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Liddell v Middleton: CA 17 Jul 1995

A husband and wife crossed a road. The wife, appreciating that the danger from the traffic, ran across. The husband stood in the middle of the road and then went ahead, but was struck by a vehicle and injured. He was significantly affected by alcohol, and evidence had been led at the trial indicating the … Continue reading Liddell v Middleton: CA 17 Jul 1995

Grupo Torras Sa and Another v Sheikh Fahad Mohammed Al Sabah and Others: CA 26 May 1995

A UK court may continue to hear a Spanish company’s claim against it’s own directors if a court was first seized of the matter here. Where a case concerned matters as to the constitution of a company, the courts of the company in which the company was incorporated had exclusive jurisdiction.Stuart-Smith LJ: ‘The test laid … Continue reading Grupo Torras Sa and Another v Sheikh Fahad Mohammed Al Sabah and Others: CA 26 May 1995

Attorney General v Hayward: CA 10 Nov 1995

The standard of proof in vexatious litigant proceedings is civil not criminal. Even so, because the fundamental rights of the subject are affected by the making of a civil proceedings order, there should be evidence placed before the court that the appropriate law officer has personally considered the papers and has personally authorised the making … Continue reading Attorney General v Hayward: CA 10 Nov 1995

Shevill, Ixora Trading Inc., Chequepoint SARL and Chequepoint International Ltd v Presse Alliance SA: ECJ 7 Mar 1995

On a proper construction of the expression ‘place where the harmful event occurred’ in Article 5(3) of the Convention of 27 September 1968 on Jurisdiction and the Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters as amended by the Convention of 9 October 1978 on the accession of the Kingdom of Denmark, Ireland and the … Continue reading Shevill, Ixora Trading Inc., Chequepoint SARL and Chequepoint International Ltd v Presse Alliance SA: ECJ 7 Mar 1995

Niru Battery Manufacturing Company, Bank Sepah Iran v Milestone Trading Limited: CA 23 Oct 2003

The claimant had contracted to purchase lead from some of the defendants. There were delays in payment but when funds were made available they should have been repaid. An incorrect bill of lading was presented. The bill certified that the goods had been loaded, but they had not. Held: An inspector certifying the goods should … Continue reading Niru Battery Manufacturing Company, Bank Sepah Iran v Milestone Trading Limited: CA 23 Oct 2003

Benham v United Kingdom: ECHR 8 Feb 1995

Legal Aid was wrongfully refused where a tax or fine defaulter was liable to imprisonment, and the lack of a proper means enquiry, made imprisonment of poll tax defaulter unlawful. A poll tax defaulter had been wrongly committed to prison by magistrates. The question was whether or not they had acted in excess of jurisdiction. … Continue reading Benham v United Kingdom: ECHR 8 Feb 1995

Regina v H (Evidence: Corroboration): HL 25 May 1995

The fact that there may have been a possibility of collusion is not sufficient to stop the admission of similar fact evidence by way of corroboration. ‘ . . the function of the trial judge is not to decide as an intellectual process whether the evidence satisfies prescribed conditions, but to strike as a matter … Continue reading Regina v H (Evidence: Corroboration): HL 25 May 1995

Coca-Cola Co and Another v Gilbey and Others: ChD 10 Oct 1995

A defendant in an infringement case was ordered to provide information on his associate co-infringers despite his claimed risk of violence. Such a threat was no defence to an action for contempt of court. Duress in civil cases goes as to mitigation only and does not operate as a defence. Citations: Times 28-Nov-1995, Independent 10-Oct-1995 … Continue reading Coca-Cola Co and Another v Gilbey and Others: ChD 10 Oct 1995

Firstpost Homes Ltd v Johnson and Others: CA 14 Aug 1995

The parties disputed whether a contract had been made. The proposed contract was contained in a letter and a plan but only the plan was signed by both parties. Held: The requirements of Section 2 had not been satisfied because it was the letter which contained the contract which referred to the plan and incorporated … Continue reading Firstpost Homes Ltd v Johnson and Others: CA 14 Aug 1995

Keary Developments v Tarmac Constructions: CA 1995

The court set out the principles to be applied by the court upon an application for security for costs. 1. The court has a complete discretion whether to order security, and accordingly it will act in the light of all the relevant circumstances. 2. The possibility or probability that the plaintiff company will be deterred … Continue reading Keary Developments v Tarmac Constructions: CA 1995

Owusu v London Fire and Civil Defence Authority: EAT 1 Mar 1995

The employee complained of his employer’s repeated failure to regrade him, and alleged discrimination. The employer said his claim was out of time. Held: Mummery J made the distinction between single acts of discrimination, and continuing discrimination: ‘the tribunal erred in law in failing to treat the acts complained of on regrading and failure to … Continue reading Owusu v London Fire and Civil Defence Authority: EAT 1 Mar 1995

Martin v Watson: HL 13 Jul 1995

The plaintiff had been falsely reported to the police by the defendant, a neighbour, for indecent exposure whilst standing on a ladder in his garden. He had been arrested and charged, but at a hearing before the Magistrates’ Court, the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence, and the charge was dismissed. He appealed against the … Continue reading Martin v Watson: HL 13 Jul 1995

Practice Statement (Judicial Precedent): HL 1966

The House gave guidance how it would treat an invitation to depart from a previous decision of the House. Such a course was possible, but the direction was not an ‘open sesame’ for a differently constituted committee to prefer their views to those of the committee which determined the decision unanimously or by a majority. … Continue reading Practice Statement (Judicial Precedent): HL 1966

In re H and R (Minors) (Child Sexual Abuse: Standard of Proof): HL 14 Dec 1995

Evidence allowed – Care Application after Abuse Children had made allegations of serious sexual abuse against their step-father. He was acquitted at trial, but the local authority went ahead with care proceedings. The parents appealed against a finding that a likely risk to the children had still been been found. Held: A care order could … Continue reading In re H and R (Minors) (Child Sexual Abuse: Standard of Proof): HL 14 Dec 1995

Martin v Watson: HL 14 Jul 1995

References: Times 14-Jul-1995, Gazette 06-Sep-1995, Independent 19-Jul-1995, [1996] AC 74, [1995] 3 WLR 318, [1995] 3 All ER 559 Coram: Lord Keith of Kinkel Ratio The plaintiff had been falsely reported to the police by the defendant, a neighbour, for indecent exposure whilst standing on a ladder in his garden. He had been arrested and … Continue reading Martin v Watson: HL 14 Jul 1995

Acts

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

King v Telegraph Group Ltd: CA 18 May 2004

The defendant appealed against interim costs orders made in the claim against it for defamation. Held: The general power of cost capping measures available to courts were available also in defamation proceedings. The claimant was being represented under a conditional fee agreement. The court considered that the amount of costs being incurred served to act … Continue reading King v Telegraph Group Ltd: CA 18 May 2004

Bairstow and Others v Queens Moat Houses Plc: CA 7 Aug 1997

New rules on evidence procedures are not retrospective. Notices under the 1968 Act should have been served to be allowed to admit hearsay evidence. Citations: Times 23-Oct-1997, [1998] 1 All ER 343, [1997] EWCA Civ 2290 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Evidence Act 1968, Civil Evidence Act 1995 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice, Evidence Updated: … Continue reading Bairstow and Others v Queens Moat Houses Plc: CA 7 Aug 1997

Charnock and Others v Rowan and Others: CA 20 Jan 2012

14 passengers in a bus hit from behind at a slow speed had all claimed whiplash injury. The expert had said that the accepted speed required to produce such an injury was a change of 3mph, which would require an impact at 30mph, whereas the evidence suggested that the car had been travelling at no … Continue reading Charnock and Others v Rowan and Others: CA 20 Jan 2012

Longden v British Coal Corporation: HL 13 Mar 1997

The plaintiff was injured whilst at work in one of the defendant’s collieries. The House considered the deductibility from damages awarded for personal injury of a collateral benefit. Held: The issue of deductibility where the claim is for loss of pension cannot be properly answered without a clear understanding of the nature of the loss … Continue reading Longden v British Coal Corporation: HL 13 Mar 1997

Polanski v Conde Nast Publications Ltd: HL 10 Feb 2005

The claimant wished to pursue his claim for defamation against the defendant, but was reluctant to return to the UK to give evidence, fearing arrest and extradition to the US. He appealed refusal of permission to be interviewed on video tape. Held (Majority): The appeal succeeded, and the judge’s order allowing the evidence to be … Continue reading Polanski v Conde Nast Publications Ltd: HL 10 Feb 2005

Clarke (executor of the will of Francis Bacon, deceased) v Marlborough Fine Art (London) Ltd and Another: ChD 20 Nov 2001

A party will not be allowed to file pleadings which required him to make contradictory statements of truth in a unified claim. The alternative may be for the proceedings to go ahead as separate, non-unified claims. When considering whether there was evidence to support an amendment, the court should apply the same test as for … Continue reading Clarke (executor of the will of Francis Bacon, deceased) v Marlborough Fine Art (London) Ltd and Another: ChD 20 Nov 2001

Polanski v Conde Nast Publications Limited: CA 11 Nov 2003

The claimant sought damages for defamation. He feared arrest and extradition to the US if he came to England, and was granted an order allowing him to give evidence by video link. The defendant appealed that order. Held: There was no absolute rule which would allow the order made. The judge had considered that if … Continue reading Polanski v Conde Nast Publications Limited: CA 11 Nov 2003

Regina v Marylebone Magistrates Court ex parte Andrew Clingham: Admn 20 Feb 2001

The council received a report by a housing trust about the behaviour of the defendant, then aged 16, who lived on an estate within the Borough, and after investigating applied for an anti-social behaviour order. Some witness statements contained first hand evidence, but the application was primarily based on hearsay evidence contained in records of … Continue reading Regina v Marylebone Magistrates Court ex parte Andrew Clingham: Admn 20 Feb 2001

Welsh v Stokes and Another: CA 27 Jul 2007

The claimant sued a riding stables after she was badly injured on being thrown from the horse provided. Her claim in negligence failed, but she succeeded under strict liabiilty under the 1971 Act, after the judge relied upon hearsay evidence. Held: The appeal failed on either account. The judge had directed himself properly in his … Continue reading Welsh v Stokes and Another: CA 27 Jul 2007

Chase v Newsgroup Newspapers Ltd: CA 3 Dec 2002

The defendant appealed against a striking out of part of its defence to the claim of defamation, pleading justification. Held: The Human Rights Convention had not itself changed the conditions for a plea of justification based upon reasonable belief that the claimant had acted criminally. The three conditions were: the inability to rely upon hearsay, … Continue reading Chase v Newsgroup Newspapers Ltd: CA 3 Dec 2002

Hijazi v Yaxley-Lennon (Orse Tommy Robinson): QBD 22 Jul 2021

No Valid Evidence to Support Serious Accusations The claimant was filmed being assaulted in the school playground. The film was published on the internet, and the defendant right wing politician re-published it, but falsely said that the claimant had himself been violent. Held: The defendant’s attempt to justify the libel had absolutely no basis in … Continue reading Hijazi v Yaxley-Lennon (Orse Tommy Robinson): QBD 22 Jul 2021

Ikea Ltd and Others v Brown and Others: ComC 7 May 2009

Action short of standard for malicious prosecution The claimants alleged a fraud by the eight defendants. The sixth defendant counterclaimed for damages alleging malicious prosecution. The claimant sought the strike out of the counterclaim. Held: The allegations failed insofar as they related to the institution of civil proceedings. As to the criminal proceedings: ‘it is … Continue reading Ikea Ltd and Others v Brown and Others: ComC 7 May 2009

Point Solutions Ltd v Focus Business Solutions Ltd and Another: ChD 16 Dec 2005

It was claimed that the defendant’s computer software infringed the copyright in software owned by the claimant. A declaration was sought beacause of allegations that assertions about infringement had been made to third parties. Held: The declaration was refused. There was no explicit provision in copyright law for a declaration of non-infringement as was available … Continue reading Point Solutions Ltd v Focus Business Solutions Ltd and Another: ChD 16 Dec 2005

Bols Distilleries VB (T/A As Bols Royal Distilleries) and Another v Superior Yacht Services Ltd: PC 11 Oct 2006

(Gilbraltar) The parties disputed the management contract for a racing yacht, and also the juridiction of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar to hear the case. Bols said that under regulation 2(1) Gibraltar had no jurisdiction. Held: The English court had jurisdiction by virtue of the clear agreement of the parties. That parts of the agreement … Continue reading Bols Distilleries VB (T/A As Bols Royal Distilleries) and Another v Superior Yacht Services Ltd: PC 11 Oct 2006

Reynolds v Times Newspapers Ltd and others: HL 28 Oct 1999

Fair Coment on Political Activities The defendant newspaper had published articles wrongly accusing the claimant, the former Prime Minister of Ireland of duplicity. The paper now appealed, saying that it should have had available to it a defence of qualified privilege because of the claimant’s status as a politician. Held: The appeal failed (Lords Hope … Continue reading Reynolds v Times Newspapers Ltd and others: HL 28 Oct 1999

Armstrong and others v Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Hospital Trust: CA 21 Dec 2005

The claimants claimed equal pay, asserting use of particular comparators. The Trust said that there was a genuine material factor justifying the difference in pay. Held: To constitute a single source for the purpose of article 141, it is not enough for the non-RVI claimants to show that they have the same employer as the … Continue reading Armstrong and others v Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Hospital Trust: CA 21 Dec 2005

Ivey v Genting Casinos (UK) Ltd (T/A Crockfords): SC 25 Oct 2017

The claimant gambler sought payment of his winnings. The casino said that he had operated a system called edge-sorting to achieve the winnings, and that this was a form of cheating so as to excuse their payment. The system exploited tiny variances in the appearance of the sides of playing cards, and the manipulation of … Continue reading Ivey v Genting Casinos (UK) Ltd (T/A Crockfords): SC 25 Oct 2017

Brewer, Regina (on the Application of) v Supreme Court Costs Office: Admn 27 Jul 2006

The defendant had been acquitted. Orders had been made both for payment of his legal costs, and also for re-imbursement of his own costs. The defendant was accused of serious fraud, and had engaged an American attorney to assist him before instructing English solicitors. Held: It was preferable for such costs applications to be made … Continue reading Brewer, Regina (on the Application of) v Supreme Court Costs Office: Admn 27 Jul 2006

H M Attorney General v Foley and Foley: CA 21 Aug 1997

Citations: [1997] EWCA Civ 2308 Statutes: Supreme Court Act 1981 42(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Attorney General v Hayward CA 10-Nov-1995 The standard of proof in vexatious litigant proceedings is civil not criminal. Even so, because the fundamental rights of the subject are affected by the making of a civil proceedings order, … Continue reading H M Attorney General v Foley and Foley: CA 21 Aug 1997

Silcott v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis: CA 24 May 1996

The claimant had been convicted of the murder of PC Blakelock. The only substantial evidence was in the form of the notes of interview he said were fabricated by senior officers. His eventual appeal on this basis was not resisted. He now appealed against the striking out of his actions for conspiracy to pervert the … Continue reading Silcott v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis: CA 24 May 1996

Bici and Bici v Ministry of Defence: QBD 7 Apr 2004

Claimants sought damages for personal injuries incurred when, in Pristina, Kosovo and during a riot, British soldiers on a UN peacekeeping expedition fired on a car. Held: The incidents occurred in the course of peace-keeping duties. It was not argued that they occurred in combat, and it was established that in cases of riot, soldiers … Continue reading Bici and Bici v Ministry of Defence: QBD 7 Apr 2004

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

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

Re Arrows Ltd (No 4): CA 8 Apr 1993

A Civil Court cannot stop the Serious Fraud Office using evidence which had been gathered under compulsion during Insolvency interviews under s236. Any element of confidentiality was overriden. Citations: Independent 08-Apr-1993, Gazette 09-Jun-1993 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1987 2(8) 3, Insolvency Act 1986 236 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appeal from – Re Arrows Ltd … Continue reading Re Arrows Ltd (No 4): CA 8 Apr 1993

Weir and others v Secretary of State for Transport and Another: ChD 14 Oct 2005

The claimants were shareholders in Railtrack. They complained that the respondent had abused his position to place the company into receivership so as to avoid paying them compensation on a repurchase of the shares. Mr Byers was accused of ‘targeted malice.’ They also complained of an interference with their possessions. Held: The claim failed. The … Continue reading Weir and others v Secretary of State for Transport and Another: ChD 14 Oct 2005

Raja v Van Hoogstraten: ChD 19 Dec 2005

Damages were claimed after claimant alleged involvement by the defendant in the murder of the deceased. The defendant had been tried and acquitted of murder and manslaughter, but the allegation was now pursued. The defendant had since failed to co-operate with the court. Held: The defendant’s acquittal was not conclusive. The standard in a civil … Continue reading Raja v Van Hoogstraten: ChD 19 Dec 2005

Watkins-Singh, Regina (on the Application of) v The Governing Body of Aberdare Girls’ High School and Another: Admn 29 Jul 2008

Miss Singh challenged her school’s policy which operated to prevent her wearing while at school a steel bangle, a Kara. She said this was part of her religion as a Sikh. Held: Earlier comparable applications had been made under human rights law, but this was under the 1976 Act. The evidence established that the Sikh … Continue reading Watkins-Singh, Regina (on the Application of) v The Governing Body of Aberdare Girls’ High School and Another: Admn 29 Jul 2008

Loutchansky v Times Newspapers Limited (No 2): CA 12 Mar 2001

The defendants appealed against a refusal to allow them to amend their pleadings. They wished to include allegations as to matters which were unknown to the journalist at the time of publication. Held: It is necessary for the defendants to establish that they had a duty to publish the article if they are to be … Continue reading Loutchansky v Times Newspapers Limited (No 2): CA 12 Mar 2001

Greenfield, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 16 Feb 2005

The appellant had been charged with and disciplined for a prison offence. He was refused legal assistance at his hearing, and it was accepted that the proceedings involved the determination of a criminal charge within the meaning of article 6 of the Convention, that the deputy controller was not an independent tribunal and that the … Continue reading Greenfield, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 16 Feb 2005

Motorola Credit Corporation v Uzan and others (No 2): CA 12 Jun 2003

World-wide freezing orders had been made under the 1982 Act. The defendants were members of a Turkish family with substantial business interests in the telecommunications industry. In breach of orders made in the US some defendants had sought to hide their assets. They had failed to respond as required to orders to disclose their assest, … Continue reading Motorola Credit Corporation v Uzan and others (No 2): CA 12 Jun 2003

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

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

Calzaghe v Warren: QBD 20 Jan 2010

The claimant boxer had secured judgement for fight fees from a company operated by the respondent manager and promoter. After the judgment the defendant had put the company into administration. The claimant now sought payment from the defendant personally, alleging dishonesty in the conduct of the claim. The defendant sought to argue that there was … Continue reading Calzaghe v Warren: QBD 20 Jan 2010

Uzukauskas v Lithuania: ECHR 6 Jul 2010

ECHR The applicant had a licence for a pistol and rifle. His was refused another licence, and then the existing licence was withdrawn. His name had been included in a police list in an operational records file holding data for law enforcement bodies obtained during operational activities. He began proceedings challenging his listing. The court … Continue reading Uzukauskas v Lithuania: ECHR 6 Jul 2010

Daltel Europe Ltd and others v Makki and others: CA 28 Feb 2006

The defendant had breached freezing orders and had verified statements put before the court without honestly believing them. He now challenged the subsequent contempt proceedings saying that they were criminal within section 25 of the 1988 Act and hearsay evidence should not have been allowed. Held: The use of section 25 was confined to the … Continue reading Daltel Europe Ltd and others v Makki and others: CA 28 Feb 2006

Nelson v Carillion Services Ltd: CA 15 Apr 2003

The appellant challenged dismissal of her claim for equal pay. It had been rejected on the ground that the employer had shown a material factor justifying the difference in pay. Held: Enderby establishes that the burden of proving sex discrimination lies initially on the employee. The burden of proof in indirect discrimination cases should be … Continue reading Nelson v Carillion Services Ltd: CA 15 Apr 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

Elgizouli v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 25 Mar 2020

Defendants were to face trial in the US, accused of monstrous crimes. The appellant challenged the release of information to the USA by the respondent to support such prosecutions when the death penalty was a possible outcome of a conviction: ‘The issue in this case is the legality of the Government’s decision to provide mutual … Continue reading Elgizouli v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 25 Mar 2020

Kennedy v The Charity Commission: SC 26 Mar 2014

The claimant journalist sought disclosure of papers acquired by the respondent in its conduct of enquiries into the charitable Mariam appeal. The Commission referred to an absolute exemption under section 32(2) of the 2000 Act, saying that the exemption continued until the papers were destroyed, or for 20 years under the 1958 Act. Held: The … Continue reading Kennedy v The Charity Commission: SC 26 Mar 2014

Miller, Regina (on the Application of) v The Prime Minister; Cherry QC v Lord Advocate: SC 24 Sep 2019

Prerogative act of prorogation was justiciable. The Prime Minister had prorogued Parliament for a period of five weeks, leaving only a short time for Parliament to debate and act the forthcoming termination of the membership by the UK of the EU. The Scottish Court had decided (Cherry) that the prorogation was void being for impermissible … Continue reading Miller, Regina (on the Application of) v The Prime Minister; Cherry QC v Lord Advocate: SC 24 Sep 2019

MB, Re, Secretary of State for the Home Department v MB: Admn 12 Apr 2006

The applicant challenged the terms of a non-derogating control order. It was anticipated that unless prevented, he would fight against UK forces in Iraq. Held: The section allowed the Secretary of State to impose any necessary conditions, but subject to a system of supervision by the courts. The parties now disputed whether the Act gave … Continue reading MB, Re, Secretary of State for the Home Department v MB: Admn 12 Apr 2006

Alfred Mcalpine Construction Limited v Panatown Limited: HL 17 Feb 2000

A main contractor who was building not on his own land, would only be free to claim damages from a sub-contractor for defects in the building where the actual owner of the land would not also have had a remedy. Here, the land owner was able to sue under a deed of covenant entered into … Continue reading Alfred Mcalpine Construction Limited v Panatown Limited: HL 17 Feb 2000

Regina v Smith, Regina v Mercieca: HL 16 Feb 2005

A member of the jury wrote to the judge saying that other members were failing to discharge their duties properly. Smith took a tactical decision not to seek a retrial. The judge saw counsel in chambers, after which the jury were reminded of their duties and left to their verdicts. The appellants said that steps … Continue reading Regina v Smith, Regina v Mercieca: HL 16 Feb 2005

Sadler v The General Medical Council: PC 15 Jul 2003

(The Committee on Professional Performance of the GMC) The distinction drawn in Krippendorf between a practitioner’s current competence and past performance was not to be taken too far. The purpose of the assessment was not to punish the practitioner, but to protect the public. The standard of proof was accordingly the civil standard of balance … Continue reading Sadler v The General Medical Council: PC 15 Jul 2003

Comninos v Prudential Assurance Company Ltd (The Ikarian Reefer no 2): CA 12 Oct 1999

Mr Comninos challenged the jurisdiction of the court to have made an order for costs made against him. Judges: Simon Brown LJ, Waller LJ, Tuckey LJ Citations: [1999] EWCA Civ 3019, [2000] 1 All ER 37, [1999] 2 All ER (Comm) 673, [2000] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 129, [2000] 1 WLR 603, [2000] Lloyd’s Rep IR … Continue reading Comninos v Prudential Assurance Company Ltd (The Ikarian Reefer no 2): CA 12 Oct 1999

Marcel v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis: CA 1992

A writ of subpoena ad duces tecum had been issued requiring the production by the police for use in civil proceedings of documents seized during a criminal fraud investigation. The victim of the fraud needed them to pursue his own civil case. Held: The court discharged the injunction granted at first instance and held that … Continue reading Marcel v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis: CA 1992

S v Floyd, Equality and Human Rights Commission: CA 18 Mar 2008

The court considered the relationship between the two Acts. The assured tenant had fallen into arrears, and was subject to an order for possession. He claimed that his disability required the court not to make an order for possession against her, and that arrears of payable housing benefits would clear the debt. Held: The appeal … Continue reading S v Floyd, Equality and Human Rights Commission: CA 18 Mar 2008

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

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

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

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

KD v Chief Constable of Hampshire: QBD 23 Nov 2005

The claimant’s daughter had made a complaint of rape. She alleged that she was sexually harassed by the investigating police officer, and sought damages also from the defendant, his employer. The officer denied that anything improper or non-consensual had taken place. Held: The taking of the statements was a course of conduct and was plainly … Continue reading KD v Chief Constable of Hampshire: QBD 23 Nov 2005

In re D (A Child), (Abduction: Rights of Custody): HL 16 Nov 2006

The child had been born to parents who married and later divorced in Romania. The mother brought him to England without the father’s consent, and now appealed an order for his return. Held: The mother’s appeal succeeded. The Convention required an order to be made for the return of a child only where the parent … Continue reading In re D (A Child), (Abduction: Rights of Custody): HL 16 Nov 2006

Islamic Republic of Pakistan v Zardari and others: ComC 6 Oct 2006

The claimant alleged that the defendants had funded the purchase of various properties by secret and unlawful commissions taken by them whilst in power in Pakistan. They sought to recover the proceeds. They now sought permission to serve proceedings on the defendant companies abroad, outside a Lugano Convention country. Held: The claim should proced. ‘There … Continue reading Islamic Republic of Pakistan v Zardari and others: ComC 6 Oct 2006

Meadow v General Medical Council: Admn 17 Feb 2006

The appellant challenged being struck off the medical register. He had given expert evidence in a criminal case which was found misleading and to have contributed to a wrongful conviction for murder. Held: The evidence though mistaken was given in good faith and the penalty was disproportionate and was set aside. The evidence which had … Continue reading Meadow v General Medical Council: Admn 17 Feb 2006

Sharp v Caledonia Group Services Ltd: EAT 1 Nov 2005

EAT Equal Pay Act – Material factor defence – In an equal pay claim involving a presumption of direct discrimination the genuine material factor defence requires justification by objective criteria.The claimant appealed dismissal of her action for equal pay, saying that the ‘material factor’ defence used to justify a different payment had been incorrectly applied. … Continue reading Sharp v Caledonia Group Services Ltd: EAT 1 Nov 2005

Miller v Associated Newspapers Ltd: QBD 11 Nov 2003

A policemen sued in defamation. The newspaper pleaded Reynolds qualified privilege. Held: The plea was struck out. There has developed tendency of defendants to plead qualified privilege since the Reynolds decision in ‘rather waffly generalities’, and such defences required close scrutiny.Eady J said: ‘Specifically in the context of the right to jury trial, judgment should … Continue reading Miller v Associated Newspapers Ltd: QBD 11 Nov 2003

Regina v Lancashire County Council ex parte Huddleston: CA 1986

The respondent council had failed to allocate a university student grant to the claimant and the principle was directed at the duty of that authority to state clearly the reasons for its refusal and the particular factors that had been taken into consideration for the purpose. Held: When a challenge is made in court to … Continue reading Regina v Lancashire County Council ex parte Huddleston: CA 1986

Sekhon, etc v Regina: CACD 16 Dec 2002

The defendants appealed against confiscation orders on the basis that in various ways, the Crown had failed to comply with procedural requirements. Held: The courts must remember the importance of such procedures in the fight against crime, and must not allow procedural or technical failures to defeat that purpose. Courts should rather look to see … Continue reading Sekhon, etc v Regina: CACD 16 Dec 2002

Regina (DJ) v Mental Health Review Tribunal; Regina (AN) v Mental Health Review Tribunal (Northern Region): Admn 11 Apr 2005

Each applicant sought judicial review of the refusal of the tribunal to authorise their release from detention under the 1983 Act, saying that the Tribunal had accepted evidence to a lower standard of proof. Held: Neither the criminal standard of proof nor the level of proof set down in Addington applied. To raise the standard … Continue reading Regina (DJ) v Mental Health Review Tribunal; Regina (AN) v Mental Health Review Tribunal (Northern Region): Admn 11 Apr 2005

Tovey and Another v Regina: CACD 9 Mar 2005

Each defendant appealed sentences where he had committed a series of offences and the sentence had been for specimen acts. Held: When choosing representative offences a prosecutor should be careful to try to give the court a proper picture of the defendant’s criminal behaviour. The court considered when a series of acts might properly be … Continue reading Tovey and Another v Regina: CACD 9 Mar 2005

Catlin Estates Ltd and Another v Carter Jonas (A Firm): TCC 31 Oct 2005

The defendants had been employed to manage a building project which it was said went wrong. The court had to consider several different factual claims. Citations: [2005] EWHC 2315 (TCC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Defective Premises Act 1972 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – National Justice Compania Naviera S A v Prudential Assurance Company Ltd … Continue reading Catlin Estates Ltd and Another v Carter Jonas (A Firm): TCC 31 Oct 2005

‘Bow Spring’, Owners of Ship v ‘Manzanillo Ii’, Owners of Ship: CA 28 Jul 2004

There had been a collision at sea. Held: (Addendum) Where the admiralty court sought advice from assessors, modern good practice required that the advice should be disclosed to the parties advisers and that they have opportunity to comment. Nautical assessors are experts within the Rules. The practice set out in the Hannibal did not fulfil … Continue reading ‘Bow Spring’, Owners of Ship v ‘Manzanillo Ii’, Owners of Ship: CA 28 Jul 2004

Lobban, Regina v: CACD 7 May 2004

The defendant appealed his conviction. A witness statement had been read, but he had wanted to cross examine her. The court was satisfied that her refusal to give evidence in person was through fear. Held: In making the decision, the judge had incorrectly said that her evidence was uncontested. The errors began with discussions in … Continue reading Lobban, Regina v: CACD 7 May 2004

Lalchan Nanan v The State: PC 1986

(Trinidad and Tobago) The Board refused to admit evidence that four members of the jury, including the foreman, were acting under a misapprehension when they agreed to the verdict. However, the Board accepted the possibility that other cases might arise in the future where the presumption against enquiring into activities in the jury room might … Continue reading Lalchan Nanan v The State: PC 1986

Dunnachie v Kingston Upon Hull City Council; Williams v Southampton Institute; Dawson v Stonham Housing Association: EAT 8 Apr 2003

EAT Unfair Dismissal – CompensationIn each case, The employee sought additional damages for non-economic loss after an unfair dismissal. Held: The Act could be compared with the Discrimination Acts which explicitly awarded damages for hurt feelings. Clear authority lay against such awards in unfair dismissal cases. An Employment Tribunal considering a claim for damages for … Continue reading Dunnachie v Kingston Upon Hull City Council; Williams v Southampton Institute; Dawson v Stonham Housing Association: EAT 8 Apr 2003

Royal Brompton Hospital National Health Service Trust v Hammond and others: HL 25 Apr 2002

The claimants sought damages against the defendants for their late delivery of a building. The contractors sought to share the damages with the architects who had certified the delays, defeating their own claims. Held: The Act sought to extend the circumstances under which contributions could be sought, but their claim against the architects were of … Continue reading Royal Brompton Hospital National Health Service Trust v Hammond and others: HL 25 Apr 2002

Liennard v Slough Borough Council: QBD 15 Mar 2002

The claimant sought damages from the respondents who had been responsible for his education, for having failed to diagnose his learning difficulties. The school had recognised that he was underachieving, but diagnosis as to the reason was not easy. Held: Though the school had acted properly, it had failed to call in specialist help and … Continue reading Liennard v Slough Borough Council: QBD 15 Mar 2002

Sinclair v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire and British Telecommunications Plc: CA 12 Dec 2000

The claimant had been prosecuted, but the charge was dismissed as an abuse of process. He now appealed a strike out of his civil claim for damages for malicious prosecution. Held: The appeal failed. The decision to dismiss the criminal charge against him was surprising in the circumstances. Judges: Otton, Jonathan Parker LJJ Citations: [2000] … Continue reading Sinclair v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire and British Telecommunications Plc: CA 12 Dec 2000

Majrowski v Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust: CA 16 Mar 2005

The claimant had sought damages against his employer, saying that they had failed in their duty to him under the 1997 Act in failing to prevent harassment by a manager. He appealed a strike out of his claim. Held: The appeal succeeded. The issue is whether an employer may be vicariously liable under section 3 … Continue reading Majrowski v Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust: CA 16 Mar 2005

In Re Levin; Regina v Governor of Brixton Prison, Ex parte Levin: HL 10 Apr 1997

The applicant had been detained pending extradition to the United States on charges of fraud. He said the evidence would not have been sufficient to justify his committal for trial. Held: The Francis case did not establish that the 1984 Act did not apply to extradition procceedings, and they might also be admissible under the … Continue reading In Re Levin; Regina v Governor of Brixton Prison, Ex parte Levin: HL 10 Apr 1997

Regina v Ministry of Defence ex parte Colin James Murray: QBD 15 Dec 1997

The defendant sought judicial review of his court-martial and of the confirming officers. He said the court should have heard that he committed the offence whist intixicated after taking an anti-malarial drug. The court dd not explain why it had found no causal connection beween the treatment and the offence. Held: There is no over-riding … Continue reading Regina v Ministry of Defence ex parte Colin James Murray: QBD 15 Dec 1997