Pending criminal proceedings against a family need not stop care proceedings going ahead. Butler-Sloss LJ said: ‘One starts with the fact that the criminal proceedings of themselves are not a reason to adjourn the care proceedings. There must be some detriment to the children in the broadest terms for not bringing on the care proceedings … Continue reading In Re TB (Minors) (Care Proceedings: Criminal Trial): CA 29 Jun 1995
The Secretary of State was not entitled to a Mareva injunction preventing the disposal of assets against a parent pending the issue of a child support assessment. The court refused a freezing order:- (Morritt LJ) ‘The Child Support Act introduced a wholly new framework for the assessment and collection of the sums required for the … Continue reading Department of Social Security v Butler: CA 11 Aug 1995
Children appealed against dismissal of their care proceedings on the basis that the threshold had not been reached. The parents resisted. Held: It could not be said that the decision so plainly wrong that the judge’s conclusion on the facts could be set aside. Citations: [2009] EWCA Civ 853, [2010] 1 FLR 431, [2010] 1 … Continue reading Re MA and Others (Children): CA 31 Jul 2009
‘appeal by the Chief Constable of Sussex against an order of HHJ Stephen Lloyd, deputy circuit judge, dated 23 February 2009. By that order he refused an application by the Chief Constable for certain disclosure out of care proceedings before him, namely of the statements made by the parents of the relevant children, of the … Continue reading Re H (Children): CA 23 Jun 2009
The court considered the boundary of its power in ordering periodical payments: ‘I do not believe that Hale J erred in her approach in principle to this case, and I reject the submission which Mr Mostyn has made that there was a delimiting factor (as he termed it) which should have had the effect of … Continue reading Cornick v Cornick (No 2): CA 2 Jan 1995
A criminal court trying parents for the manslaughter of one child and cruelty to three others had made an order under section 39 prohibiting the identification of the surviving children. The judge expressed the view that identifying the parents or the dead child would lead to the identification of the surviving children. Two journalists appealed. … Continue reading Ex parte Crook: CA 1995
The applicant, having moved here from Greece, applied for emergency housing. The Council received no reply to its requests for corroboration sent to Greece. Housing was refused, but the officer later suggested that the real reason was that the applicant had accommodation available in Greece. The court considered an affidavit on behalf of the decision-maker … Continue reading Regina v Westminster City Council Ex Parte Ermakov: CA 14 Nov 1995
A person had been assessed by the local authority under section 47 as being a person in urgent need of care and attention which was not otherwise available to him, so that he satisfied the criteria laid down in section 21(1)(a). He claimed that, following that assessment, the local authority had to meet these needs … Continue reading Regina v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (ex parte Kujtim): CA 31 Mar 1999
The Borough’s tenant had died. His wife and daughter had lived with him, but the mother not for long enough to succeed to his tenancy. The daughter (aged thirteen) claimed to have done so having lived with him for three years. Held: The 1985 Act did not limit its effects to adults. A minor may … Continue reading Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames v Prince and Another: CA 2 Dec 1998
A court had made an order freeing three siblings for adoption together. The parents accepted that this was inevitable for the two older but not for the third, who was a few months old. An emergency protection order had been obtained on the birth of the last child. The mother suffered depression which was likely … Continue reading C (Minors): CA 19 Dec 1997
A court has no power to make an interim order for the purchase of a house for the wife and children pending determination of the overall ancillary application. The result sought by the wife could have been achieved by application under section 17 of the Act of 1882, but ‘The power [under s.17] to order … Continue reading Wicks v Wicks: CA 29 Dec 1997
The plaintiff’s son aged 10 died of Addison’s Disease which had not been diagnosed. An action against the Health Authority was settled. The parents then brought an action against 5 doctors in their local GP Practice in relation to matters that had taken place post death. The allegations included conspiracy to injure by unlawful means. … Continue reading Powell and Another v Boldaz and others: CA 1 Jul 1997
The appellant dived into a disused gravel pit and struck his head on an obstruction on the floor of the pit. The Court dismissed his appeal that he was not entitled to damages. Held: ‘In my judgment, the occupier of land containing or bordered by the river, the seashore, the pond or the gravel pit, … Continue reading Karl Andrew Whyte v Redland Aggregates Limited: CA 27 Nov 1997
The tenant had created a sub tenancy, the result of which was that he no longer had any right to enter upon the property unless the sub-tenant surrendered his lease. Held: The tenant could not be said properly to be in occupation of the tenanted property. When a tenant has sublet, the question of whether … Continue reading Ujima Housing Association v Ansah and Another: CA 17 Oct 1997
Citations: [1997] EWCA Civ 2265, (1997) 1 CCLR 57, [1997] 4 All ER 532, [1997] 38 BMLR 135 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appeal from – Regina v Sefton Borough Council ex parte Help the Aged Admn 26-Mar-1997 A Local Authority was entitled to look to its financial resources before setting the standards and levels … Continue reading Regina v Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council ex parte Help the Aged ex parte Blanchard: CA 31 Jul 1997
After a family break up there had been continued litigation, and a refusal to comply with court orders by the mother. Eventually, the contact between mother an children all but broke down. There were three children. As the two elder children in turn reached majority, they went back to live with their mother, but allegations … Continue reading Re A (a Minor): CA 31 Jul 1997
Courts must not get tied up in public law/private law judicial review or other arguments when remedies and results provided by both jurisdictions are similar. The guidelines set down involved: ‘not only considering the technical questions of the distinctions between public and private rights and bodies but also looking at the practical consequences of the … Continue reading Rye, Henson and J B Trustees Limited Trustees of Dennis Rye Pension Fund v Sheffield City Council and Frederick Henson and Rye (the Trustees of the Dennis Rye 1992 Grandchildren Settlement Fund) v Sheffield City Council: CA 31 Jul 1997
The father was not married to the mother who, without consulting the father, registered the child in the name of her former husband by whom she had previously had two children. The father sought various orders under the Children Act, including a parental responsibility order and a specific issue order to change the child’s surname … Continue reading Dawson v Wearmouth: CA 31 Jul 1997
The court considered arrangements for an adoption in Northern Ireland where the parent’s consent was withheld. Held: For parental consent to be overriden there had to be shown an overriding need for the decision. Judges: Lech Garlicki P Citations: [2011] ECHR 844, (2012) 54 EHRR 2, [2011] Fam Law 924, [2011] 2 FLR 1236, Links: … Continue reading R And H v The United Kingdom: ECHR 31 May 2011
The parties had married, but the male partner was a transsexual, having been born female and having undergone treatment for Gender Identity Dysphoria. After IVF treatment, the couple had a child. As the marriage broke down the truth was revealed in court, but the plaintiff said that his wife had known the true position. He … Continue reading J v S T (Formerly J): CA 21 Nov 1996
A Local Authority found guilty of a statutory nuisance is not thereby liable for a civil damages suit. Citations: Times 26-Nov-1996, [1996] EWCA Civ 998, [1997] 1 WLR 956, (1997) 29 HLR 640, [1997] Env LR 157 Links: Bailii Statutes: Public Health Act 1936 Part II (Nuisance etc) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – … Continue reading Issa (Suing By her Next Friend and Father Issa) and Issa (Suing By her Next Friend and Father Issa) v Mayor and Burgesses of London Borough of Hackney: CA 19 Nov 1996
C was born with a liver defect. After a failed operation, the parents, both caring health professionals, decided not to put him through major surgery again. The local authority and doctors obtained an order to allow a potentially life saving liver transplant. The parents now appealed. Held: The appeal succeeded.Butler-Sloss LJ said: ‘it is clear … Continue reading In re T (a Minor): CA 24 Oct 1996
A Local Authority cannot be obliged to bear the cost of an assessment of a family in residential care. Citations: Times 03-Oct-1996, [1996] EWCA Civ 619 Statutes: Children Act 1989 39 38(6) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children, Local Government Updated: 31 October 2022; Ref: scu.140486
A second committal for the breach of a court order requires a new hearing and a new order. When a mandatory order is not complied with there is but a single breach. Citations: Times 15-Oct-1996, [1997] 1 WLR 97 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Jones, Re (Alleged Contempt of Court) FD 21-Aug-2013 … Continue reading Kumari v Jalal: CA 15 Oct 1996
The court’s power to restrict a party’s right to apply with regard to their children is to be used sparingly. Citations: Times 14-Oct-1996 Statutes: Children Act 1989 91(14) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children Updated: 31 October 2022; Ref: scu.78046
The applicant sought to have his application for a residence order heard in open court: ‘Article 6 (1) provides for the public hearing and the public pronouncement of judgment of cases, but with the proviso of exclusion of the press and the public from all or part of the trial ‘in the interest of morals, … Continue reading P-B (a Minor) (child cases: hearings in open court): CA 20 Jun 1996
No child benefit was payable in respect of a child who was in the voluntary care of the Local Authority. Citations: Times 10-May-1996 Statutes: Children Act 1989 20, Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Benefits, Children Updated: 31 October 2022; Ref: scu.83561
A County Court does not have a power to accept a mother’s undertaking when making a supervision order. Citations: Times 12-Jan-1996, Ind Summary 08-Jan-1996 Statutes: Children Act 1989 31 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children Updated: 27 October 2022; Ref: scu.85720
Justices do not have the power to make an interim care order pending a later hearing on the extension of an existing supervision order. Citations: Times 11-Nov-1994, [1995] 1 FLR 335 Statutes: Children Act 1989 31 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Applied – T (A Child) v Wakefield Metropolitan District Council CA 19-Mar-2008 A … Continue reading In Re A (A Minor) (Supervision Order: Extension): CA 11 Nov 1994
A Local Authority may admit a minor in care to a mental hospital for assessment or treatment. Section 131 merely preserves or confirms the common law and previous law. Consent requires proof of conduct and a reasoning capacity. Judges: Lloyd LJ Citations: Ind Summary 12-Apr-1993, [1993] FLR 187 Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 131 Jurisdiction: … Continue reading Regina v Kirklees Borough Council ex parte C (A Minor): CA 12 Apr 1993
After the Judge finds s31 to be satisfied he cannot then add conditions to the residence order. Citations: Ind Summary 23-May-1994, Gazette 01-Jun-1994 Statutes: Children Act 1989 31 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children Updated: 26 October 2022; Ref: scu.85888
Guardian ad Litem may see and reproduce form F from Local Authority in adoption proceedings. Citations: Ind Summary 31-Jan-1994 Statutes: Children Act 1989 42(1)(b) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Adoption Updated: 26 October 2022; Ref: scu.85889
The child’s interests are to be taken into account when varying a maintenance order. Citations: Times 29-Jul-1993 Statutes: Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 31(7) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children Updated: 26 October 2022; Ref: scu.84147
A judge has no power to attach conditions with regard to the setting or residence on a s31 order. Citations: Times 05-May-1994 Statutes: Children Act 1989 31 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children Updated: 26 October 2022; Ref: scu.82221
An application was made by a local authority to restrict publication of the name of a defendant in criminal proceedings in order to protect children in their care. The mother was accused of having assaulted the second respondent by knowingly transmitted HIV/Aids to him by having unprotected sex but hiding her HIV status. Held: The … Continue reading A Local Authority v W L W T and R; In re W (Children) (Identification: Restrictions on Publication): FD 14 Jul 2005
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
Judges: Sir Patrick Elias Citations: [2020] EWCA Civ 73 Links: Bailii Statutes: Public Interest Disclosure Act 1996 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Employment Updated: 14 October 2022; Ref: scu.647009
The mother JJ’s first baby had died after physical abuse inflicted either by her or the father. In care proceedings for a later child, the judge concluded ‘T-L’s injuries could have been inflicted by either, or both, of them. Singling out a likely perpetrator does not help this couple because it must be debatable as … Continue reading In re J (Children): CA 3 Apr 2012
Four articles in the People all covered the same story about Esther Rantzen’s organisation, Childline, suggesting that the plaintiff had protected a teacher who had revealed to Childline abuses of children occurring at a school where he taught, by keeping secret that he himself was a pervert, unfit to have any child in his care. … Continue reading Rantzen v Mirror Group Newspapers (1986) Ltd and Others: CA 1 Apr 1993
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
H and W entered into a consent order which related in particular to their home, vested in their joint names, in which the wife wished to continue to reside with the children of the family. Part of the order was a property adjustment order: it was, specifically, a variation of settlement order under which the … Continue reading Omielan v Omielan: CA 30 Jul 1996
A child who was the subject of an application under the Act has welfare priority over even his own child-parent’s upbringing. Citations: Independent 01-Apr-1994, Times 10-Mar-1994 Statutes: Children Act 1989 31 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children Updated: 21 August 2022; Ref: scu.80441
Where a child had returned to a district, and both parents and foster parents had also left the area, it was unrealistic to lay responsibility for the child’s care at the former authority, and the proper responsible authority was that within which the child now resided. Citations: Times 01-Jun-1999, Gazette 27-Jun-1999 Statutes: Children Act 1989 … Continue reading North Yorkshire County Council v Wiltshire County Council: FD 1 Jun 1999
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
Procedures on Withdrawal of Life Support Treatment The patient had been severely injured in the Hillsborough disaster, and had come to be in a persistent vegetative state (PVS). The doctors sought permission to withdraw medical treatment. The Official Solicitor appealed against an order of the Court of Appeal permitting the action. Held: The appeal failed. … Continue reading Airedale NHS Trust v Bland: HL 4 Feb 1993
The plaintiff was a manager within the social services department. He suffered a mental breakdown in 1986, and had four months off work. His employers had refused to provide the increased support he requested. He had returned to work, but again, did not receive the staff or guidance to allow him to do the work … Continue reading Walker v Northumberland County Council: QBD 16 Nov 1994
The defendant had been driving the plaintiff’s daughters, but negligently caused an accident from which they died. The plaintiff was called to the accident, and claimed to have suffered post traumatic stress. The defendant said that the effect was explainable simply as grief. The defendant appealed against the quantum of damages. Held: Damages for nervous … Continue reading Vernon v Bosley (2): CA 29 Mar 1996
The court considered a contributory invalidity scheme: ‘today the general rule is that Article 6(1) does apply in the field of social insurance, including even welfare assistance . . State intervention is not sufficient to establish that Article 6(1) is inapplicable; other considerations argue in favour of the applicability of Article 6(1) in the instant … Continue reading Schuler-Zgraggen v Switzerland: ECHR 24 Jun 1993
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
A patient’s right to veto medical treatment is absolute: ‘This right of choice is not limited to decisions which others might regard as sensible. It exists notwithstanding that the reasons for making the choice are rational, irrational, unknown or even non-existent.’ However the capacity must be commensurate with the gravity of the decision purported to … Continue reading In re T (Adult: Refusal of Treatment): CA 1992
Lord Donaldson of Lymington MR said: ‘So it is not a case of parental right opposed to the interests of the child, with an assumption that parental right prevails unless there are strong reasons in terms of the interests of the child. It is the same test which is being applied, the welfare of the … Continue reading Re H (A Minor) (Custody: Interim Care and Control): CA 1991
A lawyer complained that a search of his offices was an interference with his private life. Held: In construing the term ‘private life’, ‘it would be too restrictive to limit the notion of an ‘inner circle’ in which the individual may live his own personal life as he chooses and to exclude therefrom entirely the … Continue reading Niemietz v Germany: ECHR 16 Dec 1992
The court considered the benefits to a child of continuing parental contact while the child remained in care. Simon Brown LJ said: ‘I recognise of course that the threshold criteria for a care order under section 31 of the 1989 Act require the court to be satisfied that a child is suffering or is likely … Continue reading In re E (A Minor) (Care Order: Contract): CA 1994
The applicant had been attacked and beaten by skinheads shouting racial abuse. He complained that as a Roma, the police had failed through race discrimination properly to investigate his complaint. Held: The court repeated the statement that article 3 may give rise to a positive obligation to conduct an official investigation. The obligation on the … Continue reading Secic v Croatia: ECHR 31 May 2007
The case concerned ‘a functioning family unit where the parents and children are living together’. The court considered wehether a deportation would infringe the human rights of te applicant: ‘The Court has previously held that domestic measures which prevent family members from living together constitute an interference with the right protected by article 8 of … Continue reading Sezen v The Netherlands: ECHR 31 Jan 2006
A Brazilian mother came to the Netherlands in 1994 and set up home with a Dutch national but not applying for a residence permit. In 1996 they had a daughter who became a Dutch national. In 1997 they split up and the daughter remained with her father. It was eventually confirmed by the Dutch courts … Continue reading Rodrigues Da Silva and Hoogkamer v The Netherlands: ECHR 31 Jan 2006
The question arose as to whether a Cafcass officer acting as a children and family reporter (CFR) in private law proceedings required the permission of the court before referring to the local authority’s social services department for further investigation allegations by the child’s mother about the child’s father made by her to the CFR in … Continue reading Re M (Disclosure: Children and Family Reporter): CA 31 Jul 2002
Where a will imposed an impossible condition on a gift in the will, then the condition is deemed to be spent, and the gift to be unconditional. Judges: HHJ Colyer QC Citations: Times 31-Oct-1995, Gazette 18-Oct-1995 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Naylor and Another v Barlow and Others ChD 19-Jun-2019 ‘two interesting … Continue reading Watson v The National Children’s Home and Others: ChD 9 Oct 1995
Four appellants challenged the policy of the ministry to discharge homosexuals from the armed services. Held: Where a measure affects fundamental rights or has profoundly intrusive effects, the courts will anxiously scrutinise the decision to introduce it.Sir Thomas Bingham MR said: ‘The court may not interfere with the exercise of an administrative discretion on substantive … Continue reading Regina v Ministry of Defence ex parte Smith; ex parte Grady: CA 3 Nov 1995
EAT Unfair dismissal – Reinstatement/re-engagementPractice and Procedure – Adequacy of ReasonsClaimant was a radiographer who became unable to do clinical work as a result of illness and was made redundant – Tribunal held that she was unfairly dismissed because of lack of consultation about alternatives and that she had suffered disability discrimination because it would … Continue reading Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust v Patel: EAT 22 Jun 2007
Appeal against inclusion in list under section 1 of the 1999 Act. Citations: [2008] UKFTT 2 (HESC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Protection of Children Act 1999 1 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Education Updated: 10 July 2022; Ref: scu.311983
The local authority had refused to register a childminder, who successfully appealed to the magistrates, who awarded costs in her favour. The local authority appealed against the costs order. In doing so the authority urged the court to apply, by analogy, the principle that costs are not usually ordered in child cases. Held: The appeal … Continue reading Sutton London Borough Council v Davis (Number 2): FD 8 Jul 1994
The date for consideration of whether the first or second threshold criteria had been met for care was when application made, or if continuous temporary arrangements for care made, from the date those arrangements were installed. Consistency between limbs was required. Citations: Gazette 26-Aug-1998, Times 29-Jul-1998, Gazette 16-Sep-1998 Statutes: Children Act 1989 31(2)(a) Jurisdiction: England … Continue reading Southwark London Borough Council v B and Others: FD 29 Jul 1998
Justices were to explain their findings of fact behind finding that the section 31 threshold had been reached. Citations: Ind Summary 07-Aug-1995 Statutes: Children Act 1989 31 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children Updated: 09 July 2022; Ref: scu.85735
The prosecutor appealed from dismissal of a case of inciting the supply of indecent photographs of children. The person said to have been incited was an incognito police officer who had no intention of making the supply. The appeal succeeded. ‘In considering whether there is a defence of impossibility the court must look carefully at … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Armstrong: QBD 5 Nov 1999
EAT Practice and Procedure – 2002 Act and Pre-Action Requirements; and Amendment Whether section 32(4) EA 2002 – original time limit – restricts time for bringing a DDA claim to the primary 3 months period, or whether the just and equitable discretion under DDA Schedule 3 Part 3 may be exercised. It is the latter. … Continue reading BUPA Care Homes v Cann; Spillett v Tesco Stores: EAT 31 Jan 2006
The claimant, the estranged adult daughter of the deceased, had claimed under the 1975 Act. The judge made an order for payment of pounds 50,000 by way of capitalisation of maintenance. The claimant appealed saying she should have received more, and the charities (beneficiaries under the will) said that no payment should have been ordered … Continue reading Ilott v Mitson and Others: CA 31 Mar 2011
VDT EXEMPT SUPPLIES – Welfare services – Independent profit-making foster agency – Supplies to local authorities – Whether supply of welfare services – Yes – VAT Act 1994 Schedule 9 Group item 9 – Whether supplied by ‘organization recognized as charitable’ by the laws of the UK – EC Sixth Directive Art 13.1(g) and (h) … Continue reading Families for Children v Customs and Excise: VDT 14 Feb 2005
Lady Ingram had first conveyed properties to her solicitor who on the next day let the properties back to her, and on the day after conveyed the freehold of the properties to her family. Held: The leases in favour of Lady Ingram, having been granted by a nominee to his principal, were a nullity. However, … Continue reading Ingram and Another v Inland Revenue Commissioners: ChD 23 May 1995
(Opinion) The applicants challenged the introduction of restrictions of hunting by foxes, arguing that the law would infringe their human rights. Held: The Act was not infringing. Fox hunting as such was not a private activity protected by the Convention, and the interference with property rights was justified by the balancing interest of preventing cruelty … Continue reading Adams and Others v Lord Advocate: IHCS 31 Jul 2002
There was a difference in treatment between the applicant and a comparator based on the applicant’s sexual orientation, a concept which is undoubtedly covered by Article 14. The list set out in this provision is of an indicative nature and is not definitive, as is evidenced by the adverb notamment (in English: ‘any ground such … Continue reading Salgueiro Da Silva Mouta v Portugal: ECHR 21 Dec 1999
The claimant, who was disabled, said that his Article 8 rights were infringed because, in breach of Italian law, there were no facilities to enable him to get to the sea when he went on holiday. Held: ‘Private life . . includes a person’s physical and psychological integrity; the guarantee afforded by Article 8 of … Continue reading Botta v Italy: ECHR 24 Feb 1998
The court had to consider a permanent placement of a child with a view to adoption in oposition to the natural parents’ wishes. Held: Particular weight should be attached to the best interests of the child, which may override those of the parent: ‘These measures were particularly far-reaching in that they totally deprived the applicant … Continue reading Johansen v Norway: ECHR 7 Aug 1996
(Preliminary objections) The ECHR considered the situation in northern Cyprus when it was asked as to Turkey’s preliminary objections to admissibility: ‘although Article 1 sets limits on the reach of the Convention, the concept of ‘jurisdiction’ under this provision is not restricted to the national territory of the High Contracting Parties. According to its established … Continue reading Loizidou v Turkey: ECHR 23 Mar 1995
‘Slippering’, a punishment by hitting a child with a slipper, when used as part of school discipline was not a degrading punishment under the convention. Conduct must attain a minimum level of severity to engage the operation of the Convention. Citations: Independent 26-Mar-1993, 13134/87, (1993) 19 EHRR 112, [1993] ECHR 16 Links: Worldlii, Bailii Statutes: … Continue reading Costello-Roberts v The United Kingdom: ECHR 25 Mar 1993
Five Tamils were refused asylum in the UK and returned to Sri Lanka but then continued to suffer ill-treatment. Their complaints to Strasbourg were rejected under both Articles 3 and 13, but with regard to Article 3, it held: ‘108. The court’s examination of the existence of a risk of ill-treatment in breach of Article … Continue reading Vilvarajah and Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 30 Oct 1991
ECJ A benefit such as the child-raising allowance, which is automatically granted to persons fulfilling certain objective criteria, without any individual and discretionary assessment of personal needs, and which is intended to meet family expenses, falls within the scope ratione materiae of Community law as a family benefit within the meaning of Article 4(1)(h) of … Continue reading Martinez Sala v Freistaat Bayern: ECJ 12 May 1998
ECJ The provisions of the Treaty relating to the free movement of persons are intended to facilitate the pursuit by Community citizens of occupational activities of all kinds throughout the Community and preclude measures which might place Community citizens at a disadvantage when they wish to pursue an economic activity in the territory of another … Continue reading Regina v Immigration Appeal Tribunal and Surinder Singh, ex parte Secretary of State for the Home Department: ECJ 7 Jul 1992
ECJ 1. Article 2 of Council Directive 79/7/EEC, on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security, must be interpreted as meaning that the directive does not apply to a person who has interrupted his or her occupational activity in order to attend to the … Continue reading Johnson v Chief Adjudication Officer: ECJ 11 Jul 1991
ECJ The free movement of workers enshrined in Article 48 of the Treaty entails the right for nationals of Member States to move freely within the territory of the other Member States and to stay there for the purposes of seeking employment. The period of time for which the person seeking employment may stay may … Continue reading Regina v Immigration Appeal Tribunal, ex parte Antonissen: ECJ 26 Feb 1991
Europa 1.Social security for migrant workers – Family benefits – Concept – Assistance paid to families with children aged over 16 but under 21 who are unemployed – Included 2.Social security for migrant workers – Family benefits – Unemployed worker subject to the legislation of a Member State – Members of the family residing in … Continue reading Gatto v Bundesanstalt fur Arbeit (Rec 1990,p I-557,Summ pub ) (Judgment): ECJ 22 Feb 1990
(Medical Act 1983) Dr Roylance was the chief executive of a hospital in which there had been excessive mortality rates of children who underwent cardiac surgery and had failed to take steps to deal with the problem. Held: A doctor who carried out purely administrative functions within a hospital still had a doctor’s duties and … Continue reading Roylance v The General Medical Council (No 2): PC 24 Mar 1999
The Act obliged a local education authority to provide education for children too ill to attend school. The claimant suffered from ME, and received only five hours support, which the authority proposed to reduce in order to save money. The parents sought judicial review of the authority’s decision, saying they had taken an improper purpose … Continue reading T (a Minor), In Re 1997: HL 20 May 1998
To protect her estate from Inheritance Tax, the deceased gave land to her solicitor, but then took back a lease. The solicitor then conveyed the land on freehold on to members of her family. Held: The lease-back by the nominee was not void as a grant of a lease to herself. Lord Hoffmann said: ‘whether … Continue reading Ingram and Another v Commissioners of Inland Revenue: HL 10 Dec 1998
Three young children had been brought to England from Israel by their mother but without the consent of the father, who now sought their return. The mother claimed that the father had subsequently acquiesced in the removal. Both parents were orthodox Jews. The father said this had compelled him first to seek assistance from the … Continue reading In Re H and others (Minors): HL 10 Apr 1997
A sentence of detention during her majesty’s pleasure when imposed on a youth was not the same as a sentence of life imprisonment, and the Home Secretary was wrong to treat it on the same basis and to make allowance for expressions of public opinion. Of a sentence under the section: ‘The Secretary of State … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State For The Home Department, Ex Parte Venables, Regina v Secretary of State For The Home Department, Ex Parte Thompson: HL 12 Jun 1997
Citations: [1999] EWCA Civ 1980 Links: Bailii Statutes: Children Act 1989 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Children Updated: 31 May 2022; Ref: scu.146895
The defendant appealed a finding of the EAT that the claimant had standing to claim discrimination under the Act in the way her application to be a foster mother had been treated. Held: After the EAT decision in W v Essex, it was clear that the relation ship between the council and a foster parent … Continue reading Rowlands v City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council: CA 26 Mar 1999
The adult daughter of the deceased claimed under the 1975 Act. The deceased had acted entirely reasonably in leaving his business land to those of his children who were active in the business, but after his death part of the land acquired a development value six times its probate assessment, and, that being the case, … Continue reading Snapes v Aram; Wade etc, In re Hancocks (Deceased): CA 1 May 1998
Judges: David Pannick QC Citations: [1998] EWHC Admin 880, (1998) 31 HLR 631 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – Regina v Mayor and Burgesses of London Borough of Newham (No 3) ex parte Ojuri Admn 9-Jul-1998 When making decisions about the form of interim housing to be provided under the homelessness … Continue reading Regina v Newham Borough Council ex parte Ojuri (No 5): Admn 11 Sep 1998
The solicitor, acting in a land purchase transaction for his lay client and the plaintiff, had unwittingly misled the claimant by telling the claimant that the purchasers were providing the balance of the purchase price themselves without recourse to further borrowing when he knew that they were using an overdraft to obtain further funding. The … Continue reading Mothew (T/a Stapley and Co) v Bristol and West Building Society: CA 24 Jul 1996
Application to lift bar on reporting of a case involving a child where child might be identifiable. Order lifted. Citations: [1999] EWHC Admin 331 Links: Bailii Statutes: Children and Young Persons Act 1933 39 Cited by: See Also – Regina v Portsmouth Hospitals Nhs Trust ex parte Carol Glass Admn 21-Apr-1999 . . Lists of … Continue reading Regina v Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust ex parte Carol Glass: Admn 21 Apr 1999
A local authority’s duty to an asylum seeker to provide the basics of life, did not extend to a third re-housing attempt after the applicant had twice been evicted for the use of violence and breaches of house rules. Citations: Times 20-Apr-1999, [1999] EWHC Admin 285, (1999) 2 CCLR 340 Links: Bailii Statutes: National Assistance … Continue reading Regina v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea ex parte Muriqi Kujtim: Admn 31 Mar 1999
When making decisions about the form of interim housing to be provided under the homelessness provisions, the authority should pay heed to the statutory Code of Practice. Bed and breakfast accommodation was wrong for a family with children. Judges: Collins J Citations: Times 29-Aug-1998, [1998] EWHC Admin 730, 31 HLR 452, (1999) 31 HLR 452 … Continue reading Regina v Mayor and Burgesses of London Borough of Newham (No 3) ex parte Ojuri: Admn 9 Jul 1998
The parents were unmarried. The mother had registered the child under her former partner’s surname. The father sought an order that his name be used instead. The mother’s apeal against an order to that effect had succeeded. Held: The father’s appeal succeeded. When considering changing a child’s name by means of a specific issue order, … Continue reading Dawson v Wearmouth: HL 4 Feb 1999
The House considered the need when assessing community care provision to include considerations of the cost and resources for care. The case concerned a question about the relevance of cost and arose in the context of a duty to make certain arrangements where a local authority is satisfied this is ‘necessary’ in order to meet … Continue reading Regina v Gloucestershire County Council and Another, Ex Parte Barry: HL 21 Mar 1997
The term ‘Accommodation’ in the Act was to be read to include short term lettings, and was not to be restricted to secure accommodation, and the loss of such accommodation can be counted as intentional homelessness. If a person who had been provided with accommodation in accordance with section 65(2) of the 1985 Act was … Continue reading Regina v Brent London Borough Council Ex Parte Awua: HL 6 Jul 1995
Where either a child had been registered with his father’s name, or his parents had been married, there would need to be strong reasons for allowing a change of surname. Where the parents were not married, the degree of commitment shown by the father to the child, the quality of contact and the presence or … Continue reading In Re W (A Child); In Re A (A Child); In Re B (Children): CA 5 Aug 1999
A Local Authority was liable for the acts of children in care only if their failure to control the children was an operative cause of the loss. Citations: Times 14-Aug-1995 Negligence Updated: 18 May 2022; Ref: scu.78313
The court rejected an argument that ‘likely to suffer significant harm’ in the subsection was to be equated with ‘on the balance of probabilities’. Citations: [1993] 1 FLR 28 Statutes: Children Act 1989 31(2)(a) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Applied – In re A (A Minor) (Care Proceedings) FD 2-Jan-1993 It was again argued … Continue reading Newham London Borough Council v Attorney-General: CA 1993
