, and the mother sought possession of the house. The daughter said that there had been a … Continue reading Jones v Padavatton: CA 29 Nov 1968
There are no degrees of nullity The plaintiffs had owned mining property in Egypt. Their interests were damaged and or sequestrated and they sought compensation from the Respondent Commission. The plaintiffs brought an action for the declaration rejecting their claims was a nullity. The Commission replied that the courts were precluded from considering the question … Continue reading Anisminic Ltd v Foreign Compensation Commission: HL 17 Dec 1968
Exercise of Ministerial Discretion The Minister had power to direct an investigation in respect of any complaint as to the operation of any marketing scheme for agricultural produce. Milk producers complained about the price paid by the milk marketing board for their milk when compared with prices paid to producers in other regions. The Minister … Continue reading Padfield v Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food: HL 14 Feb 1968
Crown Privilege for Documents held by the Polie The plaintiff probationary police constable had been investigated, prosecuted and cleared of an allegation of theft. He now claimed damages for malicious prosecution, and in the course of the action, sought disclosure of five documents, but these were withheld on the ground of Crown privilege. The House … Continue reading Conway v Rimmer: HL 28 Feb 1968
The Registrar of a County Court was convicted of offences of misconduct in public office. The indictment charged ‘misbehaviour in a public office, contrary to common law’ and alleged that court orders had been made ‘with the intention of gaining . .
(Bristol Assizes) The tenant was the tenant of a scrap yard. He had paid his rent promptly, until he was sent to prison. Thereafter he failed to pay the rent; and had no access to legal advice. The landlord peaceably re-entered for non-payment of . .
An aircraft manufacturer was obliged under contract to buy back an aircraft from a hire purchase company on three conditions. (1) when the hire purchase company foreclosed on the purchasers, (2) where the manufacturer had been given notice of the . .
The expressions ‘constructive trust’ and ‘constructive trustee’ are ‘nothing more than a formula for equitable relief. It is the actual control of assets belonging beneficially to a company which causes the law to treat directors as analogous to . .
References: (1968) 52 Cr App R 700, [1969] 1 QB 439, [1968] 3 All ER 442, [1968] EWHC 1 (QB) Links: Bailii Coram: The LCJ, James J, Bridge J (dissenting) Ratio: The defendant was told by a police officer to park up his car. He did so, but stopped with his wheel, trapping the officer’s … Continue reading Fagan v Metropolitan Commissioner; 31 Jul 1968
References: [1968] RVR 490, [1968] EWCA Civ 5, [1968] 3 All ER 304, [1968] 3 WLR 694, (1968) 19 P & CR 856, [1969] 1 QB 577 Links: Bailii Coram: Lord Denning MR, Danckwerts LJ, Edmund Davies LJ Tenants of apartments asked the Rent Officer to fix the fair rents. On appeal, the rents were … Continue reading Metropolitan Properties Company (FGC) Limited v Lannon; 11 Jul 1968
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The defendant was a Rent Act tenant. She was the last remaining tenant in a block of twenty flats which the landlord wished to redevelop. She said that the alternative accommodation offered was unsuitable. She had not co-operated with the claimant is assessing her medical condition. She now said that the order debarring her from … Continue reading PB Investments Ltd v McInnes: CA 19 Jun 2007
The plaintiff owner of a property had commenced proceedings to recover the property from the defendant tenants. The plaintiff then applied to have a particular provision of the 1968 Act interpreted as a preliminary issue of law under O 33 r 2. Held: The House considered the risks of split trials. Lord Scarman said: ‘preliminary … Continue reading Tilling v Whiteman: HL 8 Mar 1979
The rental values of a block of flats were increased because of the presence nearby of an American school; the case turned on the equivalent provisions in the Rent Act 1968 to section 70(1) in the 1977 Act. Held: One must have regard to the sort of factors which tend to push rents up or … Continue reading Metropolitan Properties v Finegold: CA 1975
A tenant of a flat which he used principally at weekends and for short holidays. The tenant had another permanent residence. Held: Parliament in passing the Rent Act 1968 never intended to protect people in occupation of what were in effect holiday houses. Judges: Ormrod LJ Citations: (1974) 29 P and CR 288 Statutes: Rent … Continue reading Walker v Ogilvy: CA 1974
One of two joint tenants under a tenancy protected under the Act, had left the property to get married and did not intend to return. The remaining tenant stayed until the end of the tenancy. The landlord claimed possession, arguing that the remaining tenant was not a statutory tenant protected by the statute because she … Continue reading Lloyd v Sadler: CA 1978
Regulations made to ease the effect of changes on the calculation of registered rents were ultra vires and void. The Act under which they were made was intended to control inflation. The purpose of these Regulations was to ease the effect on protected tenants of decisions which would lead to rent increases. Citations: Times 15-Feb-2000 … Continue reading Regina, Ex Parte Spath Holme Ltd v Secretary of State for the Environment Transport and The Regions, Secretary of State For Wales: CA 20 Jan 2000
The landlord claimed possession of a dwelling house let on a weekly tenancy, saying the tenant had been convicted of using the premises for an unlawful purpose. The tenant had been convicted of handling stolen goods by receiving them at the premises. He submitted that the section should be interpreted as applying only to convictions … Continue reading Schneiders and Sons Ltd v Abrahams: 1925
The court looked to the meaning of ‘a resident landlord’ in the section. The question was whether the landlord in that case was on the 14th August 1974 occupying as her residence another dwelling house which formed part of the same premises in which the dwelling to which the tenant had been granted a furnished … Continue reading Jackson v Pekic and O’Brien: CA 1990
The landlord had let two houses to the same tenant. Each had been converted into flats. The tenant lived in neither house but argued from the 1889 Act, that the singular includes the plural, and that he was a protected tenant within the meaning of section 1(1) of the 1968 Act. Held: The court dismissed … Continue reading Horford Investments Ltd v Lambert: CA 1976
Where a number of persons are entrusted with powers not of mere private confidence, but in some respect of a general nature, and all of them are regularly assembled, the majority will conclude the minority, and their act will be the act of the whole. Judges: Eyre CJ Citations: (1798) 1 Bos and Pul 875, … Continue reading Grindley v Barker: 1798
The tenant had allowed his premises to be used for the supply of Class B drugs over many months. Possession was sought under the provision of the Rent Act 1968. Held: His appeal against a possession order succeeded.Widgery LJ said: ‘Applying Scrutton LJ’s test, the position in regard to the finding of dangerous drugs on … Continue reading Abrahams v Wilson: CA 1971
The court was asked whether the 1977 Act required a local authorty to obtain a court order before taking possession of interim accommodation it provided to an apparently homeless person while it investigated whether it owed him or her a duty under Part VII of the 1996 Act, and (ii) whether a public authority, which … Continue reading ZH and CN, Regina (on The Applications of) v London Boroughs of Newham and Lewisham: SC 12 Nov 2014
A widow aged 75 had developed a platonic relationship with a young man aged 24. He lived in her flat for nearly 20 years until she died. They treated themselves as aunt and nephew. The trial judge held that through their relationship this elderly . .
The House was asked whether a jury in criminal trials containing variously a Crown Prosecution Service solicitor, or a police officer would have the appearance of bias. In Abdroikof, the presence of the police officer on the jury was discovered only late, but there was no conflict over police evidence. In Green the victim was … Continue reading Regina v Abdroikof, Regina v Green; Regina v Williamson: HL 17 Oct 2007
The defendants appealed their sentences after findings of guilt for blackmail, arising from their activities as wheel clampers. The judge said that blackmail is an ugly, serious offence. Both of the appellants knew full well what they were doing. He described how they dealt with motorists in an arrogant, bullying and abhorrent manner. Held: The … Continue reading Havell, Regina v: CACD 10 Mar 2006
(Court of Appeal of Alberta) The court set out a number of propositions as to the intention required for inducing a breach of contract. These included inferred intention and recklessness. The Court of Appeal held as follows: ‘In order to find liability [for inference with contractual relations], a plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant had … Continue reading 369413 Alberta Ltd v Pocklington: 21 Nov 2000
The defendant advertised in a motor trade journal, to sell a vehicle, which was ‘in first class condition throughout.’ In the same advertisement was the reference to it being of ’12 yard’ capacity.’ The Act applied differently according to whether a vehicle had been supplied when the contract was made or only upon subsequent delivery. … Continue reading Rees v Munday: QBD 1974
The company had been given permission to cancel a share premium account. Changes in circumstances brought the matter back for reconsideration. Judges: The Lord Chief Justice Of England, Lord Justice Otton And Lord Justice Robert Walker Citations: [1999] EWCA Civ 1732, [1999] 2 BCLC 591, [2000] BCC 455, [1999] EWCA Civ 1732, [2000] BCC 455, … Continue reading Winpar Holdings Ltd v Ransomes Plc: CA 1 Jul 1999
Bank not liable for fraud of customer The appellant sought to make the bank liable for a fraud committed by the Bank’s customer, the appellant saying that the Bank knew or ought to have known of the fraud. The court was asked whether a party liable only as a dishonest assistant was a trustee, and … Continue reading Williams v Central Bank of Nigeria: SC 19 Feb 2014
There was an agreement between a group of colliery owners and a group of shipowners which was ancillary to an agreement between the colliery owners themselves. Each agreement was in restraint of trade. Held: Lord Parker explained the doctrine of restraint of trade: ‘Monopolies and contracts in restraint of trade have this in common, that … Continue reading Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Australia v Adelaide Steamship Company: PC 1913
The defendants had published remarks on its website about the reliability of the claimant. When sued in defamation, they pleaded fair comment, but that was rejected by the Court of Appeal. Held: The defendants’ appeal succeeded, and the fair comment defence was re-instated. The phrase ‘honest comment’ should now be used to reflect the nature … Continue reading Spiller and Another v Joseph and Others: SC 1 Dec 2010
The defendant sought to defend the claim for defamation by claiming fair comment. The claimant said that the relevant facts were not known to the defendant at the time of the publication. Held: To claim facts in aid of a defence of fair comment, it would make no sense if those facts were not known … Continue reading Lowe v Associated Newspapers Ltd: QBD 28 Feb 2006
Fair Coment on Political Activities The defendant newspaper had published articles wrongly accusing the claimant, the former Prime Minister of Ireland of duplicity. The paper now appealed, saying that it should have had available to it a defence of qualified privilege because of the claimant’s status as a politician. Held: The appeal failed (Lords Hope … Continue reading Reynolds v Times Newspapers Ltd and others: HL 28 Oct 1999
After a judge’s ruling as to strict liability for the possession of a prohibited weapon, the defendants pleaded guilty. They now appealed against conviction. The judge had sentenced them on the basis that liability for possession was strict. Held: Parliament had intended to impose a draconian prohibition on the possession of firearms for the obvious … Continue reading Deyemi and Another, Regina v: CACD 13 Aug 2007
The vendors agreed to sell a house which they had insured against fire risk. The house was damaged by fire after contract but before completion, and the issue was whether the purchaser was entitled to the benefit of the insurance. Held: (Majority) The purchaser, who had completed his contract, was not entitled as against the … Continue reading Rayner v Preston: CA 8 Apr 1881
As regards the trusteeship which arises for a vendor of land after exchange of contracts: ‘there cannot be any doubt of the relation subsisting in the eye of a Court of Equity between the vendor and the purchaser. The vendor was a trustee of the property for the purchaser; the purchaser was the real beneficial … Continue reading Shaw v Foster: HL 14 Mar 1872
If a salesman in a shop makes representations to say that he could supply goods identical to a sort described, the description becomes attached to the goods delivered for the purposes of the Act, and if it is false, it is a false description. The first information alleged that the Appellants applied a false description … Continue reading Cavendish Woodhouse Ltd v Wright: 8 Mar 1985
The claimant gambler sought payment of his winnings. The casino said that he had operated a system called edge-sorting to achieve the winnings, and that this was a form of cheating so as to excuse their payment. The system exploited tiny variances in the appearance of the sides of playing cards, and the manipulation of … Continue reading Ivey v Genting Casinos (UK) Ltd (T/A Crockfords): SC 25 Oct 2017
The trial judge had omitted to give a rape jury any direction on the standard of proof. Held: The court regarded that as a serious defect, not cured by references in the speeches of counsel, but applied the proviso to the section so as to allow the conviction to stand. Citations: (1983) 77 Cr App … Continue reading Regina v Edwards: 1983
Appeals were brought complaining as to the apparent reversal of the burden of proof in road traffic cases and in cases under the Terrorism Acts. Was a legal or an evidential burden placed on a defendant? Held: Lord Bingham of Cornhill said: ‘The overriding concern is that a trial should be fair, and the presumption … Continue reading Sheldrake v Director of Public Prosecutions; Attorney General’s Reference No 4 of 2002: HL 14 Oct 2004
Where an action had been begun on basis of allegations of negligence and breach of trust, new allegations of fraud where quite separate new causes of claim, and went beyond amendments and were disallowed outside the relevant limitation period. Sections 23 and 36 and the absence of express statutory mention in the 1980 Act of … Continue reading Paragon Finance Plc (Formerly Known As National Home Loans Corporation Plc v D B Thakerar and Co (a Firm); Ranga and Co (a Firm) and Sterling Financial Services Limited: CA 21 Jul 1998
The convictions had been referred back to the Court of Appeal in relation to various grounds, but the s.34 direction was a further ground relied on by the appellants. The Court recognised that the direction was inadequate by reference to the standards in 2006. The direction did not contain the key direction suggested to be … Continue reading Steele, Whomes and Corry , Regina v: CACD 22 Feb 2006
The court was asked whether a constructive trust claim based on dishonest assistance is a matter ‘relating to tort, delict or quasi delict’ for the purpose of Article 5(3) of the Brussels Convention? Held: A constructive trust claim based upon dishonest assistance is within the scope of Article 5(3). The loss took place where the … Continue reading Casio Computer Co Ltd v Sayo and others: CA 11 Apr 2001
The defendant brought a case stated in its defence of allegations under the 1968 Act arising from the sale of a Fiat Punto. It was said to have advertised ‘Drive away a new Fiat Punto for a certain price. The car offered was pre-registered. The only effect was the loss of two month’s warranty. Held: … Continue reading Decidebloom Ltd (T/A Stoneacre Motor Group) v Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council: Admn 10 Dec 2008
The plaintiffs claimed large-scale copyright infringement, and obtained Anton Pillar orders. The House considered the existence of the privilege against self-incrimination where the Anton Piller type of order has been made. The Court of Appeal had decided that the court should abstain from making an order ex parte requiring immediate answers to interrogatories or disclosure … Continue reading Rank Film Distributors v Video Information Centre: HL 1 Mar 1981
The defendant had appealed his conviction for murder to the Court of Appeal. The 1968 Act required the court to consider whether the conviction was unsafe. New evidence was before the Court of Appeal, but they had rejected the appeal. Held: The Court of Appeal should reach its own view based on the unadorned words … Continue reading Regina v Pendleton: HL 13 Dec 2001
Taxation – whether gaming or betting and the different VAT Treatment of newer gaming machines. Citations: [2012] UKUT 347 (TCC), [2013] STC 420 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: At VDT (1) – The Rank Group Plc v Revenue and Customs VDT 27-May-2008 VDT EXEMPT SUPPLIES – Gaming – Mechanised cash bingo under Gaming … Continue reading HMRC v The Rank Group Plc: UTTC 4 Oct 2012
The bank appealed summary judgement against it for conversion of cheques. The cheques had been obtained by a fraud. Held: The court considered the question of neglience under section 4: ‘The section 4 qualified duty does not require an assumption of negligence, just because a bank bears the burden of showing that it took reasonable … Continue reading Architects of Wine Ltd v Barclays Bank Plc: CA 20 Mar 2007
The council as highway authority had objected to a development on the grounds of road safety. The application was subsequently approved by the Secretary of State, but the Council sought to maintain its safety objection. Held: The highway authority must co-operate in implementing a planning permission after a successful appeal against its advice that it … Continue reading Regina v Warwickshire County Council ex parte Powergen Plc: CA 31 Jul 1997
The plaintiffs appealed an order that they should disclose who if any had funded their case. The case concerned failed business ventures in Portugal. Citations: [1997] EWCA Civ 2179 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appeal from – Abraham and Another v Thompson and Others ChD 12-May-1997 The court may issue a stay of proceedings pending … Continue reading Abraham and Another v Thompson and Another: CA 24 Jul 1997
There was a tenancy for mixed residential and business purposes and, with the landlord’s permission, the tenant sublet one of the residential flats within the premises to the defendant, who enjoyed protection under the Act of 1977. Held: Sub-tenants in residential occupation of what were mixed residential and commercial tenancies, do have protection and security … Continue reading Wellcome Trust Ltd v Hamad; Ebied and Another v Hopkins and Another; Church Commissioners for England v Baines: CA 30 Jul 1997
The respective parties had been preparing competing bids for the National Lottery. One (Branson) alleged that the other had offerered a bribe. The other responded that the allegation was a lie, and each sued the other for defamation. Held: The Lucas-Box defence could not be struck out. Litigious advantage resulting to one or other party … Continue reading Branson v Snowden; Branson v Gtech UK Corporation (a Body Corporate) and Rendine: CA 3 Jul 1997
The offence committed by an estate agent of erecting ‘House Sold’ signs outside house in which it had had no instructions, was the offence of giving a false indication that services were supplied. The offence was commercial, and the penalty should be judged accordingly. The offence was unsightly, was for commercial gain, and to the … Continue reading Regina v Docklands Estates Ltd: CACD 22 Sep 2000
The applicants sought to strike out a claim under section 459. The two companies sold toiletries, the one as retail agent for the other. They disputed the relationship of the companies, and the use of a trading name. Documents were disclosed which appeared to be fabrications. Held: Where a party was in breach of court … Continue reading Arrow Nominees Inc, Blackledge v Blackledge: ChD 2 Nov 1999
The family sought approval of a proposed variation of the will to make best advantage of tax allowances. Because the beneficial interests of children would be affected, the court’s approval was necessary. The judge had refused to approve the variation, saying that it would be contrary to the intention of the testator, and that he … Continue reading Goulding and Goulding v James and Daniel: CA 10 Dec 1996
The court had allowed an appeal against sentence; but later the same day the defendant was brought back because the court thought that he had not been frank in answering questions about another offence. Held: The court set aside its original judgment and directed a rehearing, at which it was held that there was indeed … Continue reading Regina v Cross (Patrick): CACD 1973
Four defendants appealed against convictions for child sex abuse. The convictions had taken place at a time when current guidance to examining physicians did not apply. In each case the defendants consented to new evidence from the prosecution. Held: According to the circumstances, three appeals were allowed but one was not. Judges: Rafferty DBE LJ, … Continue reading S and Others v Regina: CACD 28 Jun 2012
Three local authorities disputed whether a contract had been made between them, and if so its terms, as to the financial support of a leisure centre. Held: Later legislation need not frustrate agreement between the parties.Hirts LJ said: ‘the agreement was in my judgment frustrated by supervening illegality . . the parties having covenanted to … Continue reading Islwyn Borough Council and Another v Newport Borough Council: CA 28 Jun 1993
The appellant and his wife appliied for loans to buy residential properties to be let to obtain a rental income covering most of the mortgage payments. The properties were later sold to take advantages of increases in value. A sum of andpound;1.5 million was made by the two defendants. The building societies would not make … Continue reading Regina v O’Connell: CACD 1992
The defendant had been wrongly convicted of IRA bombings. She said that the prosecution had failed to disclose evidence. Held: The prosecution’s forensic scientists are under a common law duty to disclose to the defence anything they may discover which may assist the defendant. ‘Non-disclosure is a potent source of injustice and even with the … Continue reading Regina v Ward (Judith): CACD 15 Jul 1992
When money had been received on a trust to send to a stakeholder but was misappropriated, the money still belonged to the payer, and a prosecution for theft was correct. This was different from cases where money was spent for the purposes stated. Citations: Times 19-Nov-1998 Statutes: Theft Act 1968 5(3) Jurisdiction: England and Wales … Continue reading Regina v Klineberg; Regina v Marsden: CACD 19 Nov 1998
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
The tenant claimed Rent Act protection for his tenancy. He had been rehoused and began his tenancy in 1970 with the ground floor used as a shop, and the first floor as living accomodation. He later abandoned the business use. He appealed a finding that he did not have protection under the 1977 Act. Held: … Continue reading Tan and Another v Sitkowski: CA 1 Feb 2007
The claimant in Germany sought to enforce a contract by claiming the price of a delivered machine; the claimant in Italy asked for a declaration that no contract had been entered into or, if it had, that it had been discharged by repudiatory conduct on the part of the seller. Held: These claims involved the … Continue reading Gubisch Maschinenfabrik KG v Giulio Palumbo: ECJ 8 Dec 1987
The defendants appealed against their convictions for falsifying a document used for an accounting purpose, namely a mortgage application form. They denied it was a document used for that purpose. The form was false in denying an existing mortgage in favour of a different lender. Officers of the lender gave evidence that the document never … Continue reading Regina v Sampson and Sampson: CACD 3 Apr 1998
The appellant had been acquitted of rape, but convicted of indecent assault. Held: ‘It did not follow that because the jury must have disbelieved a witness or rejected his or her evidence with the result that it acquitted on one count, it was necessarily acting irrationally to rely on the evidence of the same witness … Continue reading Regina v Van Der Molen: CACD 20 Feb 1997
The defendant appealed against his conviction for murder. At trial he had pleaded provocation, but not that he suffered abnormality of mind. Subsequent evidence of his state of mind led to this referral. The court now received fresh evidence to support a defence of diminished responsibility where the issue had not been raised at trial. … Continue reading Regina v Campbell: CACD 25 Oct 1996
The court discussed when it was appropriate for the Court of Appeal to substitute other lesser convictions, after the main conviction had been declared unsafe. Held: After studying the authorities at length, the court felt that the various convictions should be quashed, but that in some cases there was a possibility of substituting verdicts of … Continue reading Regina v Graham, Kansal, etc: CACD 25 Oct 1996
