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
Mr Norgren claimed andpound;250,000 due under an agreement with Mr Brock. Mr Norgren had earlier introduced Mr Bock to Mr (Tiny) Rowland, and this dispute formed part of a much larger one. When Mr Norgren’s case came on for trial, he was arrested on an extradition warrant and held in custody until Mr Rowland stood … Continue reading Rowland v Bock: 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
Third in a rapid succession of Court of Appeal cases concerning the effect of the automatic stay imposed by Practice Direction 51Z Judges: Sir Geoffrey Vos, Chancellor of the High Court Citations: [2020] EWCA Civ 833 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure (Amendment No. 2) (Coronavirus) Rules 2020 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 31 … Continue reading TFS Stores Ltd v The Designer Retail Outlet Centres (Mansfield) General Partner Ltd and Others: CA 2 Jul 2020
When asking whether the time for appeal against an arbitrator’s award should be extended, the court should look at several circumstances, including the length of the delay; whether the party was acting reasonably in all the circumstances in delaying; whether the other party had contributed to the delay; whether other party would suffer irremediable prejudice … Continue reading Aoot Kalmneft v Glencore International Ag and Another: ComC 27 Jul 2001
Application by Defendants to set aside a default judgment entered against them pursuant to CPR Part 12.10, by reason of the Defendant’s failure to acknowledge service within time. Judges: The Hon Mr Justice Morison Citations: [2001] EWHC 531 (Comm) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 12.10 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 04 … Continue reading Smit International (Deutschland) Gmbh v Josef Mobius Baugesellschaft Gmbh and Co: ComC 7 Jun 2001
Important point as to the strength of the case on the merits to be established in order to obtain leave to serve out of the jurisdiction and its relationship to the strength of the claim to be established to avoid being struck out under CPR 3.4 or 24.2. Judges: Mr Justice Colman Citations: [2001] EWHC … Continue reading De Molestina and Others v Ponton and Others: ComC 16 May 2001
No Judicial Review of Decisions of Private Body Despite the wide range of its powers, the disciplinary committee of the Jockey Club remains a domestic tribunal. Judicial review is not available to a member. The relationship is in contract between the club and its member. Sir Thomas Bingham MR said: ‘No serious racecourse management, owner, … Continue reading Regina v Disciplinary Committee of the Jockey Club, ex parte Aga Khan: CA 4 Dec 1992
Judges: Mr Justice Beatson Citations: [2009] EWHC 1333 (Comm) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 24.6 25.7 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 26 November 2022; Ref: scu.347024
The case had concluded. Offers of settlement had been made and the operative one included an offer on the interest payable. The court came to decide how the interest part of the offer was to be considered when assessing whether the judgment bettered the offer. It was noted that an offer on costs was to … Continue reading Ali Reza-Delta Transport Co Ltd v United Arab Shipping Co Sag: CA 17 Jun 2003
The claim had been settled before action, and costs only proceedings had been instigated. He appealed a decision as to the award of costs in that case. The question was whether the phrase ‘the proceedings which gave rise to the assessment proceedings’ referred to the only actual proceedings, the costs claim, or to the settled … Continue reading Crosbie v Munroe, Motor Insurer’s Bureau: CA 14 Mar 2003
In defamation proceedings the defendant had invited one issue to be left to the jury. After losing the case, the defendant sought to appeal, arguing that the jury’s verdict was perverse. It was held that such an appeal amounted to an abuse of process, and if allowed, would bring the administration of justice into disrepute. … Continue reading McPhilemy v Times Newspapers Ltd; Liam Clarke and and Andrew Neil (No 3): CA 12 Jun 2001
The issue was the appropriateness of a Court striking an action out where there has been considerable delay if: (i) the cause of action relied upon by the plaintiff in the proceedings would be statute barred if the action were to be struck out, but (ii) the plaintiff has another cause of action upon which … Continue reading Arbuthnot Latham Bank Limited; Nordbanken London Branch v Trafalgar Holdings Limited; Ashton and Ashton: CA 16 Dec 1997
The claimant sought damages after publication by the first defendant of articles which it was claimed implied that he had taken drugs. The paper claimed qualified privilege, and claimed Reynolds immunity. Held: The defence of qualified privilege should be restored, and be decided at trial, and not summarily. Judges: Brooke LJ, Tuckey LJ, Arden LJ … Continue reading Armstrong v Times Newspapers Ltd and David Walsh, Alan English: CA 29 Jul 2005
EAT This was a request for strike-out of an entitlement reference, prior to the formal evidence rounds, on the grounds that the statement of case provided by the claimant did not clearly identify the inventive concept in dispute. The patent applications have not yet been granted, and the defendant says the claims were deliberately drafted … Continue reading Orbital 2 Limited and Urs Viktor Giger (Patent): IPO 29 Jan 2010
W appealed against the striking out as an abuse of its request for a declaration that the tenants of the flats at Dolphin Square were entitled to acquire its freehold from the respondents. They had previously served and withdrawn a notice claiming the right. Held: The tenants’ appeal was allowed. CPR 38.7 did not operate … Continue reading Westbrook Dolphin Square Ltd v Friends Life Ltd: CA 18 May 2012
The claimant sought a declaration that an offer earlier given to settle the action was no longer open for acceptance not having been accepted. Judges: Warren J Citations: [2010] EWHC 2940 (Ch), [2010] 47 EG 140, [2011] 1 WLR 331, [2011] 3 EG 84 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 3(1)(m) 36 Jurisdiction: England and … Continue reading C v D and D2: ChD 16 Nov 2010
The defendant had settled the claim for damages for personal injury. His payment in had been rejected, but the claimant won a smaller sum at trial. He now argued that the claimant should not receive the full 100% costs uplift provided. Held: The defendant’s appeal was dismissed. ‘Section III of Part 45 contains a carefully … Continue reading Lamont v Burton: CA 9 May 2007
The court considered the approval required for an order under the 2002 Act. Held: Welfare considerations were important but not paramount: ‘Given the permanent nature of the order under s.30, it seems reasonable that the court should adopt the ‘lifelong’ perspective of welfare in the Adoption and Children Act 2002 rather than the ‘minority’ perspective … Continue reading In re X and Y (Foreign Surrogacy): FD 9 Dec 2008
Where a patentee sues for infringement and then discontinues his claim against the alleged infringer and consents to the revocation of his patent, he may yet require the alleged infringer to pay a substantial proportion of his costs if he can show that this situation came about because the alleged infringer had amended his defence … Continue reading Baird v Moule’s Patent Earth Closet Co Ltd: CA 3 Feb 1876
The claimant alleged fraud against the defendant. The defendant now appealed against an order allowing service of the proceedings on him in Lebanon. Judges: Arden, Longmore, McFarlane LJJ Citations: [2011] EWCA Civ 1571 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules Part 11 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appeal from – Abela and Others v Baadarani and … Continue reading Abela and Others v Baadarani: CA 15 Dec 2011
The parties had litigated the sale of land free of restrictive covenants. Held: The rule that a party was entilted to its costs of defending an action under the Act for the discharge of a covenant at least as far as was necessary for it to have been able to establish whether it was proper … Continue reading University of East London Higher Education Corporation v London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and others: ChD 14 Dec 2004
The claimant had been awarded costs, and sought to charge her time as a solicitor. Held: The claimant had only a limited practicing certificate, which would allow her to work for others only without charge. She could not for these proceedings charge on the basis on which she would not be allowed to practise. Judges: … Continue reading Boyd and Hutchinson v Joseph: ChD 14 Mar 2003
An application was made to vary a disclosure order. The application raised a question as to the scope of CPR Part 33.6 and the relationship between that provision, Part 31.5(2) and Part 31.19, and the exercise of the powers conferred on the Court by Part 31.5(2) and Part 31.19. Held: CPR 31.5(2) empowers the court … Continue reading Serious Organised Crime Agency v Namli and Another: CA 29 Nov 2011
The parties had litigated the validity of a patent. Judges: Lord Neuberger MR, Aikens, Lewison LJJ Citations: [2011] EWCA Civ 1288 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Baird v Moule’s Patent Earth Closet Co Ltd CA 3-Feb-1876 Where a patentee sues for infringement and then discontinues his claim against the alleged infringer … Continue reading Fresenius Kabi Deutschland Gmbh and Others v Carefusion 303 Inc: CA 8 Nov 2011
The claimant alleged that the defendant, the chief executive of the Law Society had slandered him in a conversation with another senior lawyer. The claimant now sought summary judgment against the claimant, saying that the defence had no realistic prospect of success. Held: The claim was dismissed as an abuse. Whilst the alleged libel was … Continue reading Kordowski v Hudson: QBD 21 Oct 2011
The court considered issues relating to the appropriateness of the claimants instructing London solicitors in a case in which those solicitors had submitted a bill of costs totalling pounds 220,000 in connection with a claim in which their clients had recovered pounds 90,000. Sir Christopher Staughton said: ‘So surely case management powers will allow a … Continue reading Solutia UK Limited v Griffiths: CA 26 Apr 2001
The claimant challenged an order requiring him to give security for costs before proceeding. The judge had felt he was unreasonable in the way he was pursuing his claim. He appealed saying the order was made outside the scope of Part 25. Held: The rules now allowed orders akin to orders for security for costs … Continue reading Olakunle O Olatawura v Alexander O Abiloye: CA 17 Jul 2002
The applicant had been sentenced to nine months imprisonment for having broken his undertaking to the Court. He appealed against that sentence. The other party also sought to appeal other parts of the order. Held: An appeal limited to the sentencing part of a committal for contempt did not require leave to appeal, being as … Continue reading London Borough of Barnet v Hurst: CA 17 Jul 2002
The new Civil Procedure Rules did not change the circumstances where the Court of Appeal would interfere with a first instance decision, but would apply the new rules on that decision. Very extensive pleadings in defamation cases should now be otiose. In the modern era of witness statements, extensive and fully particularised pleadings are no … Continue reading McPhilemy v Times Newspapers Ltd and Others (2): CA 26 May 1999
The claimant sued for libel in respect of the publication in this jurisdiction of allegations of fabricating evidence, conspiracy to murder, and the bribery and corruption of the prosecutor and judges in criminal proceedings. The defendant now applied to set aside service of proceedings on her outside the jurisdiction.As to CPR 23.11, Warby J said: … Continue reading Sloutsker v Romanova: QBD 5 Mar 2015
Application for reconsideration of refusal of leave to appeal. Judges: Lord Justice Flaux Citations: [2021] EWCA Civ 57 Links: Bailii, Juciciary Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 52.30 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See also – UCP Plc v Nectrus Ltd ComC 21-Feb-2018 Application for stay pending proceedings in Isle of Man . . See also – … Continue reading Nectrus Ltd v UCP Plc: CA 21 Jan 2021
UTIAC Rule 9(5) of the Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) Rules 2008, which provides for UNHCR participation in Upper Tribunal proceedings as an intervener in an ‘asylum case’, is to be construed purposively to include subsidiary (humanitarian) protection. In deciding whether to accept an application by an appellant to withdraw an appeal in an asylum-related case … Continue reading HM and Others (Article 15(C)) Iraq CG: UTIAC 22 Sep 2010
The court was asked whether, when a claim was issued towards the very end of a limitation period, but was then not served, and the claim was struck out, CPR Part 7.5(1) gave a further four months in which it could be resurrected at the discretion of a judge under section 33 of the 1980 … Continue reading Aktas v Adepta: CA 22 Oct 2010
The claimant intended to seek recovery of a very substantial sum from the defendant. On learning of the defendant’s intention to sell its assets, it sought an order freezing them. Held: The court has the discretion to order a freezing of a defendant’s assets so as to prevent a transfer of those assets, even though … Continue reading Commissioners of Customs and Excise v Anchor Foods Ltd (No 2): ChD 24 Mar 1999
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
Acting on guidance, the parties representatives and the tribunal had assumed that part of the award relating to loss of future earnings would not be taxable. The question now was whether the tribunal had power of its own motion to review its decision. Held: ‘There is a difference between saying that a case to which … Continue reading Williams v Ferrosan Ltd: EAT 5 Mar 2004
The Claimants were the residents of a housing estate who applied for a Group Litigation Order to pursue their claim of nuisance and negligence against a waste contractor. The Defendant requested the disclosure of their ‘after the event’ insurance policy as a condition of the GLO. Held: The policy was disclosable both under CPR31.14 and … Continue reading Barr and Others v Biffa Waste Services Ltd: TCC 15 May 2009
Defendant’s application for strike out elements of claimant’s case – granted in part. Held: The court summarised the core principles in considering an application to strike out a defence, saying that it: ‘ . . calls for analysis of the statement of case, without reference to evidence. The primary facts alleged are assumed to be … Continue reading Duchess of Sussex v Associated Newspapers Ltd: ChD 1 May 2020
The applicants sought judicial review of the Immigration Appeal Tribunal’s refusal of leave to appeal. The court had to decide whether such a right survived section 101 of the 2001 Act. Held: The right to have a judicial review could only be removed by the clearest of words. A right remained, but it was severely … Continue reading Regina (G) v Immigration Appeal Tribunal; Regina (M) v Immigration Appeal Tribunal: Admn 25 Mar 2004
The respondent brought in laws restricting marriages between persons subject to immigration control, requiring those seeking non Church of England marriages to first obtain a certificate from the defendant that the marriage was approved. The applicants said this was discriminatory and infringed their human rights. Held: Legislation which prevented marriages of convenience between aliens and … Continue reading Baiai and Others, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 10 Apr 2006
The claimant sought damages in negligence against solicitors who had advised the executors in an estate of which he was a beneficiary. He now sought to amend his claim to make a claim in his personal and in derivative capacities. Sums had been paid out of the estate which had defeated the inheritance rights of … Continue reading Roberts v Gill and Co and Another: CA 15 Jul 2008
Disruption of court proceedings – whether contempt in face of court. Judges: Coulson LJ, Spencer J Citations: [2019] EWHC 1483 (Admin), [2019] WLR(D) 332 Links: Bailii, WLRD Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 81 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Contempt of Court, Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 11 July 2022; Ref: scu.639230
The claimant sought to add the name of a further claimant. The defendant objected, saying that it was after the expiry of the limitation period. Held: The claimant was seeking to use the rules for substitution of parties to add a party. In defamation law, the claim of each claimant was a single and separate … Continue reading Adelson and Another v Associated Newspapers Ltd: CA 9 Jul 2007
(Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (St Christopher and Nevis) The Board considered the procedure for the deployment of medical expert evidence in personal injury litigation in St Kitts and Nevis. Specifically, the issue is whether the special provisions about the attaching of medical reports to a statement of claim for personal … Continue reading Bergan v Evans (St Christopher and Nevis): PC 1 Jul 2019
The House was asked whether an asylum applicant whose original application was determined in Scotland, but his application for leave to appeal rejected in London, should apply to challenge those decisions in London or in Scotland. Held: Such an application must be heard in Scotland save only in exceptional circumstances. The appropriate forum would be … Continue reading Tehrani v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 18 Oct 2006
The court considered the consequences of delay in applications for judicial review: ‘It is important that those parties, and indeed the public generally, should be able to proceed on the basis that the decision is valid and can be relied on, and that they can plan their lives and make personal and business decisions accordingly.’ … Continue reading Hardy and others v Pembrokeshire County Council and Another: CA 19 Jul 2006
The defendants appealed a decision that they had no sufficient reason for not attending court on the day of the trial. Held: The fact that the defendants had a continuing commercial relationship with the claimants was not enough to justify an inference that they should be aware of proceedings served at a former address. In … Continue reading Estate Acquisition and Development Ltd v Wiltshire and Another: CA 4 May 2006
The court considered the effect of negotiations on costs claims: ‘Changes were made to the Rules of Court. Some of these changes, and in particular the provisions of Sections II to V of CPR45, were introduced following ‘industry wide’ discussions under the aegis of the Civil Justice Council. Agreement was reached on the recoverable costs … Continue reading Butt v Nizami: QBD 9 Feb 2006
The claimants sought to amend their particulars of claim to add a request for declarations with regard to a bill of lading and contract for carriage. Held: The application to amend was made more than six years after the cause of action accrued. It was in its nature a new claim. The additional possibility that … Continue reading P and O Nedloyd BV v Arab Metals Co and Others (‘The UB Tiger’): QBD 22 Jun 2005
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
Each side had succeeded in part on their claims and counterclaims, but the Respondent was andpound;5,000 out of pocket. Each party had been ordered to pay the costs of the other. Held: The appeal succeeded. The judge had correctly recognised the difficulty of settling costs on an issue by issue basis, but should have considered … Continue reading Burchell v Bullard and others: CA 8 Apr 2005
The landlord had been given permission by the court to adduce one unnamed expert. He obtained one report, but disliked it and sought another. The tenant objected and he was not allowed to rely upon the new report. He appealed judgment in favour of the tenant. Held: A party in such a position was entitled … Continue reading Hajigeorgiou v Vasiliou: CA 10 Mar 2005
Tenants occupied land next to land which was to be developed after compulsory acquisition. The tenants and the landlords asserted a right of light over the land, and sought an injunction to prevent the development. The developer denied that any right of light had been acquired. The sky contour diagrams projected that the reductions in … Continue reading Midtown Ltd v City of London Real Property Company Ltd: ChD 20 Jan 2005
Citations: [2001] EWCA Civ 134, (2001) 33 HLR 70, [2001] CP Rep 70 Links: Bailii Statutes: Access to Justice Act 1999 54, Civil Procedure Rules 52 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Housing, Litigation Practice Updated: 18 June 2022; Ref: scu.217917
The defendants had been given extended time to comply with an order for pre-action discovery. Leave to appeal had been granted, with a stay, but there was confusion as to whether expedition was also ordered. The current date had been fixed, but application was now made for that date to be vacated. Held: The court … Continue reading Black and Another v Sumitomo Corporation and others: CA 28 Sep 2001
Application to clarify terms of earlier order about status of findings by the Court of Appeal in representative applications. Judges: Chadwick LJ Citations: [2001] EWCA Civ 1438, [2002] CP Rep 11 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 13 June 2022; Ref: scu.201338
The court considered the application of CPR 3.9(1) to a decision relating to the relief of a sanction. Held: Lord Justice Brooke said: ‘It is essential for courts, exercising their discretion on an occasion like this, to consider each matter listed under CPR 3.9(1) systematically in the same way as it is now well known … Continue reading Bansal v Cheema: CA 2 Mar 2000
The claimants had been imprisoned for many years before their convictions were quashed. They claimed compensation under the Act. The assessor said that there should be deducted from the award the living expenses they would have incurred if they had not been in prison. Held: The statutory scheme replaced an ex gratia scheme, and there … Continue reading Independent Assessor v O’Brien, Hickey, Hickey: CA 29 Jul 2004
In ancillary relief proceedings, the husband had not made frank disclosure of his assets. The final Calderbank offer of andpound;600,000 was made only the day before the substantive hearing. The offer was rejected. The judge awarded the wife a lump sum of andpound;1 million. The judge made no order as to costs after the date … Continue reading Gojkovic v Gojkovic (No 2): CA 1 Apr 1991
The word ‘private’ in rule 39.2 means the same as ‘secret’. Lord Justice Mance said: ‘It may be equated with the old ‘in camera’ procedure, rather than the old ‘in chambers’ procedure.’ Privacy and confidentiality are features long assumed to be implicit in parties’ choice to arbitrate in England. Judges: Mance VC, Carnwath, Mance LJJ … Continue reading Department of Economic Policy and Development of City of Moscow and Another v Bankers Trust Company and Another: CA 25 Mar 2004
The applicant had been sentenced to detention during Her Majesty’s Pleasure. He sought a judicial review of the Lord Chief Justice’s recommendation to the Home Secretary for the minimum term he was to serve. Held: In exercising this function, the LCJ was acting in a judicial capacity, and therefore his recommendation was not subject to … Continue reading Regina (on the Application of Dudson) v Secretary of State for the Home Department and the Lord Chief Justice: Admn 21 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
Statements had been obtained from a witness by the claimants, but not included amongst the evidence. At a point during the trial, a defendant asked for and was given leave to include the evidence. He now appealed leave given to the claimant to cross examine the witness having taken the statement themselves. Held: One purpose … Continue reading Douglas and Others v Hello Ltd and others: CA 3 Mar 2003
The claimants claimed damages for the sale by the defendants in the UK of CD’s manufactured for sale only in the far East. The defendants challenged the right of a claimant phonographic society to have the right to sue on behalf of its members. Held: The right to issue representative actions varies with the nature … Continue reading Independiente Ltd and others v Music Trading On-Line (HK) Ltd and others: ChD 13 Mar 2003
The claimant had issued proceedings against the deceased after his death, but before a personal representative had been appointed. They later discontinued and re-issued against the person appointed by the court to defend the action. The defendant then said the proceedings were an abuse of process, and pleaded a limitation defence. Held: The deceased was … Continue reading Piggott v Aulton (Deceased): CA 29 Jan 2003
During an action, advice from counsel had been inadvertently disclosed to the claimants. The defendant sought to restrain use of the papers in the trial. It was accepted that the papers attracted legal professional privilege, but the police also sought public interest immunity. Held: A solicitor considering documents released to him owes no duty to … Continue reading Mohamad Al Fayed v The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis: CA 29 May 2002
The first defendant appealed a judgement that it was responsible to the claimant for a loan taken out by the second defendant, one of its shareholders. He had said it was for the company, and he had been found not personally responsible. Land had been purchased in the second defendant’s name, he said, only for … Continue reading Dennis Pritchard Evans v Tiger Investments Limited, David John Moore: CA 20 Feb 2002
The right of a litigant, to choose his solicitor and counsel, is a fundamental one not to be set aside by mere rules of court. In particular the new rules should not be interpreted so as to achieve this. This is part of the principle of equality of arms. Judges: Neuberger J Citations: Times 04-May-1999, … Continue reading Maltez v Lewis: ChD 27 Apr 1999
Where it was not the claimant’s fault that proceedings had not been issued within the appropriate time limit, the judge when considering exercise of his discretion to admit the claim, should not be tempted to refuse to admit it on the basis that the claimant would have a clear claim for negligence against the solicitor … Continue reading Steeds v Peverel Management Services Limited: CA 30 Mar 2001
A solicitor claimed the sum of andpound;59.00 for the cost of preparing his legal aid bill for assessment. The court had disallowed the costs of an in-house costs draftsman preparing the bill. The Costs Procedure Rules would generally allow something toward such a charge. The Court of Appeal had given leave to appeal although the … Continue reading A Local Authority v A Mother and Child: CA 20 Dec 2000
A court action had become stale, and was at risk of automatic striking out. One party wrote the court requesting directions or that the judge direct a case management conference if appropriate. He did not seek the approval of the defendant. It was held that the letter, and its being read by the judge, was … Continue reading Reliance National Insurance Company (Europe) Limited and Another v Ropner Insurance Services Limited: CA 1 Dec 2000
The claimants sought declarations as to the ownership of copyrights to music fom Cuba. Many witnesses would be required to give evidence from Cuba. Attempts to take evidence by video link from Cuba had failed. It was suggested that the judge might travel to Cuba to take evidence as necessary, even though the claimant did … Continue reading Peer International Corp and others v Termidor Music Publishers Ltd and Another: ChD 25 May 2005
The publication of articles in a newspaper describing how a ‘black clerk’ had complained about the allegedly racist comments of two policemen was said to have caused the claimant to receive racist hate mail. Held: The court considered the type of conduct which had to be proved to bring the case within the statute. Publication … Continue reading Thomas v News Group Newspapers Ltd: CA 18 Jul 2001
The respondent, a neighbour of the claimant, had fallen into dispute with the claimant, and issued a leaflet and signs alleging fraud. The claimants obtained an injunction, and in the absence of a substantive defence, judgement. He claimed that the judgement had deprived him of his right to a jury trial because the case involved … Continue reading Safeway Stores Plc v Albert Tate: CA 18 Dec 2000
The court heard a renewed application for leave to appeal. A single Lord Justice had directed that any oral renewal of the application for permission should be heard by a court of two, of which he was to be a member. Objection was taken to him being a member of the court, having already given … Continue reading Khreino v Khreino: CA 2000
Under the CPR, a company could now appear at court in person and without a legal representative. The old rule has not been carried forward. However the old rule had been clear and in a case under those rules, the order that the company was not properly before the court was properly made. Citations: Times … Continue reading R H Tomlinson (Trowbridge) Ltd v Secretary of State for the Environment and Another: CA 31 Aug 1999
In making a strike out decision under Part 24, the court of first instance was exercising a discretion which an appellate court should be reluctant to disturb. The court should only interfere in the case of a manifest error. The Law Society had intervened in the legal practice of the respondent’s late husband. The court … Continue reading Law Society v Southall: CA 14 Dec 2001
The plaintiff had accepted a payment in which was more advantageous than its own offer of settlement. It now sought costs on an indemnity rather than a standard basis. They argued that under the rule they were entitled to costs on an indemnity basis up to date of acceptance. Held: The rules said that once … Continue reading Dyson Appliances Limited v Hoover Limited (No 3): ChD 21 Oct 2002
Sumner J gave guidance on the withdrawal of an admission under the CPR: ‘From the cases and the CPR I draw the following principals:1. In exercising its discretion, the court will consider all the circumstances of the case and seek to give effect to the overriding objective.2. Among the matters to be considered will be:(a) … Continue reading Braybrook v The Basildon and Thurrock University NHS Trust: 7 Oct 2004
The respondent appealed against a finding that the provision which made a loan agreement completely invalid for lack of compliance with the 1974 Act was itself invalid under the Human Rights Act since it deprived the respondent lender of its property rights. It was also argued that it was not possible to make a declaration … Continue reading Wilson v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; Wilson v First County Trust Ltd (No 2): HL 10 Jul 2003
The Court was asked whether an admission was to be treated as binding on a party Judges: Purle QC HHJ Citations: [2017] EWHC 1336 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 1998 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 27 March 2022; Ref: scu.588181
Judges: Senior Master Fontaine Citations: [2021] EWHC 3390 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Evidence (Proceedings in Other Jurisdictions Act) 1975, Civil Procedure Rules 34(II) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice, International Updated: 24 March 2022; Ref: scu.671812
Application by the claimant pursuant to CPR 40.12(1) to correct the order made following the trial in this action Judges: Mr Justice Eder Citations: [2011] EWHC 2338 (Comm) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 40.12(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 23 March 2022; Ref: scu.449894
The appeal concerned a final third party debt order (formerly a garnishee order). A judgment in France was registered here for enforcement. That jurisdiction was now challenged. Held: A third party debt order is a proprietary remedy operating by attachment against the property of the judgment debtor. The property so attached is the chose in … Continue reading Societe Eram Shipping Company Limited and others v Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp Ltd, Compagnie Internationale de Navigation: HL 12 Jun 2003
An injunction was sought against a Panamanian ship-owning company to restrain it from disposing of a fund, consisting of insurance proceeds, in England. The claimant for the injunction was suing the company in a Cyprus court for damages and believed the company to have no other assets from which to meet the hoped-for damages award … Continue reading Siskina (owners of Cargo lately on Board) v Distos Compania Naviera SA: HL 1979
The applicant was a solicitor employed by a company in Belgium. He later resigned claiming unfair dismissal, saying he had been pressed to become involved in unlawful activities. The defendants sought to challenge the jurisdiction of the English Tribunal system. The defendants had begun procedures in Spain for conciliation. The claimant had obtained an injunction … Continue reading Turner v Grovit and others: HL 13 Dec 2001
The court considered whether it had jurisdiction to apply the Rules to extend time to appeal against discharge of an extradition request. The notice of appeal was not filed (or served) within seven days. Held: Latham LJ said: ‘I acknowledge the force of this argument. But it begs the question as to what power the … Continue reading Vilnius City, the District Court of v Barcys: Admn 22 Mar 2007
Application for pre-action disclosure made pursuant to section 33(2) of the Senior Courts Act 1981 and part 31.16 of the Civil Procedure Rules. Richard Spearman QC HHJ [2016] EWHC 376 (Ch) Bailii England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 10 January 2022; Ref: scu.560320
The court had made an order removing one executor, though with no criticism. It now considered its order for costs, all parties seeking costs in their favour. Held: The two personal representatives could not be expected to continue to work together, and at least one must go. Master Matthews said: ‘there are not two sets … Continue reading Jones v Longley and Others: ChD 20 Nov 2015
The three claimants had each been convicted of murders and served time. Their convictions had been reversed eventually, and they now appealed against the refusal of compensation for imprisonment, saying that there had been a miscarriage of justice. Held: The appeal of Adams was denied, but those of MacDermott and McCartney allowed (by majority). The … Continue reading Adams, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: SC 11 May 2011
A prison policy requiring prisoners not to be present when their property was searched and their mail was examined was unlawful. The policy had been introduced after failures in search procedures where officers had been intimidated by the presence of prisoners. Particularly when examining documents subject to legal professional privilege, the rules did not allow … Continue reading Regina (Daly) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 23 May 2001
The bank challenged measures taken by HM Treasury to restrict access to the United Kingdom’s financial markets by a major Iranian commercial bank, Bank Mellat, on the account of its alleged connection with Iran’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. The bank sought to have the direction given under section 7 of the 2008 Act. … Continue reading Bank Mellat v Her Majesty’s Treasury (No 2): SC 19 Jun 2013
The union appellant challenged the validity of the imposition of fees on those seeking to lay complaints in the Employment Tribunal system. Held: The appeal succeeded. The fees were discriminatory and restricted access to justice. The consequence of the order had been very substantially to reduce the number of cases coming before the tribunal, and: … Continue reading Unison, Regina (on The Application of) v Lord Chancellor: SC 26 Jul 2017
The court considered a request to order the defendants to pay a sum of money into court having defaulted in compliance with directions. Held: The court does have the power under 3.1(5) to order a party to pay a sum of money into court if that party has, without good reason, failed to comply with … Continue reading Carlton Advisors v Dorchester Holdings Ltd: ComC 29 Aug 2014
Application made pursuant to paragraph 32 of Practice Direction 52C to rely on a supplementary skeleton argument for the purposes of the present appeal. The context in which this application is made is an appeal by the claimant against an order of Mr Justice Eder in the exercise of his discretion under Civil Procedure Rules, … Continue reading Tchenguiz v Director of The Serious Fraud Office and Others: CA 13 Oct 2014
applications for permission to amend Peter Macdonald Eggers QC, (Sitting as a Deputy Judge of the High Court) [2021] EWHC 2330 (Comm) Bailii Civil Procedure Rules 17.1(2)(b) England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 21 December 2021; Ref: scu.667433
The appellant had been committed for contempt being said to have broken a gangs control order made under the 2009 Act. He had not been advised of his right to legal aid for representation. Green, Nicola Davies DBE LJJ [2019] EWCA Civ 55 Bailii Administration of Justice Act 1960 13, Policing and Crime Act 2009, … Continue reading Douherty v The Chief Constable of Essex Police: CA 30 Jan 2019
Application for the first defendant to be committed for alleged contempt of court for having failed to make disclosure of documents as required by a court order.Whipple J said: ‘In this case, the extent to which the Defendants are in continuing breach is in issue. In resolving that factual issue, Mr Milner suggests that it … Continue reading VIS Trading Co Ltd v Nazarov and Others: QBD 18 Nov 2015
The Civil Procedure Rules could not change the substantive law. It therefore remained necessary for it to be shown that in addition to knowing that what was said was false, the party had to have known that what was being said was likely to interfere with the course of justice. No new category of contempt … Continue reading Malgar Ltd v R E Leach Engineering Ltd: ChD 1 Nov 1999