Local Authority may cease to provide any care of a particular class if alternative voluntary arrangements can be made available. Citations: Gazette 06-Sep-1995, Times 29-Jun-1995 Statutes: Community Care Act 1990 1, National Assistance Act 1948 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appeal from – Regina v Wandsworth London Borough Council Ex Parte Beckwith QBD 21-Apr-1995 A … Continue reading Regina v Wandsworth London Borough Council Ex Parte Beckwith: CA 29 Jun 1995
Citations: [2008] EWCA Civ 524 Links: Bailii Statutes: Health and Social Care Act 2001, National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Local Government, Health Updated: 20 December 2022; Ref: scu.268702
A person had been assessed by the local authority under section 47 as being a person in urgent need of care and attention which was not otherwise available to him, so that he satisfied the criteria laid down in section 21(1)(a). He claimed that, following that assessment, the local authority had to meet these needs … Continue reading Regina v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (ex parte Kujtim): CA 31 Mar 1999
An application was made with regard to the care arrangements for children. The parents were living in different countries.Thorpe LJ stated: ‘ Accordingly, the only skeleton in support of the appellant’s notice is the skeleton settled by Mr Mostyn QC and Mrs Carew Pole as long ago as 12 October. The thrust of that skeleton … Continue reading In Re G (Children) (Leave to Remove): CA 11 Dec 2007
Citations: [2003] EWHC 1093 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: National Assistance Act 1948, National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Local Government Updated: 30 November 2022; Ref: scu.185314
The physical and psychological integrity which the state may in principle be under an obligation to take positive steps to protect under Article 8 included two particularly important concepts. The first was human dignity, the second was the right of the disabled to participate in the life of the community and to have access to … Continue reading AB X and Y, Regina (on the Application of) v East Sussex County Council and Another: Admn 18 Feb 2003
The claimant which ran various residential care and nursing homes challenged the decisions by the respondent as to the rates it would pay to support the care of other patients. Judges: Milwyn Jarman QC Citations: [2012] EWHC 2967 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: National Assistance Act 1948, National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 47, … Continue reading South West Care Homes Ltd and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v Devon County Council and Another: Admn 7 Nov 2012
Application for judicial review to quash a number of decisions of the defendant that the claimant does not have a need for care and attention pursuant to section 1 of the 1948 Act and section 47 of the 1990 Act. Judges: Robinson DHCJ Citations: [2010] EWHC 2326 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: National Assistance Act 1948 … Continue reading Nassery, Regina (on The Application of) v London Borough of Brent: Admn 30 Jul 2010
The claimant sought judicial review of the refusal of the respondent to conduct a review of his needs for care on his anticipated release from prison. Judges: Sales J Citations: [2012] EWHC 414 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Local Government Updated: 05 October 2022; … Continue reading NM, Regina (on The Application of) v London Borough of Islington and Others: Admn 29 Feb 2012
ICO On 27 September 2009, the complainant requested that NHS Cambridgeshire should provide her with all the information that it held in relation to her deceased mother. NHS Cambridgeshire . . informed the complainant that it held a care file which was exempt from disclosure under section 41 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. … Continue reading NHS Cambridgeshire (Decision Notice): ICO 18 Aug 2011
Europa The benefits paid by an employer to a worker on the latter’s redundancy constitute a form of pay to which the worker is entitled in respect of his employment, which is paid to him upon termination of the employment relationship, which facilitates his adjustment to the new circumstances resulting from the loss of his … Continue reading Barber v Guardian Royal Exchange Assurance Group: ECJ 17 May 1990
The court was asked: ‘Was it unlawful for the Secretary of State for Health, the respondent, who had power to make provisions for the functioning of the National Health Service in England, to have failed to make a provision which would have enabled women who were citizens of the UK, but who were usually resident … Continue reading A and B, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Health: SC 14 Jun 2017
Criminality of Assisting Suicide not Infringing The court was asked: ‘whether the present state of the law of England and Wales relating to assisting suicide infringes the European Convention on Human Rights, and whether the code published by the Director of Public Prosecutions relating to prosecutions of those who are alleged to have assisted a … Continue reading Nicklinson and Another, Regina (on The Application of): SC 25 Jun 2014
Judges: Garnham QC J Citations: [2008] EWHC 2786 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: National Health Services and Community Care Act 1990 47, National Assistance Act 1948 21 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Local Government, Human Rights Updated: 30 July 2022; Ref: scu.278258
The claimant sought to restrain publication by the defendant of a book recounting very personal events in her life. She claimed privacy and a right of confidence. The defendant argued that there was a public interest in the disclosures. Held: Documents showed a readiness in the defendant to seek to manipulate the claimant through threats … Continue reading McKennitt and others v Ash and Another: QBD 21 Dec 2005
The local authority regarded lack of resources or facilities as an insuperable obstacle to any further attempt to make provision under the 1970 Act. Held: A Local Authority should allow for non-statutory guidance in assessing a disabled person’s education needs. Local authorities may only depart from the Secretary of State’s guidance for good reason. Sedley … Continue reading Regina v Islington Borough Council Ex Parte Rixon: QBD 17 Apr 1996
The appellant appealed a finding that the respondent had been its employee, saying he was a minister of religion. Held: The judge had been entitled to find an intention to create legal relations, and therefore that the claimant was an employee. ‘The religious beliefs of a community may be such that their manifestation does not … Continue reading The New Testament Church of God v Reverend Stewart: CA 19 Oct 2007
The tenant held a secure tenancy of a first floor flat of the Council. She was severely disabled and argued that the danger of injury meant that she should be allowed to occupy the empty ground floor flat. She complained at the way the authority had relied on reports she had not seen. The authority … Continue reading Lambeth London Borough Council v Ireneschild: CA 16 Mar 2007
An assessment for community care need not to be set according to the services available. Citations: Times 15-Aug-1996, [1996] EWHC Admin 25, (1998) 1 CCL Rep 141, [1997] COD 64, (1997) 33 BMLR 71, (1997-98) 1 CCL Rep 141 Links: Bailii Statutes: National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 47(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales … Continue reading Regina v Royal County of Berkshire ex parte P: Admn 9 Jul 1996
The claimant sought damages, saying that the local authority had failed to protect him when he was a child against abuse by his parents. Held: The claimant had been known to the authority since he was a young child, and they owed him a duty of care. The authority had missed a statutory review. The … Continue reading Pierce v Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council: QBD 13 Dec 2007
The occupier had been granted a temporary licence by the authority under the homelessness provisions whilst it made its assessment. The assessment concluded that she had become homeless intentionally, and therefore terminated the licence and set out to evict her. She claimed that the authority had to get a court authority before so evicting her. … Continue reading Desnousse v London Borough of Newham and others: CA 17 May 2006
Europa The right to join an occupational pension scheme, the rules of which were not laid down directly by law but were the result of negotiation between both sides of the industry concerned and all that the public authorities did was, at the request of such employers’ and trade union organizations as were considered to … Continue reading Vroege v NCIV Instituut voor Volkshuisvesting B V: ECJ 28 Sep 1994
Europa The right to join an occupational pension scheme, the rules of which were not laid down directly by law but were the result of negotiation between both sides of the industry concerned and all that the public authorities did was, at the request of such employers’ and trade union organizations as were considered to … Continue reading Fisscher v Voorhuis Hengelo and Stichting Bedrijfspensioenfonds voor de Detailhandel: ECJ 28 Sep 1994
The court considered appeals by the Attorney-General against sentences considered to be too lenient, and in particular where a community penalty had been imposed rather than a sentence of immediate imprisonment. Held: The Court emphasised the need for the strict care to be taken in selecting such cases, for appeal. The court should not interfere … Continue reading Attorney General’s Reference v Nos. 31, 45, 43, 42, 50 and 51 of 2003; Regina v McInerney; Regina v McLean: CACD 16 Jul 2004
Placement of a young adult with autism Judges: Crane J Citations: [2004] EWHC 2108 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Local Government Updated: 10 June 2022; Ref: scu.214215
The Asprey family had been in business for many years. Their business was incorporated, and later sold to the claimants. A member of the Asprey family sought to carry on new businesses through limited companies using the family name. Upon request, he changed the names to the names of the respondent companies. Later he left … Continue reading Asprey and Garrard Ltd v WRA (Guns) Ltd and Another: CA 11 Oct 2001
Mr Johnson awaited trial for crimes of violence. He was diagnosed mentally ill, and on conviction made subject to a hospital order, and restricted without limit of time. He made progress, but was not discharged or re-classified. At a fourth tribunal hearing in June 1989 the opinion was that he was no longer suffering from … Continue reading Johnson v The United Kingdom: ECHR 24 Oct 1997
The applicant was an elderly Iraqi lady with poor sight and mental illness. The local authority decided that she needed care in a residential home. She applied for a two bed-roomed ground floor flat, which would allow her to live with her extended family and among others who spoke her language. The court held that … Continue reading Rahma Khana (By Her Litigation Friend, the Official Solicitor) v Mayor and Burgesses of London Borough of Southwark: CA 28 Jun 2001
Having provided accommodation after assessing the applicant as being in urgent need of housing, the authority’s duties to the applicant were discharged, either by the refusal of reasonable offers of accommodation, or having been accommodated, if the applicant was then evicted for violent refusal to comply with reasonable requirements for the occupation of that accommodation. … Continue reading Regina v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea ex parte Muriqi Kujtim (2): CA 9 Jul 1999
The claimant challenged the defendant’s policies on caring for elderly people within the community saying that it provided insufficient funds, and the procedures for review were inadequate and infringed her human rights. Citations: [2010] EWHC 414 (Admin), (2010) 13 CCL Rep 227 Links: Bailii Statutes: Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 2(1), National Health … Continue reading Savva, Regina (on The Application of) v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea: Admn 11 Mar 2010
‘Employment’ in context of a sex discrimination claim referred to a current employment contract even in context of there having been a series of repeated contracts of employment. The question was referred to the European Court of Justice. Judges: Lord Slynn of Hadley, Lord Goff of Chieveley Lord Nolan Lord Hope of Craighead Lord Clyde … Continue reading Preston and Others v Wolverhampton Healthcare NHS and Others; Fletcher and Others v Midland Bank Plc: HL 26 Feb 1998
Continuous employment may be lost by transfer to hospital trust. Citations: Times 11-May-1993, [1993] UKEAT 1 – 93 – 3003 Links: Bailii Statutes: National Health Services & Community Care Act 1990 Employment Updated: 19 May 2022; Ref: scu.84357
Land had been used as a park for many years. The council land owner refused to register it as a common, saying that by maintaining the park it had indicated that the use was by consent and licence, and that prescription did not apply. Held: Qualifying user having been found, there was nothing in the … Continue reading Regina v City of Sunderland ex parte Beresford: HL 13 Nov 2003
Where a local authority raised the care charges for facilities and services provided to disabled people charging different rates according to the benefits received, and where some benefits were received according to the level of disability, that differentiation did not amount to disability discrimination. The differences arose form the different levels of benefits paid to … Continue reading Regina v Powys County Council, Ex Parte Hambidge (No 2): CA 16 Mar 2000
The examination of care plans prepared by a local authority for the care of a disabled person was not generally a matter for the courts. They required great detail and processes of consultation. Applications to review such plans should therefore only be made as a last resort. The proper course, if the authority had failed … Continue reading Regina (L) v Dagenham London Borough Council: CA 11 Jun 2001
The court considered the approach to be taken by an appellate court asked to review a sentence said to be unduly lenient: ‘The first thing to be observed is that it is implicit in the section that this Court may only increase sentences which it concludes were unduly lenient. It cannot, we are confident, have … Continue reading Attorney-General’s Reference (No 4 of 1989): CACD 1990
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
A Local Authority may allow for its finances in deciding on care provision, but must look to individual case. Citations: Independent 20-Jun-1995, Times 21-Jun-1995 Statutes: National Health Service & Community Care Act 1990 47-1, Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 2(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Local Government Updated: 28 April 2022; Ref: scu.86702
Limitation of Loss from Negligent Mis-statement The plaintiffs sought damages from accountants for negligence. They had acquired shares in a target company and, relying upon the published and audited accounts which overstated the company’s earnings, they purchased further shares. Held: The duties of an auditor are founded in contract and the extent of the duties … Continue reading Caparo Industries Plc v Dickman and others: HL 8 Feb 1990
(Scotland) The pursuers were the widow and daughter of a tenant of the respondent who had been violently killed by his neighbour. They said that the respondent, knowing of the neighbour’s violent behaviours had a duty of care to the deceased and should have removed the neighbour, or warned them when their attempts to remove … Continue reading Mitchell and Another v Glasgow City Council: HL 18 Feb 2009
The prisoner challenged the decision to place him in segregation under Prison Rule 43. Under rule 43(1) the initial power to segregate was given to ‘the governor’. The case arose from the fact that the governor of one prison had purported to authorise the segregation of a prisoner on his arrival at another prison to … Continue reading Regina v Deputy Governor of Parkhurst Prison, Ex parte Hague, Weldon v Home Office: HL 24 Jul 1991
Explanation of Medical Risks essential The plaintiff alleged negligence in the failure by a surgeon to disclose or explain to her the risks inherent in the operation which he had advised. Held: The appeal failed. A mentally competent patient has an absolute right to refuse to consent to medical treatment for any reason, rational or … Continue reading Sidaway v Board of Governors of the Bethlem Royal Hospital and the Maudsley Hospital: HL 21 Feb 1985
The claimant, aged 69 suffered from cerebral palsy. The council had provided his care but he said they had represented to him that care would be provided in a new facility, and claimed a legitimate expectation. The defendant said that its changed assessment of his needs meant that no representation could be expected to continue. … Continue reading Lindley, Regina (on the Application of) v Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council: Admn 21 Sep 2006
The claimant was with Stephen Lawrence when they were both attacked and Mr Lawrence killed. He claimed damages for the negligent way the police had dealt with his case, and particularly said that they had failed to assess him as a victim of crime, had failed to provide him with reasonable assistance and support, and … Continue reading Brooks v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis and others: HL 21 Apr 2005
This appeal is concerned with the liability of a local authority for what is alleged to have been a negligent failure to exercise its social services functions so as to protect children from harm caused by third parties. The principal question of law which it raises is whether a local authority or its employees may … Continue reading Poole Borough Council v GN and Another: SC 6 Jun 2019
The claimant had spent his childhood in foster care, and now claimed damages against a local authority for decisions made and not made during that period. The judge’s decision to strike out the claim had been upheld by the Court of Appeal. Held: An adult formerly in the care of a local authority as a … Continue reading Barrett v London Borough of Enfield: HL 17 Jun 1999
Damages were sought by parents for psychological harm against health authorities for the wrongful diagnosis of differing forms of child abuse. They appealed dismissal of their awards on the grounds that it was not ‘fair just and reasonable’ to impose such a duty. The appellants sought to distinguish X v Bedfordshire in different ways. Held: … Continue reading JD, MAK and RK, RK and Another v East Berkshire Community Health, Dewsbury Health Care NHS Trust and Kirklees Metropolitan Council, Oldham NHS Trust and Dr Blumenthal: CA 31 Jul 2003
In Smith, the lender instructed a valuer who knew that the buyer and mortgagee were likely to rely on his valuation alone. The valuer said his terms excluded responsibility. The mortgagor had paid an inspection fee to the building society and received a copy of the report, and relying on it, had bought the house. … Continue reading Smith v Eric S Bush, a firm etc: HL 20 Apr 1989
Parents of children had falsely and negligently been accused of abusing their children. The children sought damages for negligence against the doctors or social workers who had made the statements supporting the actions taken. The House was asked if the suffering of psychiatric injury by the parent was a foreseeable result of making it and … Continue reading JD v East Berkshire Community Health NHS Trust and others: HL 21 Apr 2005
Judges: Munby J Citations: [2002] EWHC 2771 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 47, National Assistance Act 1948 29 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health, Local Government Updated: 30 January 2022; Ref: scu.189103
The court upheld a finding of negligence against a firm of solicitors for failing to ensure the correct attestation of a will, and also the award of damages in favour of a disappointed beneficiary.A solicitor owes a duty of care to the party for whom he is acting but generally owes no duty to the … Continue reading Ross v Caunters (a firm): ChD 1979
The claimants sought compensation under the 1993 Rules. The defendants denied that the claimants were agents within the rules, since they also acted as agents for other furniture makers. Held: Whether a party is a commercial agent within the meaning of the Directive or the Regulations is a straightforward matter, to be determined by reference … Continue reading Rossetti Marketing Ltd v Diamond Sofa Company Ltd and Another: QBD 3 Oct 2011
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
(High Court of Australia) The court considered a possible extension of the law of negligence. Brennan J said: ‘the law should develop novel categories of negligence incrementally and by analogy with established categories. ‘Dean J said: ‘The requirement of proximity is directed to the relationship between the parties in so far as it is relevant … Continue reading Sutherland Shire Council v Heyman: 4 Jul 1985
The defendant executor appealed from summary judgment in favour of the claimant in respect of outstanding care home fees. Andrews DBE J [2014] EWHC 77 (QB), [2014] PTSR 888, [2014] WLR(D) 42 Bailii, WLRD Mental Capacity Act 2005, National Assistance Act 1948, National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 England and Wales Contract, Health, … Continue reading Aster Healthcare Ltd v Shafi (Estate of): QBD 24 Jan 2014
The claimant challenged the Order as regards the prescription of the morning-after pill, asserting that the pill would cause miscarriages, and that therefore the use would be an offence under the 1861 Act. Held: ‘SPUC’s case is that any interference with a fertilised egg, if it leads to the loss of the egg, involves the … Continue reading Regina (Smeaton) v Secretary of State for Health and Others: Admn 18 Apr 2002
The claimants’ nursing home business had been effectively destroyed by the actions of the Authority which had applied to revoke their licence without them being given notice and opportunity to reply. They succeeded on appeal, but the business was by then ruined. The authority was criticised scathingly. The Authority replied that no allegation of bad … Continue reading Trent Strategic Health Authority v Jain and Another: HL 21 Jan 2009
Questions on pregnancy dismissals included unavailability at required time. The correct comparison under the Act of 1975 was between the pregnant woman and: ‘a hypothetical man who would also be unavailable at the critical time. The relevant circumstance for the purposes of the comparison required by section 5(3) to be made is expected unavailability at … Continue reading Webb v EMO Air Cargo (UK) Ltd (No 1): HL 3 Mar 1993
The court was asked whether capital derived from a personal injury settlement which is managed by a deputy appointed by the Court of Protection must be disregarded by a local authority when deciding whether the injured person can be required to contribute to the cost of care services which he or she receives. Held: It … Continue reading Zyn, Regina (on The Application of) v Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council: Admn 12 Jun 2014
The claimant, a former prima ballerina, had suffered injury as she grew old. She came to suffer a condition requiring her to urinate at several points during each night. The respondent had been providing a carer to stay with her each night to provide the assistance neceesary to access the commode. The claimant now appealed … Continue reading McDonald, Regina (on The Application of) v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea: SC 6 Jul 2011
The House was asked whether an action for unlawful means conspiracy was available against a participant in a missing trader intra-community, or carousel, fraud. The company appealed a finding of liability saying that the VAT Act and Regulations contained the entire regime. Held: Criminal conduct at common law or by statute can constitute unlawful means … Continue reading Total Network Sl v Revenue and Customs: HL 12 Mar 2008
Limitations on HMRC discretion on investigation The Commissioners had been concerned at tax evasion of up to 1 million pounds a year by casual workers employed in Fleet Street. They agreed with the employers and unions to collect tax in the future, but that they would not pursue those who had evaded taxes in the … Continue reading Regina v Inland Revenue Commissioners, ex parte the National Federation of Self-Employed and Small Businesses Ltd: HL 9 Apr 1981
Chief Constable has a Wide Discretion on Resources Protesters sought to prevent the appellant’s lawful trade exporting live animals. The police provided assistance, but then restricted it, pleading lack of resources. The appellants complained that this infringed their freedom of exports under community law. Held: Police do not have an absolute duty to prevent breaches … Continue reading Regina v Chief Constable of Sussex, ex Parte International Trader’s Ferry Limited: HL 2 Apr 1998
A surveyor acting on behalf of the classification society had recommended that after repairs specified by him had been carried out a vessel, the Nicholas H, should be allowed to proceed. It was lost at sea. Held: The marine classification society was not liable in negligence to the owner of a cargo, where it was … Continue reading Marc Rich and Co Ag and Others v Bishop Rock Marine Co Ltd and Others: HL 6 Jul 1995
The applicant had held a joint tenancy of the respondent. His partner gave notice and left, and the property was taken into possession. The claimant claimed restoration of his tenancy saying the order did not respect his right to a private life and home. Held: Article 8 does not, in terms, give a right to … Continue reading London Borough of Harrow v Qazi: HL 31 Jul 2003
The defendant knew that he had gonorrhea. He had intercourse with his wife, and infected her. She would not have consented had she known. He appealed his convictions for assault and causing grievous bodily harm. Held: ‘The question in this case is whether a man who knows that he has gonorrhea, and who by having … Continue reading Regina v Clarence: CCCR 20 Nov 1888
The twelve applicants had been unfairly dismissed by the transferor immediately before the transfer, and for a reason connected with the transfer under section 8(1). The question was whether the liability for unfair dismissal compensation transferred to the transferee. Held: It is the duty of a UK court to construe a statute, so far as … Continue reading Litster and Others v Forth Dry Dock and Engineering Co Ltd: HL 16 Mar 1989
The appellant was disabled, had legal qualifications, and worked with the respondent as a volunteer. She had sought assistance under the Disability Discrimination Act, now the 2012 Act, saying that she counted as a worker. The tribunal and CA had found no contractual relationship. She said that under the 2000 Directive (the Framework Directive ‘FD’) … Continue reading X v Mid Sussex Citizens Advice Bureau and Another: SC 12 Dec 2012
The 1995 Regulations imposed a levy on fish both caught and first landed in the UK and also on imported fish products. The claimants, importers challenged the validity of the latter charges, saying that they went beyond the power given by the 1981 Act, and also were contrary to EU law. Held: The appeal succeeded. … Continue reading Bloomsbury International Ltd v Sea Fish Industry Authority and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: SC 15 Jun 2011
The plaintiff was the mother of a child who died in an horrific accident, in which her husband and two other children were also injured. She was at home at the time of the accident, but went to the hospital immediately when she had heard what had happened. She saw and comforted her injured husband … Continue reading McLoughlin v O’Brian: HL 6 May 1982
The respondent appealed decisions by the court to allow claims for personal injury out of time. The claims involved cases of sexual abuse inflicted by its employees going back over many years. Held: The judge had misapplied the test laid down in Stebbings. The court of appeal had not previously considered how to apply its … Continue reading KR and others v Bryn Alyn Community (Holdings) Ltd and Another: CA 12 Feb 2003
The court was asked whether, as the appellants contended, a claimant who is seeking to maintain an action in passing off need only establish a reputation among a significant section of the public within the jurisdiction, or whether, as the courts below held, such a claimant must also establish a business with customers within the … Continue reading Starbucks (HK) Ltd and Another v British Sky Broadcasting Group Plc and Others: SC 13 May 2015
The defendant appealed against her conviction for assaulting a police constable in the execution of his duty. He had sought to caution her with regard to activity as a prostitute. The 1959 Act gave no power to detain, but he took hold of her. She resisted, and injured him. Held: There was no arrest, and … Continue reading Collins v Wilcock: QBD 1984
The pursuer sought damages after her husband’s death from lung cancer. She said that the defenders were negligent in having continued to sell him cigarettes knowing that they would cause this. Held: The action failed. The plaintiff had not proved that the smoking of cigarettes was the cause of the lung cancer, and it was … Continue reading McTear v Imperial Tobacco Ltd: OHCS 31 May 2005
No interim relief for Mosque Services The claimant Chairman of a mosque challenged the Regulations in so far as they prohibited communal prayers. He now sought interim relief so as to allow Friday prayers. Social distancing was proposed, and a contrast was made with other activities allowed. Held: Interim relief was refused: ‘even accounting for … Continue reading Hussain, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Health and Social Care: Admn 21 May 2020
The validity of certain United Kingdom legislation was challenged on the basis that it contravened provisions of the EEC Treaty by depriving the applicants of their Community rights to fish in European waters, and an interlocutory injunction was sought against the Secretary of State to restrain enforcement of that law pending a reference. The House … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for Transport, ex parte Factortame (No 2): HL 11 Oct 1990
The Court was asked whether the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis (‘the Commissioner’) owes a duty to her officers, in the conduct of proceedings against her based on their alleged misconduct, to take reasonable care to protect them from . .
The local authority and a young man’s parents disputed his continued care, he having substantial incapacities. The parents wanted assistance caring for him on visits home. The LA declined to fund that support. The LA now argued that the CoP had not . .
Where a patient lacks capacity, there is the power to provide him with whatever treatment or care is necessary in his own best interests. Medical treatment can be undertaken in an emergency even if, through a lack of capacity, no consent had been . .
The defendant knew that he had gonorrhea. He had intercourse with his wife, and infected her. She would not have consented had she known. He appealed convictions for assault and causing grievous bodily harm.
Held: ‘The question in this case is . .
References: [1983] 1 AC 410, [1982] 2 All ER 298, [1982] UKHL 3, [1982] 2 WLR 982 Links: Bailii Coram: Lord Wilberforce, Lord Bridge, Lord Scarman Ratio: The plaintiff was the mother of a child who died in an horrific accident, in which her husband and two other children were also injured. She was at … Continue reading McLoughlin v OBrian: HL 6 May 1982
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The claimant challenged the decision of the respondent to restrict adult care services to those with critical needs only. Citations: [2007] EWHC 3064 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Community Care Act 1990 47(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Local Government, Health Updated: 30 November 2022; Ref: scu.263490
Citations: [2006] EWHC 1912 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: National Assistance Act 1948 21, National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990, Children Act 1989 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Housing, Benefits, Children, Local Government Updated: 14 November 2022; Ref: scu.244123
The claimant had applied to the Child Support Agncy for maintenance. They failed utterly to obtain payment, and she complained now that she was denied the opportunity by the 1991 Act to take court proceedings herself. Held: The denial of access to the courts under section 8 did not engage her civil rights. The Act … Continue reading Secretary of State for Work and Pensions v Kehoe: CA 5 Mar 2004
Twins were conjoined (Siamese). Medically, both could not survive, and one was dependent upon the vital organs of the other. Doctors applied for permission to separate the twins which would be followed by the inevitable death of one of them. The parents, devout Roman Catholics, resisted. Held: The parents’ views were subject to the overriding … Continue reading In Re A (Minors) (Conjoined Twins: Medical Treatment); aka In re A (Children) (Conjoined Twins: Surgical Separation): CA 22 Sep 2000
Representative claims were made against the respondents, hospitals, pathologists etc with regard to the removal of organs from deceased children without the informed consent of the parents. They claimed under the tort of wrongful interference. Held: Organ removal when a post mortem had been ordered by the coroner was not tortious. In English law there … Continue reading AB and others v Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust: QBD 26 Mar 2004
The appellant had taken certain insurance risks on behalf of the respondents, subject to banking indemnities. Disputes arose and were settled under a Tomlin order, which was now itself subject to challenge. Held: The appeal was allowed. The agreement was intended to put the arbitration behind the parties. A commercial contract should be interpreted in … Continue reading Sirius International Insurance Company (Publ) v FAI General Insurance Limited and others: HL 2 Dec 2004
The claimant, a very elderly lady had lived in a residential home for some time. She fell and was admitted to hospital. The respondent said she could only leave the hospital to go to a nursing home. She and her family sought her return to the residential home she knew. Held: The Authority’s decision making … Continue reading Regina on the Application of Goldsmith v The London Borough of Wandsworth: CA 27 Aug 2004
Citations: [2004] EWHC 7 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 47 Local Government Updated: 08 June 2022; Ref: scu.192140
The disciplinary code for doctors employed by the NHS provides different procedures cases involving allegations of ‘professional conduct’ or ‘personal conduct.’ The first would involve a more judicial process, and the second a more informal disciplinary process. The allegations were of having misled others both patients and authorities, and had been treated as personal conduct. … Continue reading Skidmore v Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust: HL 22 May 2003
The local authority considered providing residential care to the applicant. She had given away her former home, and they sought to take into account notional capital attributed to her as if the house had not been given away. Having done so, it declined to assist. Held: The obligation to provide care was a separate duty … Continue reading Robertson v Fife Council: HL 25 Jul 2002
A policewoman, having made a complaint of serious sexual assault against a fellow officer complained again that the Commissioner had failed to protect her against retaliatory assaults. Her claim was struck out, but restored on appeal. Held: Her claim was arguable. It was possible that the Commissioner owed to her a similar duty as would … Continue reading Waters v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis: HL 27 Jul 2000
The claimant’s son had been stabbed to death. She challenged the refusal of the coroner to continue with the inquest with a view to examining the responsibility of any of the police in having failed to protect him. Held: The question amounted to asking whether the coroner’s decision on the resumption should have been affected … Continue reading Hurst, Regina (on the Application of) v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v London Northern District Coroner: HL 28 Mar 2007
The applicants sought to oblige the local authority, in compliance with its duties under the 1989 Act, to provide a home for children, and where necessary an accompanying adult. Held: There were four hurdles for the applicants to cross. They must show that their children are children in need within the meaning of section 17(10). … Continue reading Regina v London Borough of Barnet ex parte G; Regina v London Borough of Lambeth ex parte W; Regina v London Borough of Lambeth ex parte A: HL 23 Oct 2003
Police Obligations to Witnesses is Limited A prosecution witness was murdered by the accused shortly before his trial. The parents of the deceased alleged that the failure of the police to protect their son was a breach of article 2. Held: The House was asked ‘If the police are alerted to a threat that D … Continue reading Hertfordshire Police v Van Colle; Smith v Chief Constable of Sussex Police: HL 30 Jul 2008
Mrs Z suffered a terminal disease, and sought to travel to Switzerland supported and assisted by her husband, so that she could terminate her life. She appealed an injunction obtained by the authority to prevent her leaving. Held: The authority had been supporting her. When circumstances came to their attention suggesting she had made a … Continue reading In Re Z (Local Authority: Duty): FD 3 Dec 2004
In each case the local authority sought to recover possession of its own land. In the Lambeth case, they asserted this right as against an overstaying former tenant, and in the Leeds case as against gypsies. In each case the occupiers said that the recovery of possession interfered with their right respect for their family … Continue reading Kay and Another v London Borough of Lambeth and others; Leeds City Council v Price and others and others: HL 8 Mar 2006
A company went into liquidation, being owed substantial sums by another company in the same group, but itself insolvent. A settlement did not include accrued interest, but was claimed to be taxed as if it had, and on an accruals basis. If so, was this an expense properly arising in the insolvency, and payable as … Continue reading Kahn and Another v Commissioners of Inland Revenue; In re Toshoku Finance plc: HL 20 Feb 2002
The defendant council had carried out research into a water supply in India in the 1980s. The claimant drank the water, and claimed damages for having consumed arsenic in it. Held: There is a close link between the tests in law for proximity and foreseeability. The report was a short term pilot report, and could … Continue reading Binod Sutradhar v Natural Environment Research Council: CA 20 Feb 2004
