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

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

Re D (Jurisdiction: Programme of Assessment or Therapy): CA 12 May 1999

The parents were dependent on drugs. The guardian ad litem proposed that the authority should fund treatment of the parents and child in a residential unit with assessment. The authority proposed a detoxification programme. The authority appealed an order following the guardian’s recommendation. Held: The order was for treatment not assessment and therefore outside the … Continue reading Re D (Jurisdiction: Programme of Assessment or Therapy): CA 12 May 1999

Leander v Sweden: ECHR 26 Mar 1987

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

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

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

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

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

In re DW (A Minor); CW v SG: FD 12 Apr 2013

The mother sought an order terminating the father’s parental responsibility. The father sought a specific issues order as to the provision of annual reports. Judges: Baker J Citations: [2013] EWHC 854 (Fam) Links: Bailii Statutes: Children Act 1989 84 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children Updated: 17 November 2022; Ref: scu.472580

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

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

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

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

W, F, C and D (Minors) (Name Changes Disclosing Gender Reassignment and Other Matters): QBD 12 Feb 2020

Children – gender reassignment – Deed Poll – name change – welfare considerations – parental consent to name change – child’s consent – ECHR – Gender Recognition Act 2004 – Human Rights Act 1998 – privacy – Children Act 1989 s.1 – procedure – Article 8 – Article 14 – specific issue order Citations: [2020] … Continue reading W, F, C and D (Minors) (Name Changes Disclosing Gender Reassignment and Other Matters): QBD 12 Feb 2020

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

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

HM Chief Inspector of Schools v Spicer: Admn 12 Mar 2004

The applicant was refused registration as a child minder, on the basis that a person is qualified for registration for childminding if she is ‘suitable to look after children under the age of eight’ and that the applicant was said not to be suitable. Held: The burden of proof is on the Applicant in applications … Continue reading HM Chief Inspector of Schools v Spicer: Admn 12 Mar 2004

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

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

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

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

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

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

SO, Regina (on The Application of) v London Borough of Barking and Dagenham: CA 12 Oct 2010

The court was asked upon whom falls the financial burden of providing accommodation to an eighteen year old asylum seeker who is also a ‘former relevant child’, to the extent that his welfare requires it, where the asylum seeker is not in education or training. Does it fall upon the local authority, pursuant to its … Continue reading SO, Regina (on The Application of) v London Borough of Barking and Dagenham: CA 12 Oct 2010

Guardian News and Media Ltd, Regina (on The Application of) v City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court: CA 3 Apr 2012

The newspaper applied for leave to access documents referred to but not released during the course of extradition proceedings in open court. Held: The application was to be allowed. Though extradition proceedings were not governed by the Civil Procedure Rules, wider principles still applied. The open justice principle is a constitutional principle to be found … Continue reading Guardian News and Media Ltd, Regina (on The Application of) v City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court: CA 3 Apr 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In re H (A Child) (Interim Care Order): CA 12 Dec 2002

Once the threshhold criteria for a care order have been met, the court must still enquire on an application for an interim care order, as to whether there is an imminent risk of really serious harm to the child, whether the risk to the child’s safety requires the immediate separation requested. Judges: Thorpe LJ, Lawrence … Continue reading In re H (A Child) (Interim Care Order): CA 12 Dec 2002

Re L (Children), (Care Proceedings: Significant Harm): CA 25 Aug 2006

The Court allowed an appeal by parents against a judge’s conclusion that their children had suffered and were likely to suffer significant harm and it remitted the issue for re-hearing. The professional evidence had been that the parents’ deficiencies had had ‘subtle and ambiguous consequences’ for the children. Such consequences could not amount to significant … Continue reading Re L (Children), (Care Proceedings: Significant Harm): CA 25 Aug 2006

P v BW (Children Cases: Hearings in Public): FD 2003

The applicant sought a joint residence order, and for a declaration that the rules preventing such hearings being in public breached the requirement for a public hearing. Held: Both FPR 1991 rule 4.16(7) and section 97 are compatible with the fair trial provisions of Article 61) of the European Convention for the Protection of Human … Continue reading P v BW (Children Cases: Hearings in Public): FD 2003

In Re R (Parental responsibility: IVF baby); D (A Child), Re: HL 12 May 2005

The parents had received IVF treatment together, but had separated before the child was born. The mother resisted an application by the father for a declaration of paternity. Held: The father’s appeal failed. The Act made statutory provision as to the parentage of a child born through IVF. The mere participation of the father and … Continue reading In Re R (Parental responsibility: IVF baby); D (A Child), Re: HL 12 May 2005

In re E (A Child): CA 22 Nov 2012

Where a minor is accommodated voluntarily under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989, is the court prevented by Section 100 of the same Act from making the child a ward of court? Judges: Lord Justice Thorpe Citations: [2012] EWCA Civ 1773 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children Updated: 28 June 2022; Ref: scu.470113

Rhondda Cynon Taff Borough Council v Watkins: CA 12 Feb 2003

Land had been purchased compulsorily, but the respondent unlawfully returned to possession in 1966, and now claimed title by adverse possession. The Council executed a vesting deed poll in 1988. The Council asserted that he could not be in adverse possession of his own land. Held: ‘anyone who has possession of land can maintain an … Continue reading Rhondda Cynon Taff Borough Council v Watkins: CA 12 Feb 2003

Gaskin v The United Kingdom: ECHR 7 Jul 1989

The applicant complained of ill-treatment while he was in the care of a local authority and living with foster parents. He sought access to his case records held by the local authority but his request was denied. Held: The refusal to allow him access to his records involved a breach of his rights under Article … Continue reading Gaskin v The United Kingdom: ECHR 7 Jul 1989

In Re A (A Minor) (Adoption: Contact Order): CA 24 Jun 1993

A contact order had been properly granted with an order freeing the child for adoption. Butler-Sloss LJ: ‘The effect of an order freeing a child for adoption is to extinguish parental responsibility of those previously endowed with it and thus to bring to an end the relationship between the child and his natural family (see … Continue reading In Re A (A Minor) (Adoption: Contact Order): CA 24 Jun 1993

Kent County Council v The Mother, The Father, B (By Her Children’s Guardian); Re B (A Child) (Disclosure): FD 19 Mar 2004

The council had taken the applicant’s children into care alleging that the mother had harmed them. In the light of the subsequent cases casting doubt on such findings, the mother sought the return of her children. She applied now that the hearings be in public. Held: The applicant and her solicitors had already made significant … Continue reading Kent County Council v The Mother, The Father, B (By Her Children’s Guardian); Re B (A Child) (Disclosure): FD 19 Mar 2004

In re H (Children: Residence order: Relocation): CA 30 Jul 2001

A court has the power under the Act to impose a condition on a residence order to prevent a proposed move within the UK. Such an order would be exceptional. In the absence of such a condition, there was nothing to require a parent with residence wanting to move to Northern Ireland, first to seek … Continue reading In re H (Children: Residence order: Relocation): CA 30 Jul 2001

Attorney General ex rel Tilley v Wandsworth London Borough Council: 1981

The section was to be given a wide interpretation. Citations: [1981] 1 WLR 854 Statutes: Child Care Act 1980 2(1) Cited by: Cited – Regina v London Borough of Barnet ex parte G; Regina v London Borough of Lambeth ex parte W; Regina v London Borough of Lambeth ex parte A HL 23-Oct-2003 The applicants … Continue reading Attorney General ex rel Tilley v Wandsworth London Borough Council: 1981

Re S (Children: Care Plan); In re W and B (Children: Care plan) In re W (Child: Care plan): HL 14 Mar 2002

The Court of Appeal had imposed conditions upon the care plan to be implemented by the local authorities, identifying certain ‘starred’ essential milestones. The local authorities appealed. Held: This was not a legitimate extension of the powers contained in the 1989 Act. There exist clear problems in local authorities implementing care plans, and those difficulties … Continue reading Re S (Children: Care Plan); In re W and B (Children: Care plan) In re W (Child: Care plan): HL 14 Mar 2002

City of London v Samede and Others: QBD 18 Jan 2012

The claimant sought an order for possession of land outside St Paul’s cathedral occupied by the protestor defendants, consisting of ‘a large number of tents, between 150 and 200 at the time of the hearing, many of them used by protestors, either regularly or from time to time, as overnight accommodation, and several larger tents … Continue reading City of London v Samede and Others: QBD 18 Jan 2012

In re V (a Child) (Care: pre-birth actions): CA 12 Oct 2004

Immediately after a child was born, the social worker began proceedings for it to be taken into care. The judge severely criticised the actions of the social worker before the birth. The local authority now appealed against an order at the conclusion of care proceedings that they should pay each parent damages in the sum … Continue reading In re V (a Child) (Care: pre-birth actions): CA 12 Oct 2004

In re J (Children) (Child abduction: Child appellant): CA 5 Apr 2004

A child appealed an order for him to be returned to Croatia to be with his father. The mother had returned to England believing this to be her home. Held: In such cases where the court might make an order under the 1989 Act for residence with the mother, all the information necessary to such … Continue reading In re J (Children) (Child abduction: Child appellant): CA 5 Apr 2004

In re M (a Child) (Disclosure: Children and Family Reporter): CA 31 Jul 2002

A Children and Family reporter became concerned at the possibility of abuse of children as a result of information gained whilst involved in private law proceedings. He sought to report those concerns to the statutory authorities. It had become clear that it was crucially important that professions within the child care professions must communicate properly … Continue reading In re M (a Child) (Disclosure: Children and Family Reporter): CA 31 Jul 2002

In Re G (Children) (Care Order: Evidence of Threshold Conditions): CA 5 Jul 2001

It should be routine that, when presenting a case before a court to apply for a care order, the applicant authority should provide a written statement of the reasons, upon which it argued that the threshold conditions had been met. That statement should be based upon the evidence available at the time the decision to … Continue reading In Re G (Children) (Care Order: Evidence of Threshold Conditions): CA 5 Jul 2001

In re B (Minors) (Contact order: Enforcement): CA 27 Feb 2009

The court had made a contact order and a penal notice attached under section 34, and the local authority had been found to have breached it. They now appealed against a finding that they were in contempt of court. Held: An order extended under section 34 was capable of being enforced by a finding of … Continue reading In re B (Minors) (Contact order: Enforcement): CA 27 Feb 2009

A v A and another (Children) (Children: Habitual Residence) (Reunite International Child Abduction Centre intervening): SC 9 Sep 2013

Acquisition of Habitual Residence Habitual residence can in principle be lost and another habitual residence acquired on the same day. Held: The provisions giving the courts of a member state jurisdiction also apply where there is an alternative jurisdiction in a non-member state such as the United States. The Regulation also deals with how child … Continue reading A v A and another (Children) (Children: Habitual Residence) (Reunite International Child Abduction Centre intervening): SC 9 Sep 2013

Re E (Children) (Abduction: Custody Appeal): SC 10 Jun 2011

Two children were born in Norway to a British mother (M) and Norwegian father (F). Having lived in Norway, M brought them to England to stay, but without F’s knowledge or consent. M replied to his application for their return that the children would be at risk if returned, alleging psychological abuse by F. She … Continue reading Re E (Children) (Abduction: Custody Appeal): SC 10 Jun 2011

Z, Re (A Child: Deprivation of Liberty: Transition Plan): FD 12 Nov 2020

The local authority applied pursuant to s.100 of the Children Act 1989 for permission to invoke the inherent jurisdiction in order that a young person, Z, might be deprived of their liberty in order to convey them from their family home to a residential school. Judges: Mrs Justice Knowles Citations: [2020] EWHC 3038 (Fam) Links: … Continue reading Z, Re (A Child: Deprivation of Liberty: Transition Plan): FD 12 Nov 2020

In Re B (A Minor) (Wardship: Medical Treatment): CA 1981

The child was born with Down’s Syndrome and an intestinal blockage. She needed the obstruction to be relieved if she was to survive. If the operation were performed, the child might die within a few months but it was probable that her life expectancy would be 20-30 years. Her parents, having decided that it would … Continue reading In Re B (A Minor) (Wardship: Medical Treatment): CA 1981

Re M (A Minor): FD 12 Dec 1994

The welfare of the child is not the paramount consideration on an application for child to be remanded to secure accommodation by Local Authority. Citations: Ind Summary 12-Dec-1994 Statutes: Children Act 1989 1 25 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children Updated: 28 April 2022; Ref: scu.85817

In Re W (A Minor) (Contact Application Procedure): FD 12 Oct 1999

It was no longer appropriate for family courts to hear applications for leave to apply for contact without requiring or allowing attendance of the parties and to make such decisions without recording the reasons. Such an application required the court to weigh the merits of the proposed application, and such a procedure required the parties … Continue reading In Re W (A Minor) (Contact Application Procedure): FD 12 Oct 1999

Osman v The United Kingdom: ECHR 28 Oct 1998

Police’s Complete Immunity was Too Wide (Grand Chamber) A male teacher developed an obsession with a male pupil. He changed his name by deed poll to the pupil’s surname. He was required to teach at another school. The pupil’s family’s property was subjected to numerous acts of vandalism, which the police investigated and in respect … Continue reading Osman v The United Kingdom: ECHR 28 Oct 1998

Samuels v Birmingham City Council: SC 12 Jun 2019

The appellant had been provided with emergency accommodation after losing her assured shorthold tenancy, but the court was now asked ‘whether the council adopted the correct approach in determining that the accommodation was ‘affordable’ for those purposes.’ Held: Her appeal was granted. The 1996 Order requires the authority to take into account all sources of … Continue reading Samuels v Birmingham City Council: SC 12 Jun 2019

Re B (A Child) (Care Proceedings: Threshold Criteria): SC 12 Jun 2013

B had been removed into care at birth. The parents now appealed against a care order made with a view to B’s adoption. The Court was asked as to the situation where the risks were necessarily only anticipated, and as to appeals against a finding of fact. Held: (Lady Hale dissenting) The appeal was dismissed. … Continue reading Re B (A Child) (Care Proceedings: Threshold Criteria): SC 12 Jun 2013

Smith v Eric S Bush, a firm etc: HL 20 Apr 1989

In Smith, the lender instructed a valuer who knew that the buyer and mortgagee were likely to rely on his valuation alone. The valuer said his terms excluded responsibility. The mortgagor had paid an inspection fee to the building society and received a copy of the report, and relying on it, had bought the house. … Continue reading Smith v Eric S Bush, a firm etc: HL 20 Apr 1989

Yuen Kun-Yeu v Attorney-General of Hong Kong: PC 1987

(Hong Kong) The claimant deposited money with a licensed deposit taker, regulated by the Commissioner. He lost his money when the deposit taker went into insolvent liquidation. He said the regulator was responsible when it should have known of the difficulties. Held: The requirements for a duty of care were a foreseeability of harm, and … Continue reading Yuen Kun-Yeu v Attorney-General of Hong Kong: PC 1987

W T Ramsay Ltd v Inland Revenue Commissioners: HL 12 Mar 1981

The taxpayers used schemes to create allowable losses, and now appealed assessment to tax. The schemes involved a series of transactions none of which were a sham, but which had the effect of cancelling each other out. Held: If the true nature of the transactions could be seen by looking at them all together, then … Continue reading W T Ramsay Ltd v Inland Revenue Commissioners: HL 12 Mar 1981

Sporrong and Lonnroth v Sweden: ECHR 23 Sep 1982

Balance of Interests in peaceful enjoyment claim (Plenary Court) The claimants challenged orders expropriating their properties for redevelopment, and the banning of construction pending redevelopment. The orders remained in place for many years. Held: Article 1 comprises three distinct rules: the first rule, set out in the first sentence of the first paragraph, is general … Continue reading Sporrong and Lonnroth v Sweden: ECHR 23 Sep 1982

AXA General Insurance Ltd and Others v Lord Advocate and Others: SC 12 Oct 2011

Standing to Claim under A1P1 ECHR The appellants had written employers’ liability insurance policies. They appealed against rejection of their challenge to the 2009 Act which provided that asymptomatic pleural plaques, pleural thickening and asbestosis should constitute actionable harm for the purposes of an action of damages for personal injury. Held: The insurers’ appeals failed. … Continue reading AXA General Insurance Ltd and Others v Lord Advocate and Others: SC 12 Oct 2011

Petrovic v Austria: ECHR 27 Mar 1998

The applicant was refused a grant of parental leave allowance in 1989. At that time parental leave allowance was available only to mothers. The applicant complained that this violated article 14 taken together with article 8. Held: The application was dismissed. the court noted that, as society moved towards a more equal sharing of responsibilities … Continue reading Petrovic v Austria: ECHR 27 Mar 1998

HH v Deputy Prosecutor of The Italian Republic, Genoa: SC 20 Jun 2012

In each case the defendant sought to resist European Extradition Warrants saying that an order would be a disporportionate interference in their human right to family life. The Court asked whether its approach as set out in Norris, had to be amended in the light of the case of ZH. Held: HH and PH’s appeals … Continue reading HH v Deputy Prosecutor of The Italian Republic, Genoa: SC 20 Jun 2012

LA v SB and Others: CA 12 Jul 2010

The local authority had applied for a care order under the court’s inherent wardship jurisdiction in connection with a family where three children suffered a potentially life threatening disease, Rasmussens’s encephalitis. The parents were said to be not co-operating with the medical team. The authority now sought permission to withdraw its application. Held: The application … Continue reading LA v SB and Others: CA 12 Jul 2010

Brighton and Hove City Council v PM and Others: CA 12 Jul 2011

Care proceedings were taken in respect of three children. One, a 15 year old girl was pregnant. She refused to allow a DNA test so as to allow the father to be identified. The Council appealed against an order conceding that point. Judges: Sir Nicholas Wall P, Patten LJ Citations: [2011] EWCA Civ 795 Links: … Continue reading Brighton and Hove City Council v PM and Others: CA 12 Jul 2011

Re O (A minor) (Medical Treatment): FD 12 Apr 1993

The local authority applied for a care order in relation to the child, on the ground that there was an urgent and continuing need for medical treatment which included blood transfusions. The court considered the legal effect of a parent’s belief (as Jehovah’s Witesses) that medical treatment by blood transfusion is forbidden by the Bible … Continue reading Re O (A minor) (Medical Treatment): FD 12 Apr 1993

Re C (Children): SC 14 Feb 2018

‘This appeal concerns the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. It raises general questions relating to: (1) the place which the habitual residence of the child occupies in the scheme of that Convention, and (2) whether and when a wrongful retention of a child may occur if the travelling parent originally … Continue reading Re C (Children): SC 14 Feb 2018

Regina v Chief Constable of North Wales Police and Others Ex Parte Thorpe and Another; Regina v Chief Constable for North Wales Police Area and others ex parte AB and CB: CA 18 Mar 1998

Public Identification of Pedophiles by Police AB and CB had been released from prison after serving sentences for sexual assaults on children. They were thought still to be dangerous. They moved about the country to escape identification, and came to be staying on a campsite. The police sought to co-operate in the resettlement of the … Continue reading Regina v Chief Constable of North Wales Police and Others Ex Parte Thorpe and Another; Regina v Chief Constable for North Wales Police Area and others ex parte AB and CB: CA 18 Mar 1998

Blankley v Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s University Hospitals NHS Trust: QBD 5 Feb 2014

The court was asked whether, where a party loses mental capacity in the course of proceedings, such loss of capacity has the automatic and immediate effect of terminating their solicitor’s retainer. The Costs judge had held that, as a matter of law, a supervening incapacity even if intermittent, automatically frustrates and thereby terminates a contract … Continue reading Blankley v Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s University Hospitals NHS Trust: QBD 5 Feb 2014

In Re L (A Child) (Contact: Domestic Violence); In Re V (A Child) (Contact: Domestic Violence); In Re M (A Child) (Contact: Domestic Violence); In Re H (A Child) (Contact: Domestic Violence); In re L, V, M and H (Children): CA 21 Jun 2000

When considering contact applications after domestic violence, the approach should be child centred, and according to the criteria in the Act. The circumstances of the violence should be looked into, and the potentially damaging effect of contact with a violent parent should not be underestimated. The parent’s possible contribution to the child and facing up … Continue reading In Re L (A Child) (Contact: Domestic Violence); In Re V (A Child) (Contact: Domestic Violence); In Re M (A Child) (Contact: Domestic Violence); In Re H (A Child) (Contact: Domestic Violence); In re L, V, M and H (Children): CA 21 Jun 2000

R, Regina (on The Application of) v London Borough of Croydon: Admn 10 Feb 2012

The claimant sought judicial review of the refusal by the defendant to treat him as a ‘former relevant child’ within the meaning of section 23C of the Children Act 1989. Were he to be so treated he would be entitled to a range of services under the Children Act. Thirlwall J [2013] EWHC 4243 (Admin) … Continue reading R, Regina (on The Application of) v London Borough of Croydon: Admn 10 Feb 2012

Helena Partnerships Ltd v HM Revenue and Customs: CA 9 May 2012

The company had undertaken substantial building works and sought associated tax relief. The court was asked whether, following a change in the company’s memorandum and articles of association, the company, a registered social landlord, remained a charitable organisation. The articles allowed some tenants to become members of the company, and would allow pursuance of objects … Continue reading Helena Partnerships Ltd v HM Revenue and Customs: CA 9 May 2012

Child X (Residence and Contact- Rights of Media Attendance) (Rev 2): FD 14 Jul 2009

The father applied to the court to have the media excluded from the hearing into the residence and contact claims relating to his daughter. Held: It was for the party seeking such an order to justify it. In deciding whether or not to exclude the press in the welfare or privacy interests of a party … Continue reading Child X (Residence and Contact- Rights of Media Attendance) (Rev 2): FD 14 Jul 2009

Regina v Martin (Colin): CACD 29 Nov 1988

Defence of Necessity has a Place in Criminal Law The defendant appealed against his conviction for driving whilst disqualified. He said he had felt obliged to drive his stepson to work because his stepson had overslept. His wife (who had suicidal tendencies) had been threatening suicide unless he drove the boy to work, since she … Continue reading Regina v Martin (Colin): CACD 29 Nov 1988

In re W (Children) (Family proceedings: Evidence) (Abuse: Oral Evidence): SC 3 Mar 2010

The court considered the approach to be taken when considering whether to order a child’s attendance at court in care proceedings. It was argued that the starting point of assuming that a child should not attend, failed to respect the human right to a fair trial of all concerned. Held: The existing law erects a … Continue reading In re W (Children) (Family proceedings: Evidence) (Abuse: Oral Evidence): SC 3 Mar 2010

Nicklinson v Ministry of Justice and Others: QBD 12 Mar 2012

The claimant suffered locked-in syndrome and sought relief in a form which would allow others to assist him in committing suicide. The court considered whether the case should be allowed to proceed rather than to be struck out as hopeless. Held: The case was arguable and should be allowed to proceed: ‘However, the point that … Continue reading Nicklinson v Ministry of Justice and Others: QBD 12 Mar 2012