Allied Maples had made a corporate takeover of assets and businesses within the Gillow group of companies, during which it was negligently advised by the defendant solicitors in relation to seeking protection against contingent liabilities of subsidiaries within the vendor’s group. Allied Maples would have been better off, competently advised, if, but only if: (a) … Continue reading Brown v KMR Services Ltd: CA 26 Jul 1995
Resolution of disputes that have arisen between four claimants and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in relation to the smoking history of four miners, (three of them now deceased), in respect of whom claims for damages have been made within the British Coal Respiratory Disease Litigation (BCRDL). Judges: Swift J Citations: [2007] EWHC … Continue reading AB and others v British Coal Corporation and Another: ComC 18 May 2007
The claimant sought damages saying that she had been falsely imprisoned, raped and drugged by the defendant who had since died. Held: The court had only the evidence of the claimant, and must be careful in examining it. On that evidence the case was found to be established. Such allegations fell to be treated as … Continue reading Lawson v Glaves-Smith, Executor of the Estate of Dawes (Deceased): QBD 14 Nov 2006
Judges: Mr Justice Mitting Citations: [2008] EWHC 69 (Comm) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – AB and others v British Coal Corporation and Coal Mining Contractor Defendants QBD 22-Jun-2004 . . See Also – AB and others v Department of Trade and Industry S/A British Coal Corporation CA 21-Dec-2005 . . … Continue reading AB and others v British Coal Corporation: ComC 15 Jan 2008
The plaintiff loaned money on the basis of a negligent survey by the defendant. The borrower subsequently defaulted, and the lender issued a writ. The defendant said that the claim was time barred. Held: The court allowed the plaintiff’s appeal. A cause of action against surveyor arose only when the loss was sustained and crystalised, … Continue reading First National Comercial Bank plc v Humberts: CA 27 Jan 1995
Judges: Mance J Citations: [1995] 1 LL Rep 647 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Three Rivers District Council and others v The Governor and Company of the Bank of England ComC 12-Apr-2006 The claimants had pursued compensation over many years from the defendants alleging various kinds of misfeasance in regulating the bank … Continue reading Cepheus Shipping Corporation v Guardian Royal Exchange Plc: 1995
The court considered the validity of beer ties affecting public houses. Judges: Lord Justice Schiemann Lord Justice Mance Lord Justice Morritt Citations: [1999] EWCA Civ 1501 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appeal from – Courage Limited v Crehan ChD 25-Nov-1998 . . Cited – Thomas Witter v TBP Industries Ltd ChD 15-Jul-1994 An award of … Continue reading Crehan v Courage Limited and Byrne and Inntrepreneur Beer Supply Co Ltd and Langton v Inntrepreneur Beer Supply Co Ltd: CA 27 May 1999
The court considered the application of the limitation period to answering when damage occurred when it arises under an unsecured contingent liability. The claimant insurance company had provided after the event litigation insurance policies to the solicitors and their clients, relying on assessments of the cases made by the defendants. The court below had held … Continue reading Axa Insurance Ltd v Akther and Darby Solicitors and Others: CA 12 Nov 2009
In order for the landlord to claim double rent where a tenant held over unlawfully after the tenancy was determined, the landlord must not do anything to indicate that the lease might be continuing, for example by denying the validity of break clause. In construing an Act, regard must be had to the whole of … Continue reading Oliver Ashworth (Holdings) Limited v Ballard (Kent) Limited: CA 18 Mar 1999
Claims arose from accidents caused by standing water on roadway surfaces after drains had not been cleared by the defendants over a long period of time. The Department appealed a decision giving it responsibility under a breach of statutory duty under the 1980 Act. Held: The appeal failed. The court was asked whether Burnside v … Continue reading Department for Transport, Environment and the Regions v Mott Macdonald Ltd and others: CA 27 Jul 2006
Judges: Lord Justice Brooke Lord Justice Neuberger Sir Anthony Clarke MR Citations: [2005] EWCA Civ 1737 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – AB and others v British Coal Corporation and Coal Mining Contractor Defendants QBD 22-Jun-2004 . . Cited by: See Also – AB and others v British Coal Corporation and … Continue reading AB and others v Department of Trade and Industry S/A British Coal Corporation: CA 21 Dec 2005
SML sought damages and/or equitable compensation pursuant to section 178(1) of the Companies Act 2006 and an indemnity pursuant to section 195(3)(b) of the 2006 Act against three of its former directors (or in the case of one of them his estate). Citations: [2020] EWHC 1266 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Companies Act 2006 178(1) 195(3)(b) … Continue reading Stubbins Marketing Ltd v Stubbins Food Partnerships Ltd and Others: ChD 19 May 2020
The Society appealed dismissal for limitation of its claim against the defendant firm of accountants arising from alleged fraud in approval of a solicitor’s accounts. Held: The liability did not arise until the Society decided to make compensation to those who had been affected by the solicitor’s default. The claims in negligence were not time … Continue reading The Law Society v Sephton and Co and others: CA 13 Dec 2004
The appellants contracted through an agent to supply tyres. The respondents contracted not to do certain things, and in case of breach concluded: ‘We agree to pay to the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company, Ltd. the sum of 5 l. for each and every tyre, cover or tube sold or offered in breach of this agreement, … Continue reading Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company Ltd v New Garage and Motor Company Ltd: HL 1 Jul 1914
The defendant appealed against interim costs orders made in the claim against it for defamation. Held: The general power of cost capping measures available to courts were available also in defamation proceedings. The claimant was being represented under a conditional fee agreement. The court considered that the amount of costs being incurred served to act … Continue reading King v Telegraph Group Ltd: CA 18 May 2004
EAT Four employees successfully established before the Employment Tribunal that they had been unfairly dismissed for redundancy. The Tribunal found that there had been procedural defects. In particular the assessments in the redundancy exercise had been inadequate and subjective. The Tribunal considered whether the dismissals were fair under section 98A(2) of the Employment Rights Act … Continue reading Software 2000 Ltd v Andrews etc: EAT 17 Jan 2007
The defendants appealed an injunction which prevented them soliciting business from any customer of the claimant for one year, granted pursuant to a restrictive covenant contained in a franchise agreement. Held: The injunction was discharged. The claimant had deducted more than was due to it during the franchise, and was in breach. This amounted to … Continue reading Stone and Another (T/A Tyre 20) v Fleet Mobile Tyres Ltd: CA 31 Aug 2006
When considering claims for damages for shock, the court only recognised the action lying where the injury by shock was sustained ‘through the medium of the eye or the ear without direct contact.’ Wright L said: ‘No doubt, it has long ago been stated and often restated that if the wrong is established the wrongdoer … Continue reading Bourhill v Young’s Executor: HL 5 Aug 1942
From failure to make compensation orders Judges: Lord Justice Hooper Citations: [2006] EWCA Crim 796 Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1988 36 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 24 November 2022; Ref: scu.240365
The court had to answer the question of whether the Pensions Ombudsman could make orders which the court could not. Held: It could not, Knox J said: ‘there is a real distinction between ordering compensation for inconvenience and distress caused by maladministration as an adjunct to the power to remedy injustice caused by maladministration which … Continue reading Hillsdown Holdings plc v Pensions Ombudsman: 1997
A contractor had done defective work in breach of a building contract with the developer but the loss was suffered by a third party who had by then purchased the development. The developer recovered the loss suffered by the purchaser. Held: The benefit of a contract may be assigned to a third party without the … Continue reading Linden Gardens Trust Ltd v Lenesta Sludge Disposals Ltd and Others; St. Martins Property Corporation Ltd v Sir Robert McAlpine: HL 8 Dec 1993
The land-owners applied for a variation of a restrictive covenant to allow them to put a second house on their plot. They had bought out the right of the original builder, but a neighbour also had the benefit of the covenant. They now appealed the nil compensation awarded. Held: ‘it is perhaps difficult, as a … Continue reading Winter and Another v Traditional and Contemporary Contracts Ltd: CA 7 Nov 2007
The court was asked as to when it is appropriate to order costs on an indemnity basis. Waller LJ said: ‘The question will always be: is there something in the conduct of the action or the circumstances of the case which takes the case out of the norm in a way which justifies an order … Continue reading Excelsior Commercial and Industrial Holdings Ltd v Salisbury Hammer Aspden and Johnson (A Firm): CA 12 Jun 2002
The claimants appealed a preliminary decision against them as to whether they had correctly served a sufficient notice of their intention to make a claim in a commercial investment syndicate agreement. Held: The claimants’ solicitor had written a letter. The judge at first instance concluded that it did not satisfy the requirements to constitute notice. … Continue reading Forrest and others v Glasser and Another: CA 31 Jul 2006
Each claimant sought damages after being exposed to asbestos dust. The defendants resisted saying that the injury alleged, the development of pleural plaques, was yet insufficient as damage to found a claim. Held: (Smith LJ dissenting) The defendants appeals succeeded. The claimants had three possible claims, none of which on their own would amount to … Continue reading Rothwell v Chemical and Insulating Co Ltd and Another: CA 26 Jan 2006
The defendant had appealed his conviction for murder to the Court of Appeal. The 1968 Act required the court to consider whether the conviction was unsafe. New evidence was before the Court of Appeal, but they had rejected the appeal. Held: The Court of Appeal should reach its own view based on the unadorned words … Continue reading Regina v Pendleton: HL 13 Dec 2001
In 2000, the defendant introduced a policy to make compensation payments for those British services personnel who had been imprisoned by the Japanese in the second world war. The appellant, a citizen of Pakistan had served in the Indian Army, was captured and became a prisoner of war of the Japanese. He accepted that he … Continue reading Mohammed, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Defence: CA 1 May 2007
The Alexander T, owned by the appellant and insured by the respondents was a total loss. The insurers resisted payment, the appellant came to allege improperly, and the parties had settled the claim on full payment under a Tomlin Order. The owners later began proceedings in Greece claiming what the defendants said were the same … Continue reading Starlight Shipping Co v Allianz Marine and Aviation Versicherungs Ag and Others: CA 20 Dec 2012
ECHR Article 5 Article 5-4 Review of lawfulness of detention Supreme Court decision declaring appeal inadmissible but nevertheless addressing the merits: inadmissible Article 5-1-e Persons of unsound mind Court order for admission to psychiatric hospital for observation owing to concerns about applicant’s mental state: inadmissible Facts – In July 2006 a public prosecutor submitted a … Continue reading SR v The Netherlands (Dec): ECHR 18 Sep 2012
The court considered cases referred to it by the Criminal Cases Review Commission. Each related to convictions for sexual assaults on children in care. New material including several untrue allegations by the complainants suggested that the convictions might be unsafe. Held: The evidence of other similar allegations and history of unreliability made the convictions safe. … Continue reading Siddall and Brooke, Regina v: CACD 15 Jun 2006
A claim in negligence was brought against insurance brokers for failing to advise the claimant of certain matters with the result that an insurance policy entered into by the claimant was voidable for non-disclosure. Held: The claimant suffered damage when the policy was entered into: ‘the cause of action can accrue and the plaintiff have … Continue reading Knapp v Ecclesiastical Insurance Group Plc and Another: CA 30 Oct 1997
CS Damages of 200,000 pounds by way of exemplary damages had been awarded against the police for unlawful arrest and assault. Held: The court gave a guideline maximum pounds 50,000 award against police for wrongful arrest and wrongful imprisonment. Comparisons were proper with personal injury cases. It is important to identify and quantify the various … Continue reading Thompson v Commissioner of Police of Metropolis; Hsu v Same: CA 20 Feb 1997
Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 Article 1 para. 1 of Protocol No. 1 Peaceful enjoyment of possessions Loss of two-thirds of old-age pension as a result of introduction of legislation effectively deciding outcome of pending litigation against the State: violation Article 6 Civil proceedings Article 6-1 Fair hearing Introduction of legislation effectively deciding outcome … Continue reading Stefanetti And Others v Italy: ECHR 15 Apr 2014
The claimant sought damages after his agency with the defendants was terminated. The central issue was whether compensation was to be calculated at two years commission as derived from French practice or otherwise. Held: ‘there is no clear agreement on the principles governing the assessment of compensation under regulation 17(6) . . . the common … Continue reading Lonsdale v Howard and Hallam Ltd: CA 8 Feb 2006
Mr Page was taken on to trade in commodities for the defendant for a minimum period of four years. Six months later the defendant’s parent company decided to cease trading activities, and he began proceedings claiming compensation under regulation 17 and applied for an injunction to prevent the defendant from moving its assets abroad. The … Continue reading Page v Combined Shipping and Trading Co Ltd: CA 24 May 1996
The applicants sought damages as commercial agents following the termination of their exclusive agency for the sale of the respondents goods in the UK. The defendants claimed the contract was governed exclusively by Californian law. The European Court had decided that the compensation could not be excluded by contract. The court had to assess damages. … Continue reading Ingmar GB Ltd v Eaton Leonard Inc: QBD 31 Jul 2001
Articles in consecutive issues of The Sunday Mirror accused the plaintiff of pimping for the KGB, organising sex with prostitutes for visiting British businessmen and then blackmailing them. The defendants pleaded justification. The plaintiff conceded in evidence that he was a persistent womaniser, but denied procuring prostitutes, though a tape of a conversation with a … Continue reading Jones v Pollard, Mirror Group Newspapers Limited and Bailey: CA 12 Dec 1996
EAT UNFAIR DISMISSALConstructive dismissalCompensationRespondent’s ET3 struck out for failure to comply with an unless order. No judgment entered against the Respondent. Employment Tribunal refused to permit Respondent to have order reviewed but applied rule 34 of ET Rules of Procedure. Also, applying rule 9 Employment Tribunal refused to permit Respondent to participate in remedy hearing; … Continue reading Epem Ltd v Huggins: EAT 21 May 2012
The defendant agreed to indemnify the insured ‘in respect of all sums which the insured shall become legally liable to pay as compensation arising out of’ various matters including wrongful arrest, malicious prosecution and false imprisonment. The insurer contended that the use of the word ‘compensation’ excluded awards of exemplary damages. Held: The contention was … Continue reading Lancashire County Council v Municipal Mutual Insurance Ltd: CA 3 Apr 1996
Article 135(1)(a) of the Principal VAT Directive (2006/112/EC). Insurance and reinsurance transactions, including related services performed by insurance brokers and insurance agents exempt. Whether supply of Appellant’s services amounted to insurance transactions and/ or were related to an insurance transaction. Claims for recovery of compensation for mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance. Card Protection Plan Ltd v … Continue reading Claims Advisory Group Ltd v Revenue and Customs (Insurance and Reinsurance Transactions): FTTTx 6 Aug 2019
ECJ Article 81 EC- Competition – Agreements, decisions and concerted practices – Accidents caused by motor vehicles, vessels and mopeds – Compulsory civil liability insurance – Increase in premiums – Effect on trade between Member States – Right of third parties to claim compensation for harm suffered – National courts and tribunals having jurisdiction – … Continue reading Manfredi v Lloyd Adriatico Assicurazioni SpA; Antonio Cannito v Fondiaria Sai SpA, Nicolo Tricarico; Pasqualina Murgolo v Assitalia SpA C-298/04: ECJ 13 Jul 2006
Europa Article 81 EC- Competition – Agreements, decisions and concerted practices – Accidents caused by motor vehicles, vessels and mopeds – Compulsory civil liability insurance – Increase in premiums – Effect on trade between Member States – Right of third parties to claim compensation for harm suffered – National courts and tribunals having jurisdiction – … Continue reading Manfredi v Lloyd Adriatico Assicurazioni SpA; Antonio Cannito v Fondiaria Sai SpA, Nicolo Tricarico; Pasqualina Murgolo v Assitalia SpA C-297/04: ECJ 13 Jul 2006
Defamation – Large Damages Awards MGN appealed as to the level of damages awarded against it namely pounds 350,000 damages, comprising pounds 75,000 compensatory damages and pounds 275,000 exemplary damages. The newspaper contended that as a matter of principle there is no scope in law for awarding exemplary damages, either generally or in the particular … Continue reading John v MGN Ltd: CA 12 Dec 1995
The ship was returned by the charterer after the expiry of the time charter. The court was asked as to when the validity of the last order was to be tested. Held: The legitimacy of the charterer’s final order was to be tested at the date it had been given. Counsel had respectively argued: ‘Furthermore, … Continue reading Torvald Klaveness A/S v Arni Maritime Corporation (The Gregos): CA 4 Jun 1993
The applicants owned a substantial property near an airbase. They complained that changes in the patterns of flying by the respondents were a nuisance and sought damages. Walcot Hall was subjected to very high noise levels from military aircraft. The particular noise is loud and characterised by a very rapid onset with a corresponding startle … Continue reading Dennis and Dennis v Ministry of Defence: QBD 16 Apr 2003
The parties contracted for the hire of a ship. They were each under a mistaken impression as to its position, and a penalty became payable. The hirer claimed that the equitable doctrine of mutual mistake should forgive him liability. Held: Over the years there had been a conflict caused by Lord Denning’s creation of an … Continue reading Great Peace Shipping Ltd v Tsavliris (International) Ltd: CA 14 Oct 2002
The claimant sought damages from the defendant alleging abuse of email systems by sending large quantities of email spam. The defendant argued that the claimant had suffered no damage and had no standing to make a claim. Held: The claim could proceed. The threshold question was determined according normal principles in deciding whether a private … Continue reading Microsoft Corporation v McDonald: ChD 12 Dec 2006
The tenant claimed Rent Act protection for his tenancy. He had been rehoused and began his tenancy in 1970 with the ground floor used as a shop, and the first floor as living accomodation. He later abandoned the business use. He appealed a finding that he did not have protection under the 1977 Act. Held: … Continue reading Tan and Another v Sitkowski: CA 1 Feb 2007
The company had entered into collective agreements with the union governing criteria and procedures for redundancy selection. The company said that the criteria were not compliant with the age discrimination regulations. Held: The union was correct and the agreement was compliant. Judges: Morison J Citations: [2008] EWHC 2420 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Employment Equality (Age) … Continue reading Rolls Royce Plc v Unite the Union: QBD 17 Oct 2008
The MIB appealed from a judgment making it liable for an award of damages to the estate of the deceased who had been a passenger in a vehicle which he knew to be being driven without insurance. The estate had not sued the MIB directly, but first obtained a judgement against the driver and then … Continue reading Phillips v Rafiq and Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB): CA 13 Feb 2007
The claimant advanced funds to the respondent for him to invest in a bank of which the claimant had insider knowledge. In fact the defendant did not invest the funds, the knowledge was incorrect. The defendant however did not return the sums advanced, saying he need not return it because the contract was for an … Continue reading Patel v Mirza: SC 20 Jul 2016
Damages or removal of coal under land User damages were awarded for the unauthorised removal of coal from beneath the appellant’s land, even though the site was too small for the appellant to have mined the coal himself. The appellant was also awarded damages for the damage done to the houses on the surface. If … Continue reading Livingstone v Rawyards Coal Co: HL 13 Feb 1880
The court considered the liability of insurers of companies now wound up for mesothelioma injuries suffered by former employees of those companies, and in particular whether the 1930 Act could be used to impose liability. The insurers now appealed against findings that some policies, those which insured against injury ‘sustained’ during the policy period, as … Continue reading Employers’ Liability Insurance ‘Trigger’ Litigation: BAI (Run Off) Ltd v Durham and Others: SC 28 Mar 2012
The United Kingdom’s ban on homosexuals within the armed forces was a breach of the applicants’ right to respect for their private and family life. Applicants had also been denied an effective remedy under the Convention. The investigations into private lives and sexual activity were intrusive, and given the excessive consequences following, were also striking … Continue reading Smith and Grady v The United Kingdom: ECHR 27 Sep 1999
The defamation claimant sought that certain paragraphs of the defence should be struck out. Held: Several paragraphs of the defence were struck out, and others left. Judges: Tugendhat J Citations: [2011] EWHC 272 (QB) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Lucas-Box v News Group Newspapers Ltd; Polly Peck (Holdings) Plc v Trelford, … Continue reading Hunt v Evening Standard Ltd: QBD 18 Feb 2011
The house decided against altering the rule in Page -v- Newman. ‘The common law does not award general damages for delay in payment of a debt beyond the date when it is contractually due’ The power given to the court under s 35A is discretionary. It does not have the character of a substantive right. … Continue reading President of India v La Pintada Compagnia Navigacia SA (“La Pintada”): HL 1985
Judges: Patten J Citations: [2006] EWHC 27 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Pension Schemes Act 1993 151(4), Local Government (Early Termination of Employment) (Discretionary Compensation) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 8 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Local Government, Employment Updated: 25 September 2022; Ref: scu.237911
The deceased had suffered mesothelioma. It was said to have been contracted whilst studying at the defendant University. His study involved working in a closed tunnel with asbestos lagged pipes. Held: Aikens LJ, set out the legal approach to be adopted applying the three leading decisions He referred to Sienkiewicz and the holding by the … Continue reading Williams v University of Birmingham and Another: CA 28 Oct 2011
Estoppel Cannot Oust Statutory Discretion The plaintiff had been refused planning permission for a factory. The refusals were followed by the issue of Enforcement Notices and Stop Notices. The plaintiff said that they had been given re-assurances upon which they had relied. Held: The appeal failed. The court tried to reconcile invocations of estoppel with … Continue reading Western Fish Products Ltd v Penwith District Council and Another: CA 22 May 1978
In considering what evidence can be used in mitigation of damages in defamation, it is necessary to draw a distinction between evidence which is put forward to show that the plaintiff is a man of bad reputation and evidence which is already before the court on some other issue. Neill LJ set out rules for … Continue reading Pamplin v Express Newspapers Ltd (2): CA 1988
Four articles in the People all covered the same story about Esther Rantzen’s organisation, Childline, suggesting that the plaintiff had protected a teacher who had revealed to Childline abuses of children occurring at a school where he taught, by keeping secret that he himself was a pervert, unfit to have any child in his care. … Continue reading Rantzen v Mirror Group Newspapers (1986) Ltd and Others: CA 1 Apr 1993
ECJ (Staff Regulations) French Text – Public service – Officials – Passage of class under the sway of the old statute – Transitional rules for classification in grade 1 May 2004 – Bureau decision of the European Parliament of 13 February 2006 – Reclassification on the basis of the salary of officials covered of compensation … Continue reading Ange Serrano v Parliament: ECJ 29 Sep 2011
EAT VICTIMISATION DISCRIMINATION – Protected disclosureUNFAIR DISMISSAL – Automatically unfair reasonsThe Tribunal erred in law in holding that words spoken at a meeting by the Claimant did not amount to information for the purposes of section 43B of the Employment Rights Act 1996. Cavendish Munro Professional Risks Management v Geduld [2010] ICR 125 applied.The Tribunal … Continue reading Freeman v Ultra Green Group Ltd: EAT 9 Aug 2011
EAT UNFAIR DISMISSAL – CompensationPRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Appellate jurisdiction/reasons/Burns-Barkebr />The successful Claimant worked in the NHS from 1983 but for the Respondent Trust only from 2006. The dispute about this was raised in submissions on the basic award. The Employment Tribunal calculated back to 1983. The EAT allowed the jurisdictional point about Employment Rights … Continue reading Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust v Walker: EAT 24 Jun 2011
The owner of land whose land was affected by subsidence in 1868 and who received compensation from those who had worked coal and caused the subsidence, was able, in 1882 when further subsidence took place causing further injury, to bring a fresh action for compensation. No action could be brought in respect of a withdrawal … Continue reading Darley Main Colliery Co v Mitchell: HL 1886
Houses/Flats – Enfranchisement, Lease Extensions and Compensation for Loss. Application to determine amount to be paid into court under section 9(1) of the 1967 Act. Citations: [2006] EWLVT LON – LV – HEL – 00BE – 0 Links: Bailii Statutes: Leasehold Reform Act 1967 9(1) 21 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Landlord and Tenant Updated: 16 … Continue reading 31 Tower Bridge Road – Southwark : London (Houses/Flats – Enfranchisement, Lease Extensions and Compensation for Loss): LVT 11 May 2006
Grand Chamber – The international measure relied on by the respondent state had to be interpreted in a manner that minimised the extent to which arbitrary detention was sanctioned or required. The court described its role in settling awards of compensation under the Convention: ‘The court recalls that it is not its role under article … Continue reading Al-Jedda v United Kingdom: ECHR 7 Jul 2011
EAT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Appellate jurisdiction/reasons/Burns-BarkeAlthough this was a ‘narrative’ judgment sufficient substance could be extracted from the decision to demonstrate compliance with rule 30(6) of the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2004 SI No. 1861; Balfour Beatty Power Networks Ltd v Wilcox [2006] EWCA Civ 1240, [2007] IRLR 63, Greenwood … Continue reading Sivagnansundarum v Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust: EAT 28 Jun 2011
The appellant had sought to challenge refusal of disability living allowance. Ultimately her request a judicial review of the Upper Tribunal’s decion was rejected on the basis that the UT, being a court of superior record, was not susceptible to judicial review save in very limited circumstancs. Held: The appeal failed, though the reasons varied. … Continue reading EBA v Advocate General for Scotland: SC 21 Jun 2011
The appellant had been charged with and disciplined for a prison offence. He was refused legal assistance at his hearing, and it was accepted that the proceedings involved the determination of a criminal charge within the meaning of article 6 of the Convention, that the deputy controller was not an independent tribunal and that the … Continue reading Greenfield, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 16 Feb 2005
A contract of guarantee was made, but based upon a term of fundamental importance which was mistaken as to the existence of certain machines. Held: The court must first look to the nature of the purported agreement. Steyn J said: ‘Logically, before one can turn to the rules as to mistake, whether at common law … Continue reading Associated Japanese Bank (International) Ltd v Credit du Nord SA: 1988
A husband and wife had each executed the will which had been prepared for the other, owing to an oversight on the part of their solicitor; the question which arose was whether the will of the husband, who died after his wife, was valid. The parties disputed whether the will have been validly executed, and … Continue reading Marley v Rawlings and Another: SC 22 Jan 2014
Parish members objected to the building within the church grounds of an education centre. They said that the land was to be used for the purposes of the members of the parish only under a trust deed of 1851. Held: The deed had to be construed in its context at the time. At the time … Continue reading St Mary and St Michael Parish Advisory Company Ltd v The Westminster Roman Catholic Diocese Trustee, Her Majesty’s Attorney Genera and others: ChD 6 Apr 2006
The plaintiff’s marriage had been dissolved and her former husband was ordered to pay her maintenance at a specified rate. The husband subsequently filed evidence that he was unable to comply with that order but offered to undertake to pay one-third of his income to the plaintiff. An order was made in 1939 in those … Continue reading Re Hudson, Hudson v Hudson: ChD 1966
Lord Cairns said: ‘A reason for the dismissal of an employee is a set of facts known to the employer, or it may be of beliefs held by him, which cause him to dismiss the employee. If at the time of his dismissal the employer gives a reason for it, that is no doubt evidence, … Continue reading Abernethy v Mott Hay and Anderson: CA 1974
ECHR Article 41 Just satisfaction Absence of award in respect of non-pecuniary damage where delays in confiscation proceedings were mainly attributable to applicant Facts – In June 2001 the applicant was found guilty of drug-trafficking offences and sentenced to fourteen years’ imprisonment (he was released in 2006). By virtue of his conviction he became liable … Continue reading Piper v The United Kingdom: ECHR 21 Apr 2015
EAT UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Compensation The decisions to apportion compensation, not to award any future loss after April 2008 and to apply an ‘uplift’ of 25% in respect of breach of statutory procedures were neither irrational, nor without evidential foundation nor based on any misdirection and the appeal would be dismissed. PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – … Continue reading Joes v The City and County of Swansea: EAT 5 May 2011
EAT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Costs UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Compensation 1. Compensation. It is argued, in reliance on Melia v Magna Kansei Ltd [2006] ICR 410, that the Employment Tribunal should have made an allowance for delay in payment of loss of earnings. This was, however, not argued below and no evidential foundation was laid … Continue reading Francois v Castle Rock Properties Ltd (T/S Electric Ballroom): EAT 5 Apr 2011
The claimant appealed refusal to award damages after an alleged failure to give a proper reference, saying that the decision in Fadipe could not stand with the later decision in Rhys-Harper. She said that she had suffered victimisation after making a protected disclosure, but after having left the company. The company said that the Act … Continue reading Woodward v Abbey National Plc: CA 22 Jun 2006
The parties had lived together, but remained unmaried. The relationship broke down and Ms Gow claimed under the 2006 Act. Mr Grant now appealed. Held: The appeal succeeded. Mrs Gow’s application for an award of a capital sum was refused. There had been a number of cases which disclosed varying and contradictory approaches to the … Continue reading Gow v Grant: SCS 22 Mar 2011
The claimant sought to enforce a joint venture agreement under which a loan had been made. They said the defendant had accepted an obligation to secure repayment or indemnify them. The defendant said it had adopted only an administrative role. Held: The case depended upon the meaning of the word ‘procure’. That was settled in … Continue reading Nearfield Ltd v Lincoln Nominees Ltd and Lincoln Trust Company Ltd: ChD 9 Oct 2006
A reinsurance contract which contained a clause which provided that no settlement or compromise of a claim could be made or liability admitted by the insured without the prior approval of the reinsurers. The court considered how the discretion to approve a settlement must be exercised. Held: What was proscribed in all of them was … Continue reading Gan Insurance Co Ltd v Tai Ping Insurance Co Ltd: CA 3 Jul 2001
EAT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Appellate jurisdiction/reasons/Burns-Barke An Employment Tribunal decision must comply in both form and substance with 30(6) of the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2004 SI No. 1861 and failure to do so will amount to an error of law; Balfour Beatty Power Networks Ltd v Wilcox [2006] EWCA … Continue reading Greenwood v NWF Retail Ltd: EAT 18 Feb 2011
EAT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Appellate jurisdiction/reasons/Burns-Barke An Employment Tribunal decision must comply in both form and substance with 30(6) of the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2004 SI No. 1861 and failure to do so will amount to an error of law; Balfour Beatty Power Networks Ltd v Wilcox [2006] EWCA … Continue reading Norman and Another v NWF Retail Ltd: EAT 18 Feb 2011
The claimant supporters’ club had brought an action to prevent a substantial shareholder in the first defendant company from selling off land owned by the club for no consideration. The parties had reached a settlement after a protracted claim seeking to prevent a director of a holding company from assigning land belong to the Football … Continue reading Carlisle and Cumbria United Independent Supporters’ Society Ltd v CUFC Holdings Ltd and Others: CA 5 May 2010
The defendant appealed against the making of a confiscation order, saying that the court had erred in the procedure for forfeiting drugs. Held: The appeal failed. The section contained an express prohibition against making both a forfeiture and a confiscation order. However the object of the act should not be frustrated by the erroneous imposition … Continue reading Regina v Donohoe: CACD 28 Jul 2006
Judges: The Honourable Sir Michael Turner Citations: [2004] EWHC 1372 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Liability Act 1978 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Morris v West Hartlepool Steam Navigation HL 1956 The ship had followed a practice of leaving the between deck hatch covers off in the absence of a guard rail around … Continue reading AB and others v British Coal Corporation and Coal Mining Contractor Defendants: QBD 22 Jun 2004
EAT UNFAIR DISMISSALCompensationPolkey deductionThe Claimant was unfairly dismissed on 8 November 2006. The Employment Tribunal found she would have been fairly dismissed or resigned on 16 January 2007 and awarded compensation for economic loss up to then but not thereafter. The EAT upheld this award for even if the manner of the dismissal made the … Continue reading Davidson-Hogg v Davis Gregory Solicitors and Another: EAT 15 Nov 2010
The defendant had been convicted and sentenced for the attempted rape of the claimant. He had subsequently won a substantial sum on the lottery, and she now sought damages. He replied that the action was statute barred being now 16 years old. The claimant said the decision to deny her claim had interfered with her … Continue reading A v Hoare: QBD 14 Oct 2005
LT COMPENSATION – purchase notice – land in use as public open space – terrace of houses on land demolished during second world war – whether Third Schedule rights to be assumed – held they were – compensation andpound;1,600,000 – Land Compensation Act 1961 ss 14(1) and 15(3). Citations: [2007] EWLands LCA – 118 – … Continue reading Greenweb Ltd v London Borough of Wandsworth: LT 17 Sep 2007
The claimant challenged fees which were charged to the respondents on applying to Westminster City Council for sex shop licences for the three years ended 31 January 2011, 2012 and 2013 and which included the council’s costs of enforcing the licensing scheme against unlicensed third parties running sex shops (‘enforcement costs’). The respondents’ applications all … Continue reading Hemming (T/A Simply Pleasure) and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v Westminster City Council: SC 19 Jul 2017
The claimant’s daughter had committed suicide after being given home leave on a secure ward by the respondent mental hospital. A claim in negligence had been settled, but the parents now appealed refusal of their claim that the hospital had failed in its article 2 duty to respect her right to life. Held: The decision … Continue reading Rabone and Another v Pennine Care NHS Trust: CA 21 Jun 2010
A contract of insurance provided an indemnity for ‘all sums which the insured shall become legally liable to pay as compensation in respect of loss of property’. The claim was by the Post Office against a contractor, Potters, for damaging one of their cables which in consequence the Post Office had to repair. Before the … Continue reading Post Office v Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society Ltd: CA 1967
EAT VICTIMISATION DISCRIMINATION SEX DISCRIMINATION – Burden of Proof Ex-employee given unfavourable reference – Claim that terms of reference were partly on account of her having previously brought sex discrimination proceedings against employers – Claim decided by the Tribunal on basis of the ‘reverse burden of proof’ provisions of s. 63A of Sex Discrimination Act … Continue reading Pothecary Witham Weld (A Firm) and Another v Bullimore and Another: EAT 29 Mar 2010
The defendant implemented a voluntary retirement scheme under which benefits were calculated according to the period of service of the employee. The plaintiff claimed that the scheme discriminated against workers who had taken career breaks, and therefore against women. Held: A severance pay scheme, which calculated the amount payable according to length of service and … Continue reading Barry v Midland Bank Plc: HL 22 Jul 1999
The dispute followed the grounding of a tanker the Ocean Victory. The ship was working outside of a safe port requirement in the charterparty agreement. The contract required the purchase of insurance against maritime war and protection and indemnity risks. The grounding occurred during a combination of severe weather events. Each of the two elements … Continue reading Gard Marine and Energy Ltd and Another v China National Chartering Company Ltd and Another: SC 10 May 2017
Claim for compensation after termination of commercial agency agreement. Judges: Overend J Citations: [2005] EWHC 2790 (QB), [2006] EuLR 578 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Moore v Piretta Pta Ltd QBD 11-May-1998 M had a series of agency contracts selling women’s clothing. The last contract was in 1994, and on termination, … Continue reading Smith, Bailey Palmer v Howard and Hallam Ltd: QBD 14 Nov 2005
COMPENSATION – Costs – s.4(1) of Land Compensation Act 1961 – s.3(5) of Lands Tribunal Act 1949 – S. 11(1) of Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 – Interest payable on compensation agreed for injurious affection – Delay in accepting sealed offer – Reason for order for costs against claimant. Citations: [2006] EWLands ACQ – 45 – … Continue reading Tollgate Hotels Ltd v Secretary of State for Transport: LT 1 Jun 2006
EAT STATUTORY DISCIPLINE AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURESWhether infringedImpact on compensationUNFAIR DISMISSALCompensationMitigation of lossThe principal issues in the appeal concerned the now repealed statutory dismissal procedure in Employment Act 2002 Schedule 2 Part 1 Chapter 1.The Employment Tribunal did not err in holding that the employer was in breach of the statutory dismissal procedure by failing to … Continue reading West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust v Evans: EAT 19 Aug 2010
COMPENSATION – compulsory purchase – house in dilapidated and uninhabitable condition – untraceable owner – valuation – comparable transactions – Housing Act 1985 s.17 and Land Compensation Act 1961 Part 1 – compensation determined at pounds 260,000 Citations: [2006] EWLands ACQ – 14 – 2005 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Land Updated: 14 August … Continue reading Hussain v London Borough of Newham: LT 15 Feb 2006
