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Lamport and Holt Lines v Coubro and Scrutton (M and I) Ltd, (The Raphael): 1982

Judges: May LJ Citations: [1982] 2 Lloyd’s Rep. 42 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Explained – Canada Steamship Lines Ltd v The King PC 21-Jan-1952 A lease of a freight shed exonerated the lessor from ‘any claim . . for . . damage . . to . . Goods . . being . . in … Continue reading Lamport and Holt Lines v Coubro and Scrutton (M and I) Ltd, (The Raphael): 1982

Regina v Heron; Regina v Storey; Regina v Thomas: HL 25 Mar 1982

The defendants appealed against their convictions for conspiracy to counterfeit gold coins. They said no evidence had been brought to suggest their intention to commit any dishonest act. The House was asked whether the offence was one of specific or basic intent. Held: The appeal was dismissed. The offence was one of basic intent.A provision … Continue reading Regina v Heron; Regina v Storey; Regina v Thomas: HL 25 Mar 1982

Manuel and Others v Attorney-General; Noltcho and Others v Attorney-General: ChD 7 May 1982

The plaintiffs were Indian Chiefs from Canada. They complained that the 1982 Act which granted independence to Canada, had been passed without their consent, which they said was required. They feared the loss of rights embedded by historical treaties. The Attorney General sought the strike out of the claims. Held: The application for a strike … Continue reading Manuel and Others v Attorney-General; Noltcho and Others v Attorney-General: ChD 7 May 1982

Regina v The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, ex parte Indian Association of Alberta: CA 1982

The court considered an application leave to request a judicial review seeking a declaration that treaty obligations entered into by the Crown to the Indian peoples of Canada were still owed by Her Majesty in right of Her government in the UK. Held: The claim failed. The Crown was not single and indivisible but separate … Continue reading Regina v The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, ex parte Indian Association of Alberta: CA 1982

Regina v Foreign Secretary ex parte Indian Association of Alberta: CA 1982

The court traced the transformation of the doctrine of the indivisibility of the crown to the modern docrtrine of divisibility. May LJ: ‘Although at one time it was correct to describe the Crown as one and indivisible, with the development of the Commonwealth this is no longer so. Although there is only one person who … Continue reading Regina v Foreign Secretary ex parte Indian Association of Alberta: CA 1982

Hydro Electric Commission of Nepean v Ontario Hydro: 1982

(Supreme Court of Canada) There is a head of public policy which recognises the need to preserve the validity of compromises freely entered into with advice. The court advocated the application of equitable principles for both mistake of fact and mistake of law: ‘It would be best to abolish the mistake of law rule, place … Continue reading Hydro Electric Commission of Nepean v Ontario Hydro: 1982

George Mitchell (Chesterhall) Ltd v Finney Lock Seeds Ltd: CA 29 Sep 1982

The buyer bought 30lbs of cabbage seed, but the seed was not correct, and the crop was worthless. The seed cost pounds 192, but the farmer lost pounds 61,000. The seed supplier appealed the award of the larger amount and interest, saying that their contract limited their liability to the cost of the seed. Held: … Continue reading George Mitchell (Chesterhall) Ltd v Finney Lock Seeds Ltd: CA 29 Sep 1982

Manuel and Others v HM Attorney General: CA 30 Jul 1982

The plaintiffs as representatives of the Indian Tribes of Canada sought declarations that the 1982 Act which provided for the independence of Canada was invalid. They appealed the strike out of their claims, saying that they had not been consulted as required, and that the Act would prejudice their interests. It was said that a … Continue reading Manuel and Others v HM Attorney General: CA 30 Jul 1982

Canada Trust Co and Others v Stolzenberg and Others (No 2): HL 12 Oct 2000

The plaintiffs alleged the involvement of the defendant in a conspiracy to defraud. He had been domiciled in England, but had moved to Germany. He denied that the UK court had jurisdiction. The court of appeal said that jurisdiction was determined at the issue of the writ. The defendant appealed. Held: Where one defendant was … Continue reading Canada Trust Co and Others v Stolzenberg and Others (No 2): HL 12 Oct 2000

Canada Trust Company and others v Stolzenberg and others (2): CA 29 Oct 1997

The court looked at questions relating to domicile and jurisdiction; standard of proof, date to be determined and duties before service. Held: The court is endeavouring to find an imprecise concept which reflects that the plaintiff must properly satisfy the court that it is right to take jurisdiction. That may involve considering matters which go … Continue reading Canada Trust Company and others v Stolzenberg and others (2): CA 29 Oct 1997

369413 Alberta Ltd v Pocklington: 21 Nov 2000

(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

Ailsa Craig Fishing Co Ltd v Malvern Fishing Co Ltd: HL 26 Nov 1981

Even though a shipowner who had carried cargo on deck was not entitled to rely on the exceptions to liability in his contract, a limitation clause was different and should not be construed by reference to the specially exacting standards applicable to exclusion and indemnity clauses. The words of exclusion must be clear and unambiguous, … Continue reading Ailsa Craig Fishing Co Ltd v Malvern Fishing Co Ltd: HL 26 Nov 1981

Adidas-Salomon Ag v Drape and others: ChD 7 Jun 2006

The claimants had sponsored tennis players to wear their logo. The respondents organised tennis tournaments whose intended rules would prevent the display of the claimant’s logos. The claimants said that the restriction interfered with their rights to trade within Europe. Held: The rules were potentially a breach of the claimants rights to trade, and an … Continue reading Adidas-Salomon Ag v Drape and others: ChD 7 Jun 2006

Quark Fishing Ltd, Regina (on the Application Of) v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs: Admn 22 Jul 2003

The respondent had failed to renew the claimant’s license to fish in the South Atlantic for Patagonian Toothfish. The refusal had been found to be unlawful. The claimant now sought damages. Held: English law does not generally provide a remedy in damages for a breach of a public law right. There must exist a private … Continue reading Quark Fishing Ltd, Regina (on the Application Of) v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs: Admn 22 Jul 2003

Michael Wilson and Partners Ltd v Sinclair and Others: ComC 21 Sep 2012

The claimant company alleged that the defendants had variously received assests (shares and cash) acquired by a former partner in the claimant company and held on his behalf, in breach of his obligations to the caimant partnership. The defendants said that the claims had in effect already been decided against the claimants in an arbitration. … Continue reading Michael Wilson and Partners Ltd v Sinclair and Others: ComC 21 Sep 2012

JSC BTA Bank v Khrapunov: SC 21 Mar 2018

A had been chairman of the claimant bank. After removal, A fled to the UK, obtaining asylum. The bank then claimed embezzlement, and was sentenced for contempt after failing to disclose assets when ordered, but fled the UK. The Appellant, K, was A’s son-in-law living in Switzerland. It was claimed that he had assisted A … Continue reading JSC BTA Bank v Khrapunov: SC 21 Mar 2018

High Tech International Ag and others v Deripaska: QBD 20 Dec 2006

The clamants brought actions for damages for torts said to have been committed by the defendants in Russia. They said that the defendant was domiciled within the jurisdiction under the EU Regulation. Held: Domicile for the issue of jurisdiction is now governed by the 1982 Act. It would not be realistic to describe the defendant … Continue reading High Tech International Ag and others v Deripaska: QBD 20 Dec 2006

Hodgens v Beckingham: CA 19 Feb 2003

The defendant appealed a finding of infringement in a music copyright work, ‘Young at Heart’, based on a claim of joint authorship. The claimant had delayed his claim for many years, but now sought only rights to future royalties. Held: The defendant’s allegation of an estoppel against the claimant failed. The test for a joint … Continue reading Hodgens v Beckingham: CA 19 Feb 2003

Ambrose v Harris, Procurator Fiscal, Oban, etc: SC 6 Oct 2011

(Scotland) The appellant had variously been convicted in reliance on evidence gathered at different stages before arrest, but in each case without being informed of any right to see a solicitor. The court was asked, as a devolution issue, at what point the duty to allow access to a solicitor arose, and what use might … Continue reading Ambrose v Harris, Procurator Fiscal, Oban, etc: SC 6 Oct 2011

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Rutherford and others: HL 3 May 2006

The claimant sought to establish that as a male employee, he had suffered sex discrimination in that he lost rights to redundancy pay after the age of retirement where a woman might not. Held: The appeal was dismised. There were very few people affected by the provisions, and provisions were on their face non-dicriminatory. Was … Continue reading Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Rutherford and others: HL 3 May 2006

Ellen Street Estates Limited v Minister for Health: CA 1934

S.2 of the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act 1919 provided for the assessment of compensation in respect of land acquired compulsorily for public purposes according to certain rules. Then by s.7(1): ‘The provisions of the Act or order by which the land is authorised to be acquired, or of any Act incorporated therewith, … Continue reading Ellen Street Estates Limited v Minister for Health: CA 1934

Re Brickman’s Settlement: 1981

Caution on the naming of large numbers of parties in pleadings. Citations: [1982] 1 All ER 336, [1981] 1 WLR 1560 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Manuel and Others v Attorney-General; Noltcho and Others v Attorney-General ChD 7-May-1982 The plaintiffs were Indian Chiefs from Canada. They complained that the 1982 Act which … Continue reading Re Brickman’s Settlement: 1981

Quayle and others v Regina, Attorney General’s Reference (No. 2 of 2004): CACD 27 May 2005

Each defendant appealed against convictions associated variously with the cultivation or possession of cannabis resin. They sought to plead medical necessity. There had been medical recommendations to move cannabis to the list of drugs which might be prescribed by a doctor, but this had been rejected. Held: The appeals failed. There was no over-arching principle … Continue reading Quayle and others v Regina, Attorney General’s Reference (No. 2 of 2004): CACD 27 May 2005

Din (Taj) v Wandsworth London Borough Council: HL 26 Nov 1981

The appellants had applied for emergency housing as homeless persons, anticipating loss of their secure accomodation after falling into arrears. The Council reject their application, but a County Court quashed that decision. The Court of Appeal re-instated it, and the applicants now appealed again. The applicants had first sought advice from the council and had … Continue reading Din (Taj) v Wandsworth London Borough Council: HL 26 Nov 1981

Regina v The Secretary of State for The Home Department, ex parte Bhurosah: CA 1968

In Mauritius the Queen is the Queen of Mauritius and the issuing of passports by the Government of Mauritius, although a matter of foreign affairs and therefore under the control of the UK Government, was an act carried out in the name of the Queen in the right of Mauritius, and not the Queen in … Continue reading Regina v The Secretary of State for The Home Department, ex parte Bhurosah: CA 1968

Regina v Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Another, ex parte Bancoult: Admn 3 Nov 2000

The applicant sought judicial review of an ordinance made by the commissioner for the British Indian Ocean Territory. An issue was raised whether the High Court in London had jurisdiction to entertain the proceedings and grant relief. Held: The court had jurisdiction. An Order in Council banishing British citizens from their home island was unlawful. … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Another, ex parte Bancoult: Admn 3 Nov 2000

Stent Foundations Ltd v M J Gleeson Group Plc: TCC 9 Aug 2000

The defendant company sought to rely upon an exemption clause. Held: Applying standard rules for contract interpretation, the exemption clause was to be construed against the one proposing it. At best the clause was ambiguous, and the defendants claim for exemption failed. The clause did not satisfy the first two tests set down in the … Continue reading Stent Foundations Ltd v M J Gleeson Group Plc: TCC 9 Aug 2000

Bowman v Fels (Bar Council and Others intervening): CA 8 Mar 2005

The parties had lived together in a house owned in the defendant’s name and in which she claimed an interest. The claimant’s solicitors notified NCIS that they thought the defendant had acted illegally in setting off against his VAT liability the VAT on works carried out on his own property. Because of the delay which … Continue reading Bowman v Fels (Bar Council and Others intervening): CA 8 Mar 2005

Regina v Carroll and Al-Hasan and Secretary of State for Home Department: Admn 16 Feb 2001

The claimants challenged the instruction that they must squat whilst undergoing a strip search in prison. A dog search had given cause to supect the presence of explosives in the wing, and the officers understood that such explosives might be hidden anally. Held: The common thread in all the cases has been the search to … Continue reading Regina v Carroll and Al-Hasan and Secretary of State for Home Department: Admn 16 Feb 2001

Silven Properties Limited, Chart Enterprises Incorporated v Royal Bank of Scotland Plc, Vooght, Harris: CA 21 Oct 2003

The claimants sought damages from mortgagees who had sold their charged properties as receivers. They said they had failed to sell at a proper value. They asked whether the express appointment in the mortgage of receivers as agents of the mortgagor leads to the assumption by receivers who accept such appointment of responsibilities and duties … Continue reading Silven Properties Limited, Chart Enterprises Incorporated v Royal Bank of Scotland Plc, Vooght, Harris: CA 21 Oct 2003

Attorney-General v Great Southern and Western Rly Co of Ireland: HL 1925

The House considered the effect on the Irish Free State of a liability undertaken by the United Kingdom Government before the formation of the Irish Free State. Held: No suit can be maintained against the Crown in right of Great Britain or of a dominion or colony in respect of a liability unless it is … Continue reading Attorney-General v Great Southern and Western Rly Co of Ireland: HL 1925

Valente v The Queen: 19 Dec 1985

Canlii Supreme Court of Canada – Courts — Charter of Rights — Independent tribunal — Provincial Court judge declined jurisdiction on ground Provincial Court (Criminal Division) not an independent tribunal — Whether or not judge of Provincial Court (Criminal Division) an independent tribunal. Constitutional law — Charter of Rights — Courts — Independent tribunal — … Continue reading Valente v The Queen: 19 Dec 1985

Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority v. Canadian Federation of Students – British Columbia Component: 10 Jul 2009

Canlii Supreme Court of Canada – Constitutional law – Charter of Rights – Application of Charter – Transit authorities’ advertising policies permitting commercial but not political advertising on public transit vehicles – Actions brought alleging that transit authorities’ policies violated freedom of expression – Whether entities which operate public transit systems ‘government’ within meaning of … Continue reading Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority v. Canadian Federation of Students – British Columbia Component: 10 Jul 2009

Corner House Research, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry: CA 1 Mar 2005

The applicant sought to bring an action to challenge new rules on approval of export credit guarantees. The company was non-profit and founded to support investigation of bribery. It had applied for a protected costs order to support the application, and now appealed its refusal. Held: The court restated the practice on the making of … Continue reading Corner House Research, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry: CA 1 Mar 2005

HIH Casualty and General Insurance Limited and others v Chase Manhattan Bank and others: HL 20 Feb 2003

The insurance company had paid claims on policies used to underwrite the production of TV films. The re-insurers resisted the claims against them by the insurers on the grounds of non-disclosure by the insured, or in the alternative damages for misrepresentation. The policies were novel and sophisticated contracts and included clauses modifying the duties of … Continue reading HIH Casualty and General Insurance Limited and others v Chase Manhattan Bank and others: HL 20 Feb 2003

Shevill and Others v Presse Alliance SA: HL 26 Jul 1996

A libel case against a French paper was rightly brought in UK despite the small (250 copies nationally and 5 in the plaintiff’s local area (Yorkshire)) circulation here. The Brussels Convention allows a claim for defamation in UK though the main public was abroad. Lord Jauncey of Tullichettle said: ‘Where English law presumes the publication … Continue reading Shevill and Others v Presse Alliance SA: HL 26 Jul 1996

Turner v Grovit and others: HL 13 Dec 2001

The applicant was a solicitor employed by a company in Belgium. He later resigned claiming unfair dismissal, saying he had been pressed to become involved in unlawful activities. The defendants sought to challenge the jurisdiction of the English Tribunal system. The defendants had begun procedures in Spain for conciliation. The claimant had obtained an injunction … Continue reading Turner v Grovit and others: HL 13 Dec 2001

Alan Estates Ltd v WG Stores Ltd and Another: CA 1 Jul 1981

The proposed tenant wanted to get into possession, and was given a key and paid a quarter’s rent to the lessor’s solicitors to be held as stakeholders, before the lease had been formally granted. An undated lease and counterpart were executed and exchanged, but said to be sent in escrow until certain conditions were fulfilled. … Continue reading Alan Estates Ltd v WG Stores Ltd and Another: CA 1 Jul 1981

Lynn Shellfish Ltd and Others v Loose and Another: SC 13 Apr 2016

The court was asked as to the extent of an exclusive prescriptive right (ie an exclusive right obtained through a long period of use) to take cockles and mussels from a stretch of the foreshore on the east side of the Wash, on the west coast of Norfolk. Over time the various water marks had … Continue reading Lynn Shellfish Ltd and Others v Loose and Another: SC 13 Apr 2016

Mosley v News Group Newspapers Ltd: QBD 24 Jul 2008

The defendant published a film showing the claimant involved in sex acts with prostitutes. It characterised them as ‘Nazi’ style. He was the son of a fascist leader, and a chairman of an international sporting body. He denied any nazi element, and claimed in breach of confidence. Held: ‘The law [of confidence] now affords protection … Continue reading Mosley v News Group Newspapers Ltd: QBD 24 Jul 2008

Purdy, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions: HL 30 Jul 2009

Need for Certainty in Scope of Offence The appellant suffered a severe chronic illness and anticipated that she might want to go to Switzerland to commit suicide. She would need her husband to accompany her, and sought an order requiring the respondent to provide clear guidelines on the circumstances under which someone might be prosecuted … Continue reading Purdy, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions: HL 30 Jul 2009

Watkins v Home Office and others: HL 29 Mar 2006

The claimant complained of misfeasance in public office by the prisons for having opened and read protected correspondence whilst he was in prison. The respondent argued that he had suffered no loss. The judge had found that bad faith was established in three prison officers. In one case the officer opened the letter in front … Continue reading Watkins v Home Office and others: HL 29 Mar 2006

Tito v Waddell (No 2); Tito v Attorney General: ChD 1977

Equity applies its doctrines to the substance, not the form, of transactions. In respect of the rule against self dealing for trustees ‘But of course equity looks beneath the surface, and applies its doctrines to cases where, although in form a trustee has not sold to himself, in substance he has. Again one must regard … Continue reading Tito v Waddell (No 2); Tito v Attorney General: ChD 1977

Emerald Supplies Ltd and Another v British Airways Plc: ChD 8 Apr 2009

The claim was for damages after alleged price fixing by the defendants. The claimants sought to recover for themselves and as representatives of others who had similarly suffered. The defendants sought that the representative element of the claim be struck out, saying that the class purported to be represented had not been sufficently clearly established. … Continue reading Emerald Supplies Ltd and Another v British Airways Plc: ChD 8 Apr 2009

National Westminster Bank plc v Spectrum Plus Limited and others: HL 30 Jun 2005

Former HL decision in Siebe Gorman overruled The company had become insolvent. The bank had a debenture and claimed that its charge over the book debts had become a fixed charge. The preferential creditors said that the charge was a floating charge and that they took priority. Held: The appeal was allowed. The debenture, although … Continue reading National Westminster Bank plc v Spectrum Plus Limited and others: HL 30 Jun 2005

Global Process Systems Inc and Another v Berhad: SC 1 Feb 2011

An oil rig (The Cendor MOPU) was being transported from Texas to Malaysia. During the voyage, three of the four legs suffered damage. The insurers refused liability saying that the damage was the result of inherent weaknesses in the rig. Held: The insurer’s appeal succeeded. The proximate cause of the loss was not the inherent … Continue reading Global Process Systems Inc and Another v Berhad: SC 1 Feb 2011

The Bribery Commissioner v Ranasinghe: PC 5 May 1964

S.29 of the Ceylon (Constitution) Order in Council 1946 gave the Ceylon Parliament power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the island. S.29(4) gave it the power to ‘amend or repeal any of the provisions of this Order’; but provided that no Bill for amendment or repeal should be presented … Continue reading The Bribery Commissioner v Ranasinghe: PC 5 May 1964

Madzimbamuto v Lardner-Burke: PC 23 Jul 1968

(Southern Rhodesia) The Board considered a submission that legal effect should be given to a convention that the UK Parliament would not legislate without the consent of the government of Southern Rhodesia on matters within the competence of the Legislative Assembly. Held: It was a very important convention but it had no legal effect in … Continue reading Madzimbamuto v Lardner-Burke: PC 23 Jul 1968

Regina v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs ex parte Quark Fishing Limited: HL 13 Oct 2005

The applicant had previously received licences to fish for Patagonian Toothfish off South Georgia. The defendant had instructed the issuer of the licence in such a way that it was not renewed. It now had to establish that its article 1 rights had been infringed in order to claim damages. Held: The appeal succeeded, and … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs ex parte Quark Fishing Limited: HL 13 Oct 2005

Prest v Petrodel Resources Ltd and Others: SC 12 Jun 2013

In the course of ancillary relief proceedings in a divorce, questions arose regarding company assets owned by the husband. The court was asked as to the power of the court to order the transfer of assets owned entirely in the company’s names. The judge had made such an order, finding evidence that the companies had … Continue reading Prest v Petrodel Resources Ltd and Others: SC 12 Jun 2013

Purdy, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions and others: CA 19 Feb 2009

The claimant suffered a debilitating terminal disease. She anticipated going to commit suicide at a clinic in Switzerland, and wanted first a clear policy so that her husband who might accompany her would know whether he might be prosecuted under the 1961 Act. Held: The court considered the Code for Crown prosecutors, and other Guidance … Continue reading Purdy, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions and others: CA 19 Feb 2009

Blackburn v Attorney-General: CA 10 May 1971

The complainant sought to argue that entry to Europe would be unlawful in that it involved surrender of the sovereignty of the Queen in Parliament. The respondent accepted that the Bill would involve some surrender of power, but that it was a lawful act. Held: The power to enter into Treaties was itself a power … Continue reading Blackburn v Attorney-General: CA 10 May 1971

Clingham (formerly C (a minor)) v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; Regina v Crown Court at Manchester Ex parte McCann and Others: HL 17 Oct 2002

The applicants had been made subject of anti-social behaviour orders. They challenged the basis upon which the orders had been made. Held: The orders had no identifiable consequences which would make the process a criminal one. Civil standards of evidence therefore applied, and hearsay evidence was admissible. Nevertheless, the test as to whether it was … Continue reading Clingham (formerly C (a minor)) v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; Regina v Crown Court at Manchester Ex parte McCann and Others: HL 17 Oct 2002

Regina v Secretary of State for Education and Employment and others ex parte Williamson and others: HL 24 Feb 2005

The appellants were teachers in Christian schools who said that the blanket ban on corporal punishment interfered with their religious freedom. They saw moderate physical discipline as an essential part of educating children in a Christian manner. Held: The appeal was dismissed. For Article 9 to be engaged (aside from certain other threshold conditions) the … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for Education and Employment and others ex parte Williamson and others: HL 24 Feb 2005

Nussberger and Another v Phillips and Another (No 4): CA 19 May 2006

A claim was issued in London in December 2004, and then served in part in Switzerland in January 2005. One copy was removed from the bundle by a Swiss official, seeing that it had been marked ‘Nor for service out of the jurisdiction.’ That marking had been in error. After proceedings were then issued in … Continue reading Nussberger and Another v Phillips and Another (No 4): CA 19 May 2006

British Sky Broadcasting Group Plc and Another v Virgin Media Communications Ltd and others: CA 6 Jun 2008

The parties were involved in litigation concerning allegations of anti-consumer practices. It was agreed that commercially sensitive documents should be exchanged, but the terms protecting the confidences could not be agreed. The parties were also involved in proceedings before the Competition Appeal Tribunal and with Ofcom, and were concerned that disclosure should not extend to … Continue reading British Sky Broadcasting Group Plc and Another v Virgin Media Communications Ltd and others: CA 6 Jun 2008

Douglas and others v Hello! Ltd and others (No 3): CA 18 May 2005

The principal claimants sold the rights to take photographs of their wedding to a co-claimant magazine (OK). Persons acting on behalf of the defendants took unauthorised photographs which the defendants published. The claimants had retained joint copyright over the photographs and reserved a right to control publication of any particular photographs. In return they made … Continue reading Douglas and others v Hello! Ltd and others (No 3): CA 18 May 2005

Barclays Bank Plc v Kufner: ComC 10 Oct 2008

barclays_kufnerComC2008 The bank sought summary judgment under a guarantee to secure a loan to purchase a luxury yacht which was to be hired out in business. The loan had been charged against the yacht, but when the yacht was re-registered, the bank failed to re-establish its charge. Held: The application succeeded. There was no duty … Continue reading Barclays Bank Plc v Kufner: ComC 10 Oct 2008

Secretary of State for Health and Another v Servier Laboratories Ltd and Others: SC 2 Jul 2021

Economic tort of causing loss by unlawful means The Court was asked whether the ‘dealing requirement’ is a constituent part of the tort of causing loss by unlawful means; whether a necessary element of the unlawful means tort is that the unlawful means should have affected the third party’s freedom to deal with the claimant. … Continue reading Secretary of State for Health and Another v Servier Laboratories Ltd and Others: SC 2 Jul 2021

Purdy, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions and Another: QBD 29 Oct 2008

The applicant suffered mutiple sclerosis and considered that she might wish to go abroad to end her life. She asked the court to make more clear the guidance provided by the Director as to whether her partner might be prosecuted under section 2(1) if he accompanied her to Switzerland. She said that the failure to … Continue reading Purdy, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions and Another: QBD 29 Oct 2008

British Coal Corporation v The King: PC 1935

The Board was asked as to the competency of a petition for special leave to appeal to the King in Council from a judgment of a court in Quebec in a criminal matter. The petitioners argued that notwithstanding the provisions of a Canadian statute which prohibited such appeals, this class of appeal was external to … Continue reading British Coal Corporation v The King: PC 1935

Pickin v British Railways Board: HL 30 Jan 1974

Courts Not to Investigate Parliament’s Actions It was alleged that the respondent had misled Parliament to secure the passing of a private Act. The claimant said that the land taken from him under the Act was no longer required, and that he should be entitled to have it returned. Held: When an enactment is passed … Continue reading Pickin v British Railways Board: HL 30 Jan 1974

Woodland v The Swimming Teachers’ Association and Others: QBD 17 Oct 2011

The court was asked as to the vicarious or other liability of a school where a pupil suffered injury at a swimming lesson with a non-employee during school time, and in particular whether it had a non-delegable duty to ensure the welfare of children during school time. The pool supervision wasthrough employees of a company … Continue reading Woodland v The Swimming Teachers’ Association and Others: QBD 17 Oct 2011

Interlego AG v Tyco Industries Inc: PC 5 May 1988

How much new material for new copyright (Hong Kong) Toy building bricks were manufactured by Lego in accordance with engineering drawings made for that purpose. One issue was whether new drawings made since 1972, altering the original drawings in various minor respects but added new information addressed to the purchaser in the form of written … Continue reading Interlego AG v Tyco Industries Inc: PC 5 May 1988

McTear v Imperial Tobacco Ltd: OHCS 31 May 2005

The pursuer sought damages after her husband’s death from lung cancer. She said that the defenders were negligent in having continued to sell him cigarettes knowing that they would cause this. Held: The action failed. The plaintiff had not proved that the smoking of cigarettes was the cause of the lung cancer, and it was … Continue reading McTear v Imperial Tobacco Ltd: OHCS 31 May 2005

O’Brien and others v Independent Assessor: HL 14 Mar 2007

The claimants had been wrongly imprisoned for a murder they did not commit. The assessor had deducted from their compensation a sum to represent the living costs they would have incurred if living freely. They also appealed differences from a prisoner also wrongly accused of the same crime, in the percentage deduction made for their … Continue reading O’Brien and others v Independent Assessor: HL 14 Mar 2007

Joyce v Director of Public Prosecutions: HL 1948

The defendant was an American citizen but held a British passport. After the outbreak of war between Great Britain and Germany in 1939, he delivered from German territory broadcast talks in English hostile to Great Britain. Held: His conviction for treason was confirmed. Lord Jowitt LC referred to ‘the reciprocal duties of protection and allegiance’ … Continue reading Joyce v Director of Public Prosecutions: HL 1948

Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority v. Canadian Federation of Students – British Columbia Component; 10 Jul 2009

References: [2009] 2 SCR 295, 309 DLR (4th) 277, 2009 SCC 31, [2009] 8 WWR 385, 272 BCAC 29, 389 NR 98, 93 BCLR (4th) 1, EYB 2009-161351, JE 2009-1320, [2009] SCJ No 31 (QL), 179 ACWS (3d) 98, 192 CRR (2d) 336 Links: Canlii Coram: McLachlin CJ and Bastarache,* Binnie, LeBel, Deschamps, Fish, Abella, … Continue reading Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority v. Canadian Federation of Students – British Columbia Component; 10 Jul 2009