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
Citations: [2003] EWCA Civ 950 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 51 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 16 August 2022; Ref: scu.184608
The claimant sought to overturn an order striking out his claim for damages for personal injury, after inordinate delay in prosecuting his claim. Held: It will be rare for a claim to be struck out for such a reason under the transitional procedures under the new Rules. There had to be some considerable risk of … Continue reading Taylor v Anderson and Another: CA 7 Nov 2002
The claimant had begun proceedings for the return of money held by the respondent. His action was stayed for inactivity, and the respondent later had the claim struck out on the basis that it would be an abuse of process to proceed. Held: The claim could still be tried without unfairness, and accordingly it should … Continue reading Fay v Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police: QBD 6 Feb 2003
By an application notice the First Defendant, Syleta Monica Susan Samuel, applies for an order that a probate claim brought by her sister, Merlina Jacqueline Samuel, be struck out as an abuse of process pursuant to CPR r 3.4(2)(b). Shortly stated, the basis for the application is that Merlina was a party to a probate … Continue reading Samuel v Samuel and Others: ChD 17 Dec 2018
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
Whether the Court has power to make an order under rule 19.6 of the Civil Procedure Rules for a Consumer Credit Act claim relating to a credit agreement or a regulated agreement to continue against representatives of the defendant creditors. Citations: [2020] EWHC 1420 (Ch) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Consumer, Banking, Litigation Practice … Continue reading Milne v Open Access Finance Ltd and Another: ChD 12 Mar 2020
The court considered the meaning of ‘real’ prospects of success: ‘This does not mean that a party can successfully resist summary judgement by suggesting, like Mr Micawber, that something may turn up to save him, though he does not know what: see per Megarry V-C in Lady Anne Tennant v. Associated Newspapers Group Ltd [1979] … Continue reading Fraser and others v Oystertec Plc and others: 3 Nov 2009
The claimant challenged a production order made by the magistrates in respect of journalists’ material. They complained that the application had used secret evidence not disclosed to it, and that the judge had not given adequate reasons to support the decision. The poice were investigating an offence under the 1989 Act. Held: It was common … Continue reading British Sky Broadcasting Ltd, Regina (on The Application of) v The Central Criminal Court and Another: Admn 21 Dec 2011
Citations: [2005] All ER (D) 294, [2005] EWHC 1152, [2005] BCC 99, Times 31-May-2005 Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 19.9, Companies Act 1985 151 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 01 December 2022; Ref: scu.237278
The claimant appealed a decision to admit in evidence a tape recording, taken by an enquiry agent of the defendant who had entered her house unlawfully. Held: The situation asked judges to reconcile the irreconcilable. Courts should be reluctant to create rules which would deny the admission of genuine evidence. Where a party behaved in … Continue reading Jones v University of Warwick: CA 4 Feb 2003
A copyright infringement case had been settled, but the court was to quantify and apportion costs. Some andpound;700,000 having been spent when the damages amounted to andpound;10,000. Held: Denne did not oust the court’s jurisdiction to hear an appeal. It is not open to the appellant to complain that the judge set out to do … Continue reading BCT Software Solutions Ltd v C Brewer and Sons Ltd: CA 11 Jul 2003
Whether, where an Appellant’s Notice is filed with the Court of Appeal electronically in accordance with ‘Electronic Working Pilot Scheme’ introduced by Practice Direction 51O (‘PD 51O’), it may be filed at any time up to midnight on the last day of the permitted period or must, either generally or at least in the case … Continue reading Microsoft Ireland Operations Ltd and Others v JJH Enterprises Ltd (Re Electronic Filing of Appellant’s Notice): CA 11 Nov 2022
The defendant sought permission to bring contempt proceedings against former directors of the claimant company, saying that by means of false evidence they had secured an arbitration verdict. Held: A reckless disregard for the truth or falsity of a statement made and attested by a statement of truth but false was capable of supporting a … Continue reading Berry Piling Systems Ltd v Sheer Projects Ltd: TCC 28 Feb 2013
The claimant appealed refusal of judicial review of the respondent’s decision to remove him to Nigeria. Held: The appeal was refused. The court said that in future the lodging of a notice of appeal should automatically stay any process of removal pending the appeal. This informal practice had been subject of considerable abuse, with spurious … Continue reading Regina on the Application of Pharis v Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 25 May 2004
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 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 defendant appealed against a refusal to strike out the claim which was to seek to enforce a judgment obtained in Kiev and in the Ukraine Supreme Court. Held: It had been a proper exercise of the discretion under CPR r 13.3 to refuse to set aside the default judgment. A court in England had … Continue reading Merchant International Company Ltd v Natsionalna Aktsionerna Kompaniia Naftogaz: CA 29 Feb 2012
In all three claims, children sought to recover the costs of applications to approve compromises of their claims for damages for personal injuries received. In particular the court was asked whether they were entitled only to fixed costs, or were subject to detailed assessment. Citations: [2012] EWCA Civ 184 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules … Continue reading Dockerill and Another v Tullett: CA 24 Feb 2012
Appeal aganst refusal to admit further evidence suggestive of fraud by the claimant. Judges: Sir Anthony May P, Sullivan, Gross LJJ Citations: [2011] EWCA Civ 599, [2011] CP Rep 34 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 04 October 2022; Ref: scu.451319
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 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
Addition of new party after expiry of limitation period. Citations: [2004] EWCA Civ 1551 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules, Limitation Updated: 19 September 2022; Ref: scu.219893
The claimant had cohabited with the deceased. After his death, she applied for a grant of letters of administration in his estate, but this was rejected on the basis that she had no sufficient interest to make a claim to probate. The deceased had died but shortly after his divorce the defendants said that he … Continue reading O’Brien v Seagrave and Another: ChD 23 Mar 2007
The various insured defendants had been driven in the insured vehicles by a non-insured driver. Suffering injury at the negligence of the driver, they recovered variously damages. Their insurance companies sought recovery of the sums paid from their respective insureds under the policy terms, section 151 and under European law. Appeals and cross appeals were … Continue reading Churchill Insurance Company Ltd v Wilkinson and Others: CA 19 May 2010
The court considered the scope of the court’s power to permit an amendment as regards parties outside a limitation period. The amendment in this instance was to substitute one claimant in place of another, namely the liquidator of a company instead of the company itself. Held: The court said of the new rule that: ‘The … Continue reading Parkinson Engineering Services Plc v Swan and Another: CA 21 Dec 2009
The newspaper applied for leave to access documents referred to but not released during the course of extradition proceedings in open court. Held: The application was to be allowed. Though extradition proceedings were not governed by the Civil Procedure Rules, wider principles still applied. The open justice principle is a constitutional principle to be found … Continue reading Guardian News and Media Ltd, Regina (on The Application of) v City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court: CA 3 Apr 2012
Three prisoners raised questions as to the circumstances in which the Parole Board is required to hold an oral hearing before making an adverse decision. One of the appeals (Osborn) concerned a determinate sentence prisoner who was released on licence but then recalled to custody. The other appeals (Booth and Reilly) were indeterminate sentence prisoners … Continue reading Osborn v The Parole Board: SC 9 Oct 2013
Application for leave to appeal against refusal to lift automatic stay for delay. Judges: Latham LJ Citations: [2002] EWCA Civ 767 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules Part 51 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 06 August 2022; Ref: scu.217161
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 court considered how a Part 36 offer could be treated as accepted when it involved an agreement to transfer land, because the offer and its acceptance would not operate under the 1989 Act. Held: The agreement was enforceable. The Civil Procedure Rules, and the inherent jurisdiction of the court, allowed the creation of rights … Continue reading Orton v Collins and others: ChD 23 Apr 2007
The appellant sought to restrict publication by the defendants in the Mail on Sunday of matters which he said were a breach of confidence. He had lied to a court in giving evidence, whilst at the same time being ready to trash the reputation of his opponent. The judge had refused to excise the details … Continue reading Lord Browne of Madingley v Associated Newspapers Ltd: CA 3 Apr 2007
The court gave reasons for making an extended civil restraint order against the claimant. Judges: Popplewell J Citations: [2013] EWHC 3671 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 3.11 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 22 July 2022; Ref: scu.518369
If the court wishes to enable a party to appeal against a particular finding contained in the judgment, it may make a declaration embodying that finding. Citations: [2002] EWCA Civ 1142, [2003] 1 WLR 307, [2003] CP Rep 5 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: See Also – Compagnie … Continue reading Compagnie Noga D’Importation et D’Exportation Sa v Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. and others: CA 31 Jul 2002
The coroner investigating the death of Prncess Diana sought an order for the production by Channel 4 of documents and materials in its possession. Held: Whilst the order should be made, it must be recognised that the Civil Procedure Rules were designed for use within an adversarial context, and not within the context of the … Continue reading Assistant Deputy Coroner for Inner West London v Channel 4 Television Corporation: QBD 31 Oct 2007
The court heard and accepted an argument that there was a lacuna in the CPR provisions relating to the uplift in counsel’s fees in the equivalent rules relating to employer’s liability claims. The rules relating to counsel’s fees unlike those dealing with solicitors, did not provide for a percentage uplift when a case settled on … Continue reading Dahele v Thomas Bates and Sons Ltd: SCCO 17 Apr 2007
The claimant had succeeded in her claim and had recovered more than the sum paid in by the defendant, and now appealed an order for costs in favour of the defendant. Held: The award of costs to a successful claimant achieving more than any sum paid in was not automatic. Where the court felt that … Continue reading Carver v BAA Plc: CA 22 Apr 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 claimants, a firm of accountants, sued their former clients for unpaid fees. The defendant company counterclaimed for professional negligence. The claimant had expended andpound;5.6m in costs. The claimants now sought a non-party costs order against former directors of the company, which had gone into administration. They said that the company’s counterclaim was built on … Continue reading Chantrey Vellacott v The Convergence Group Plc and others: ChD 31 Jul 2007
The claimant had been severely injured in a road traffic accident. His claim was compromised and embodied in a court order, but later a question was raised as to whether he had had mental capacity at the time to make the compromise he had. Held: The term ‘patient’ in this context had a meaning specific … Continue reading Bailey v Warre: CA 7 Feb 2006
The defendants sought an order for payment of their costs by the claimants solicitors who, they said had wasted them Judges: Stephen Davis J Citations: [2012] EWHC 2628 (TCC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Senior Courts Act 1981 51(3), Civil Procedure Rules 48.2 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Costs, Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 04 July 2022; Ref: scu.465189
An order was sought to declare the claimant to be a vexatious litigant. The respondent answered that some of her applications had succeeded. Held: It was not necessary to show that all applications by the claimant had been without merit. Judges: Lewison J Citations: Times 30-Nov-2005, [2005] EWHC 2751 (Ch), [2006] 1 WLR 1511 Links: … Continue reading Thakerar v Lynch Hall and Hornby (a Firm): ChD 21 Oct 2005
The claimant owned the copyright in several successful computer games. He had granted licenses for the use of the software, which licences were assigned to the defendants. Disputes arose as to the calculation of royalty payments, and the claimant sought to exercise his auditing rights. The defendant company in the US handled the accountancy for … Continue reading Sawyer v Atari Interactive Inc: ChD 1 Nov 2005
The client challenged his opponent’s solicitors bill of costs, saying that the other side had not been given an estimate of costs. The solicitor acted on several matters for the client and had not given a formal estmate. Held: The absence of the estimate should not deprive the solicitor of payment for the work undertaken … Continue reading Garbutt and Another v Edwards and Another: CA 27 Oct 2005
Officers of the claimant had been found to have defrauded the plaintiff of many millions of pounds. Money had been paid through the defendant, a Swiss bank, and a garnishee order was sought. There was no presumption that, merely because a debt was a foreign debt, garnishee relief should be refused. The real issue was … Continue reading Kuwait Oil Tanker Company S A K Sitka Shipping Incorporated v UBS Ag: CA 25 Jan 2002
A party could be present in court in the person of his legal representative. Despite the new rules, the court should be reluctant to strike out a claim for the absence of a party in person, where his personal presence was irrelevant or most unlikely to be of significant assistance. Judges: Justice Gross Citations: Times … Continue reading Rouse v Freeman: QBD 30 Nov 2001
The claimant sought expert evidence to support her claim for personal injuries. A draft report was produced, followed by a final report which was disclosed. She appealed an order requiring disclosure of the draft report. Held: The appeal succeeded. The rules required disclosure of a report. They could not be read to require disclosure of … Continue reading Jackson v Marley Davenport Ltd: CA 9 Sep 2004
The claimant had in the course of proceedings obtained an order requiring an employee of the third party to attend as a witness. That third party now sought to be joined so as to claim its costs. Held: The Act and the rules allowed the court to make an order for costs against a party … Continue reading Individual Homes Ltd v Macbream Investments Ltd: ChD 23 Oct 2002
EAT This interlocutory appeal raises a point of general importance regarding Employment Tribunal practice where one Tribunal revisits and varies or alters an interlocutory order or direction made by an earlier Tribunal. We use the expression Tribunal to include a Chairman properly sitting alone.’ Held: Although it was open to an Employment Tribunal to make … Continue reading Goldman Sachs Services Ltd v Montali: EAT 19 Oct 2001
The court considered the circumstancs allowing a striking out. Held: Consideration should be given to the question whether striking out the claim or defence would be disproportionate and, except perhaps where striking it out would be plainly proportionate, the judge should give reasons why it was proportionate in the particular case. Only in a case … Continue reading Asiansky Television Plc and Another v Bayer-Rosin: CA 19 Nov 2001
EAT Practice and Procedure – Case ManagementIn considering whether or not to strike out or impose some lesser remedy the guiding consideration was the overriding objective which required justice to be done between the parties and that in particular the Tribunal should consider the magnitude of the default, whether the default was the responsibility of … Continue reading Weir Valves and Controls (UK) Ltd v Armitage: EAT 15 Oct 2003
A newspaper, not party to the proceedings, sought access to the Court files, anticipating a significant journalistic story. Held: Park J allowed the application for copies of certain pleadings and witness statements that had been placed before the court at a hearing in public, even though the application was made after the case had settled. … Continue reading Chan U Seek v Alvis Vehicles Ltd: ChD 8 Dec 2004
A judge may reopen a case even after he has delivered his final judgment. A judge invited counsel to amend his pleading to incorporate an improvement, but in the face of his repeated failure to take up the invitation, entered final judgment against him. After advice from leading counsel, counsel requested the judgment be reopened … Continue reading Stewart v Engel, BDO Stoy Hayward: CA 17 May 2000
Where, in the jurisdiction in which a potential defendant or contributor lived, there would be no remedy against him, a judge here who was asked to allow that defendant or contributor to be joined, as a necessary and proper party, could take into account that absence of a remedy abroad. Citations: Times 05-Apr-2001, [2001] EWCA … Continue reading Petroleo Brasilero Sa v Mellitus Shipping Inc: CA 29 Mar 2001
The case management powers of judges allowed a judge to order extensive pre-action discovery of documents. It is not appropriate at this stage in the development of the case management approach to lay down restrictive rules, and it must be for judges to use their discretion. The power only extended to documents which might be … Continue reading Bermuda International Securities Ltd v KPMG (A Firm): CA 27 Feb 2001
Wills J said: ‘All the common law statutes as to interpleader are now repealed and the right to that class of relief is regulated by Order LVII, by which the old practice of the Court of Chancery is modified’. Judges: Wills J Citations: (1886) 16 QBD 686 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – … Continue reading Reading v The London School Board: 1886
The defendant had applied for an order limiting the number of witnesses sought to be called by the claimant (43). Held: The power to prohibit the calling of witnesses under CPR r 32.2(3) sat towards the more extreme end of the court’s powers and was a power to be considered after less intrusive measures had … Continue reading Maclennan v Morgan Sindall (Infrastructure) Plc: QBD 17 Dec 2013
Appeal from Order joining party for purposes of third party costs order. Judges: Moore-Bick VP, Lewison, Simon LJJ Citations: [2016] EWCA Civ 23, [2016] CP Rep 17, [2016] 4 WLR 17, [2016] WLR(D) 25 Links: Bailii, WLRD Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Approved – Dymocks Franchise Systems (NSW) Pty Limited v Todd and Todd, Bilgola … Continue reading Deutsche Bank AG v Sebastian Holdings Inc and Another: CA 21 Jan 2016
The applicant sought to bring an action to challenge new rules on approval of export credit guarantees. The company was non-profit and founded to support investigation of bribery. It had applied for a protected costs order to support the application, and now appealed its refusal. Held: The court restated the practice on the making of … Continue reading Corner House Research, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry: CA 1 Mar 2005
The council had obtained interim and final injunctions in 2017 against anticipated trespassers on its land and the order was due to expire. It now ought its extension and to amend the terms of the order. Held: The court noted that no person had yet been served with any documents, and that the legal landscape … Continue reading London Borough of Enfield v Persons Unknown and Others: QBD 2 Oct 2020
The court considered applications for relief from sanction under CPR 3.1(7). Held: An application under CPR 3.1(7) usually requires a change of circumstances. Considerations of finality, the undesirability of allowing litigants to have two bites at the cherry and the need to avoid undermining the concept of appeal all required a principled curtailment of an … Continue reading Tibbles v SIG Plc (T/A Asphaltic Roofing Supplies): CA 26 Apr 2012
The claimant was detained in a secure Mental Hospital. He complained at the seclusions policy applied by the hospital, saying that it departed from the Guidance issued for such policies by the Secretary of State under the Act. Held: The House allowed the Hospital’s appeal. The policy was lawful. Seclusion was to be seen as … Continue reading Regina v Ashworth Hospital Authority (Now Mersey Care National Health Service Trust) ex parte Munjaz: HL 13 Oct 2005
The case had been decide on the basis of the papers after the employer had failed to submit a response. It now appealed against a refusal to allow them to be heard as to the assessment of damages. Held: The appeal succeeded. The tribunal should apply the practice which apply in standard civil claims. Judges: … Continue reading Office Equipment Systems Ltd v Hughes: CA 1 Aug 2018
The claimant having received a better settlement of his claim than had been offered by the defendant, he now sought an order under CPR and as to the level of interest payable. Judges: Pepperall QC DHCJ Citations: [2017] EWHC 3051 (QB), [2017] WLR(D) 784 Links: Bailii, WLRD Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 1998 36.17(4) Jurisdiction: England … Continue reading Mohammed v The Home Office: QBD 24 Nov 2017
The French company defendants had been ordered to disclose documents which they said might expose them to criminal prosecution in France. They now appealed. Held: The court was not obliged to make use of the Council Regulation. Orders for discovery of a document in this court (or for inspection of a document already disclosed) are … Continue reading Secretary of State for Health and Others v Servier Laboratories Ltd and Others: CA 22 Oct 2013
The caps on recoverable costs provided by sub-paragraphs 7.2(a) and (b) of Practice Direction 3E of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 exclude value added tax; Citations: [2020] EWHC B26 (Costs) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Costs Updated: 23 March 2022; Ref: scu.655128
Strike out – Realistic Not Fanciful Chance Needed The proper test for whether an action should be struck out under the new Rules was whether it had a realistic as opposed to a fanciful prospect of success. There was no justification for further attempts to explain the meaning of what are clear words. The judge … Continue reading Swain v Hillman: CA 21 Oct 1999
The claimants alleged negligence causing them personal injury and other losses arising from pollution from mining operations of the defendants in Zambia. The company denied jurisdiction. In the Court of Appeal the defendants’ appeals were dismissed. Held: The appeals failed save that the UK was not the proper jurisdiction to bring the case. The claim … Continue reading Vedanta Resources Plc and Another v Lungowe and Others: SC 10 Apr 2019
The defendant applied to have struck out the claim, saying that it was based upon a misuse of documents disclosed during an employment tribunal case, and was an abuse since the claimants had not sought the permission of the Tribunal for a second use of disclosed information. The defendant said that the information had been … Continue reading IG Index Plc v Cloete: QBD 11 Dec 2013
The claimant continued an action brought in her late husband’s name. The action had begun under the former rules. After the new rules came into effect, the action was automatically stayed, since no progress had been made for over a year. Her application to lift the stay was refused, and she appealed. Held: The automatic … Continue reading Woodhouse v Consignia Plc; Steliou v Compton: CA 7 Mar 2002
The deceased had committed suicide in prison. His family felt that the risk should have been known to the prison authorities, and that they had failed to guard against that risk. The coroner had requested an explanatory note from the jury. Held: The jury should indeed have been given opportunity to explain their verdict: ‘By … Continue reading Middleton, Regina (on the Application of) v Coroner for the Western District of Somerset: HL 11 Mar 2004
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
Appeal by the claimants from the order of Simon J by which he ordered on summary judgment applications by the defendants that (1) the claimants are not entitled to rely on section 32(1)(b) of the Limitation Act 1980; and the claims are time barred pursuant to sections 2 and 9 of the 1980 Act insofar … Continue reading Arcadia Group Brands Ltd and Others v Visa Inc and Others: CA 5 Aug 2015
The claimant commenced an action here after suffering injury whilst in Egypt on an excursion organised under the control of the defendant. The defendant denied jurisdiction as regards the damage suffered. Held: The defendant’s appeal was allowed in part. The use of the word ‘damage’ in the Regulation could not be relied upon to create … Continue reading Brownlie v Four Seasons Holdings Incorporated: CA 3 Jul 2015
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
Application to set aside judgmententered after non-appearance by defendant but where he had submitted a request for an adjournment for sickness. Seymour QC J [2014] EWHC 3241 (QB) Bailii Civil Procedure Rules 39.3(5) England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 22 December 2021; Ref: scu.537518
Capacity for Litigation The claimant appealed against dismissal of his claims. He had earlier settled a claim for damages, but now sought to re-open it, and to claim in negligence against his former solicitors, saying that he had not had sufficient mental capacity at the time to accept the offer. Held: There is no definition … Continue reading Masterman-Lister v Brutton and Co, Jewell and Home Counties Dairies (No 1): CA 19 Dec 2002
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 claimant sought relief against protesters challenging its proposal for disposal of ash from its coal fired power station in gravel pits local to the defendants. Teare J [2007] EWHC 947 (QB) Bailii Civil Procedure Rules 19.6 England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Boyle, Regina (On the Application of) v Haverhill Pub Watch and … Continue reading RWE Npower Plc and others v Carrol (acting for and on behalf of the unincorporated association identified as “The Sandles House Group” etc): QBD 27 Apr 2007
There had been a trial of 35 days regarding rights of way over land, which had proved fruitless, and where some orders had been made without jurisdiction. The result had been inconclusive. The costs order was now appealed, the plaintiff complaining that the judge had failed to take into account an offer of settlement made … Continue reading Cutts v Head and Another: CA 7 Dec 1983
Applications were made for the enforcement of order obtained in Germany in family proceedings between the parties. Held: The court re-emphasised the duty on those seeking ex parte orders to give notice, informal if necessary, to the other party and to comply with the Civil Procedure Rules Tugendhat J [2012] EWHC 123 (QB) Bailii England … Continue reading O’Farrell v O’Farrell: QBD 1 Feb 2012
Mr Lawson was employed by Serco as a security supervisor at the British RAF base on Ascension Island, which is a dependency of the British Overseas Territory of St Helena. Mr Botham was employed as a youth worker at various Ministry of Defence establishments in Germany; under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement of 1951 … Continue reading Serco Ltd v Lawson; Botham v Ministry of Defence; Crofts and others v Veta Limited: HL 26 Jan 2006
In an associated action, documents had been disclosed by the current respondent. The claimant sought an order allowing the documents to be released to a lawyer in support of consideration of taking action against third parties. The third party involved, having been given notice had no objection to the proposed release. Eder J [2014] EWHC … Continue reading Tchenguiz and Another v Director of The Serious Fraud Office: ComC 29 Apr 2014
The claimants alleged misuse of their private information in collecting information about their internet useage when using Google products. Google now applied for an order setting aside consent for service out of the jurisdiction. Held: The judge dismissed the applications to set aside permission to serve the claim form out of the jurisdiction in respect … Continue reading Vidal-Hall and Others v Google Inc: QBD 16 Jan 2014
The claimant accountants had represented the defendant in a dispute with former employees. They sought payment of their costs, but the claim was stayed until the defendant had the opportunity to to seek representation by a MacKenzie friend after the taxing master became concerned for her health and as to her ability to conduct proceedings. … Continue reading Baker Tilly (A Firm) v Makar: QBD 27 Mar 2013
Statement of Facts – The company’s goods had been detained by Customs and Excise. A court later ordered their return, but found the detention to have been with reasonable cause. The Revenue had successfully argued that costs could not be awarded against them under a statutory immunity. 16788/13 – Communicated Case, [2013] ECHR 1284, [2014] … Continue reading Eastenders Cash And Carry Plc And Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 27 Nov 2013
ECHR Article 46-2 Execution of judgment Measures of a general character Respondent State encouraged to take further measures to provide genuine effective relief for violations of the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time Facts – In their applications to the European Court, the three applicants complained of the lack of an effective … Continue reading Vlad And Others v Romania (Legal Summary): ECHR 26 Nov 2013
The court asked whether it should make an order that the claimant be identified by letters of the alphabet, and that there be other derogations from open justice (an anonymity order), in a claim for personal injuries by a child or protected party which comes before the court for the approval of a settlement pursuant … Continue reading JXMX (A Child) v Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust: QBD 17 Dec 2013
Application for extension of two days to service of particulars of claim. The defendants resisted saying that the court should apply sanctions against the claimant. The claimants applied for relief under rule 3.9. Held: The new rules were against a background where it was recognised that courts had been too ready to grant relief. The … Continue reading Raayan Al Iraq Co Ltd and Others v Trans Victory Marine Inc and Others: ComC 23 Aug 2013
The defendant had failed to comply in all respects with an ‘unless’ order. Held: The court gave relief under CPR 3.9 for two failures which the court described as ‘material in the sense that they were more than trivial’. They were ‘unintentional and minor failings in the course of diligently seeking to comply with the … Continue reading Wyche v Careforce Group Plc: ComC 25 Jul 2013
The court allowed the application of the first, second and fourth respondents for relief from sanction under CPR 3.9. Andrew Sutcliffe QC [2013] EWHC 3179 (Ch) Bailii Civil Procedure Rules 3.9 England and Wales Citing: See Also – Thevarajah v Riordan and Others ChD 9-Aug-2013 The court was asked first whether the defendants had complied … Continue reading Thevarajah v Riordan and Others: ChD 10 Oct 2013
The Court was asked whether the court should give permission, pursuant to CPR 31.22(1)(b), for the use of disclosed documents other than for the purpose of the proceedings in which they were disclosed, in circumstances where those proceedings have been settled before trial, the documents have not been read to or by the court or … Continue reading Alphasteel Ltd v Shirkhani and Another: CA 23 Oct 2013
Application to strike out claim as an abuse of process. The claim was for asbestos related condition leading to the death of the claimant’s husband. The defendants denied liability and causation, saying that he had been a confirmed smoker. The post mortem had found asbestos fibres. The defendants complained that the actions of the claimants … Continue reading Matthews v Collins (T/A Herbert Collins and Sons) and Others: QBD 4 Oct 2013
The defamation claimant sought relief from sanctions imposed after a failure to comply with orders requiring him to discuss budgets and budgetary assumptions. Held: The claimant had failed to deliver the required costs budget in time, and any costs in the action beyond the court fees would be disallowed. Master McLoud [2013] EWHC 2355 (QB) … Continue reading Mitchell v News Group Newspapers Ltd: QBD 1 Aug 2013
The defendant landlord sought to appeal against an order that he pay to the respondent tenants a penalty under the 2004 Act of three times the tenancy deposit. The court was now asked whether there was has any right to have set aside a judgment reached on the merits, but in his absence. Held: Such … Continue reading Kenny and Others v Abubaker and Others: CA 23 Oct 2012
Anonymity in Court Proceedings – No two stage test XXX appealed against the refusal to make orders anonymising her name and redacting certain details from published judgments. The appeal raised a point about the proper approach to applications for anonymisation under CPR 39.2. She brought proceedings for judicial review of the Council’s housing allocation policy, … Continue reading XXX v Camden London Borough Council: CA 11 Nov 2020
ECHR Article 8Positive obligationsArticle 8-1Respect for family lifeRespect for private lifeRefusal to allow a change of patronymic: violationFacts – In March 2004 the applicant, a Ukrainian national, lodged a request for a change of her patronymic to one derived from her stepfather’s forename. The Registration Office refused on the grounds that the Rules on Civil … Continue reading Garnaga v Ukraine: ECHR 16 May 2013
Appeal from a decision relating to relief from sanction under CPR 3.9. The context is failure to serve witness statements within the time specified by a prior court order. Laws, Sullivan, Davis LJJ [2014] EWCA Civ 506, [2014] 3 Costs LR 588, [2014] CILL 3513 Bailii Civil Procedure Rules 3.9 England and Wales Costs Updated: … Continue reading Chartwell Estate Agents Ltd v Fergies Properties Sa and Another: CA 16 Apr 2014
The system under which the registered keeper of a vehicle was obliged to identify herself as the driver, and such admission was to be used subsequently as evidence against her on a charge of driving with excess alcohol, was not a breach of her right to a fair trial. The right not to give evidence … Continue reading Stott (Procurator Fiscal, Dunfermline) and Another v Brown: PC 5 Dec 2000
