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CTN Cash and Carry v Gallaher: CA 15 Feb 1993

The buyer paid a sum demanded by the seller who threatened otherwise to withdraw the credit facilities it provided to the buyer. The sum was not in fact due, but the demand had been made honestly. The buyer said the agreement was voidable for duress. Held: Duress was not available when the action threatened was … Continue reading CTN Cash and Carry v Gallaher: CA 15 Feb 1993

Floor v Davis (Inspector of Taxes): HL 1979

The House considered whether the meaning of the phrase ‘a person having control’ extended to control by more than one person. This depended on whether the word ‘person’ in the singular was to be construed as including the plural. Held: The House applied the 1889 Act. A permissible aid to construction of a stautute is … Continue reading Floor v Davis (Inspector of Taxes): HL 1979

Ilott v The Blue Cross and Others: SC 15 Mar 2017

What is reasonable provision for daughter? The deceased had left her estate in her will to several animal charities. The claimant, her daughter, had been estranged from her mother for many years, and sought reasonable provision from her estate under the 1975 Act. The district judge had rejected her claim. Held: The appeal by the … Continue reading Ilott v The Blue Cross and Others: SC 15 Mar 2017

The United States of America v Nolan: SC 21 Oct 2015

Mrs Nolan had been employed at a US airbase. When it closed, and she was made redundant, she complained that the appellant had not consulted properly on the redundancies. The US denied that it had responsibility to consult, and now appealed. Held: The appeal failed (Lord Carnworth dissenting). That the exact situation might not have … Continue reading The United States of America v Nolan: SC 21 Oct 2015

SC Nicktrans Srl v Director of Border Revenue: FTTTx 25 Apr 2015

Excise Duty – restoration – Customs Excise and Management Act 1979 sections 88 and 139 – adaptation of vehicle for purpose of concealment of goods – seizure and confiscation of vehicle – refusal of restoration – Romanian owner denied knowledge of adaptation – s 16 Finance Act 1994 – whether the review officer had taken … Continue reading SC Nicktrans Srl v Director of Border Revenue: FTTTx 25 Apr 2015

Close Asset Finance Ltd v Care Graphics Machinery Ltd: QBD 21 Mar 2000

A hire agreement provided that after the payment of substantial sums over the period of hire, the hirers could exercise an option to purchase the equipment for fifty pounds. They purported to sell the equipment before the end of the lease, but the question arose of whether they could give good title. Held: However likely … Continue reading Close Asset Finance Ltd v Care Graphics Machinery Ltd: QBD 21 Mar 2000

AMEV-UDC Finance Ltd v Austin: 1986

High Court of Australia – Contract – Damages – Penalty – Agreement for hire of chattel – Failure to pay instalments of hire – Termination by owner pursuant to contractual power – Damages – Instalments due but unpaid – Damages for loss of contract.The court discussed the doctrine against penalties in contracts: ‘But equity and … Continue reading AMEV-UDC Finance Ltd v Austin: 1986

Jetivia Sa and Another v Bilta (UK) Ltd and Others: SC 22 Apr 2015

The liquidators of Bilta had brought proceedings against former directors and the appellant alleging that they were party to an unlawful means conspiracy which had damaged the company by engaging in a carousel fraud with carbon credits. On the pleaded facts, Mr Chopra and Mr Nazir were the directing organ of Bilta under its constitution. … Continue reading Jetivia Sa and Another v Bilta (UK) Ltd and Others: SC 22 Apr 2015

Barthope v Exeter Diocesan Board of Finance: EAT 1979

A stipendiary lay reader claimed for unfair dismissal. The respondent denied there was any contract of service. Held: The Tribunal rejected a submission that the claimant was an office holder and, as such, that it followed he was not employed under a contract of service: ‘Merely to say that someone holds an office does not … Continue reading Barthope v Exeter Diocesan Board of Finance: EAT 1979

Belmont Finance Corporation Ltd v Williams Furniture Ltd: CA 1979

The company directors operated an elaborate scheme to extract value from Belmont by causing it to buy the shares of a company called Maximum at a considerable overvalue. This was a breach of the fiduciary duties of the directors. They sought to recycle the profit on the sale of Maximum so that it could be … Continue reading Belmont Finance Corporation Ltd v Williams Furniture Ltd: CA 1979

Percy v Church of Scotland Board of National Mission: HL 15 Dec 2005

The claimant appealed after her claim for sex discrimination had failed. She had been dismissed from her position an associate minister of the church. The court had found that it had no jurisdiction, saying that her appointment was not an employment. However the jurisdiction in sex discrimination cases was wider, extending to those who ‘contract … Continue reading Percy v Church of Scotland Board of National Mission: HL 15 Dec 2005

DA and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: SC 15 May 2019

Several lone parents challenged the benefits cap, saying that it was discriminatory. Held: (Hale, Kerr LL dissenting) The parents’ appeals failed. The legislation had a clear impact on lone parents and their children. The intention was to encourage claimants back into work. It was said that thus contradicted the other policy of providing no free … Continue reading DA and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: SC 15 May 2019

Euro Wines (C and C) Ltd v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 9 Jul 2015

FTTTx Excise Duty Appeals : Human Rights – EXCISE DUTY – penalty – Sch 41 FA 2008 – handling of goods subject to unpaid duty – human rights – Article 6 ECHR – whether criminal charge – maximum penalty rate 30 per cent – held, no – equality of arms – burden of proof – … Continue reading Euro Wines (C and C) Ltd v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 9 Jul 2015

Young v The Home Office: FTTTx 23 Mar 2015

FTTTx Restoration appeal – Claim by appellant for restoration of suitcase and contents – Whether Tribunal has jurisdiction to hear appeal – No evidence of seizure that could engage Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 and/or Finance Act 1994 – Not within jurisdiction of Tribunal – Appeal struck out under rule 8 of the Tribunal … Continue reading Young v The Home Office: FTTTx 23 Mar 2015

Yorkshire Bank Finance Ltd v Mulhall and Another: CA 24 Oct 2008

The bank had obtained a judgement against the defendant, and took a charging order. Nothing happened for more than twelve years, and the defendant now argued that the order and debt was discharged. Held: The enforcement of the charging order by normal means is not barred by section 20(1), and unlike the position under a … Continue reading Yorkshire Bank Finance Ltd v Mulhall and Another: CA 24 Oct 2008

Kahn and Another v Commissioners of Inland Revenue; In re Toshoku Finance plc: HL 20 Feb 2002

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

Braganza v BP Shipping Ltd: SC 18 Mar 2015

The claimant’s husband had been lost from the defendant’s ship at sea. The defendant had contracted to pay compensation unless the loss was by suicide. They so determined. The court was now asked whether that was a permissible conclusion in the circumstances: ‘This case raises two inter-linked questions of principle, one general and one particular. … Continue reading Braganza v BP Shipping Ltd: SC 18 Mar 2015

Lordsvale Finance Plc v Bank of Zambia: QBD 20 Mar 1996

The court looked at a facility agreement opened by a bank in favour of the defendant which provided that in the event of default the defendant should pay interest during the period of default at an aggregate rate equal to the cost to the bank of obtaining the deposits required to fund its participation, an … Continue reading Lordsvale Finance Plc v Bank of Zambia: QBD 20 Mar 1996

Acts

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

Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company Ltd v New Garage and Motor Company Ltd: HL 1 Jul 1914

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

VTB Capital Plc v Nutritek International Corp and Others: SC 6 Feb 2013

The claimant bank said that it had been induced to create very substantial lending facilities by fraudulent misrepresentation by the defendants. They now appealed against findings that England was not clearly or distinctly the appropriate forum for resolution of VTB’s tort claims, and nor that there was a proper basis for piercing the corporate veil. … Continue reading VTB Capital Plc v Nutritek International Corp and Others: SC 6 Feb 2013

Software 2000 Ltd v Andrews etc: EAT 17 Jan 2007

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

Albacruz (Cargo Owners) v Albazero ‘The Albazero’: HL 1977

The House was asked as to the extent to which a consignor can claim damages against a carrier in circumstances where the consignor did not retain either property or risk. To the general principle that a person cannot recover substantial damages for breach of contract where he himself has suffered no loss by reason of … Continue reading Albacruz (Cargo Owners) v Albazero ‘The Albazero’: HL 1977

Progress Bulk Carriers Ltd v Tube City IMS Llc: ComC 17 Feb 2012

The claimant sought to set aside an arbitration saying that the arbitrator had misapplied the test for economic duress. Judges: Cooke HHJ Citations: [2012] EWHC 273 (Comm) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Pace Shipping Co Ltd of Malta v Churchgate Nigeria Ltd of Nigeria ComC 7-Oct-2010 The courts do not approach … Continue reading Progress Bulk Carriers Ltd v Tube City IMS Llc: ComC 17 Feb 2012

Daraydan Holdings Limited, Cairn Estates Limited and Others v Solland International Limited and Others: ChD 26 Mar 2004

The court was asked whether Lister and Co v Stubbs 45 ChD 1, a decision of the Court of Appeal, was binding on him or whether he could apply the Privy Council’s decision in Attorney General for Hong Kong v Reid Held: On the facts of the case the judge was able to distinguish Lister … Continue reading Daraydan Holdings Limited, Cairn Estates Limited and Others v Solland International Limited and Others: ChD 26 Mar 2004

Reyes v Al-Malki and Another: SC 18 Oct 2017

The claimant alleged that she had been discrimated against in her work for the appellant, a member of the diplomatic staff at the Saudi Embassy in London. She now appealed against a decision that the respondent had diplomatic immunity. Held: The appeal was allowed: ‘the question whether the exception in article 31(1)(c) would have applied … Continue reading Reyes v Al-Malki and Another: SC 18 Oct 2017

Corach International Transport Ltd v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 12 Aug 2022

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE – seizure of vehicle – appeal against decision not to restore the vehicle – s 152(b) Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 – s 16 Finance Act 1994 – whether the refusal decision could not reasonably have been arrived at – appeal allowed – further review directed Citations: [2022] UKFTT 272 (TC) … Continue reading Corach International Transport Ltd v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 12 Aug 2022

Morgan v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 19 Jun 2009

FTTTx EXCISE DUTY – 8.5 kgs of hand-rolling tobacco seized by Commissioners on grounds imported for commercial use – condemnation proceedings commenced in magistrates’ court – Commissioners decision not to restore goods – appellant failed to attend magistrates’ court hearing and goods condemned – restoration proceedings commenced – whether appellant entitled to challenge legality of … Continue reading Morgan v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 19 Jun 2009

Jones v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 18 Jun 2009

FTTTx EXCISE GOODS RESTORATION – VEHICLE RESTORATION – own use? – yes – appeal allowed. Citations: [2009] UKFTT 133 (TC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Finance Act 1994 16(4) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: At FTTTx – Revenue and Customs v Jones and Another CA 18-Jul-2011 HMRC appealed against an order for the return to the … Continue reading Jones v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 18 Jun 2009

Davidson v Revenue and Customs: Excs 25 Jul 2008

VDT EXCISE – seizure of vehicle and goods – whether seizure challenged – restoration refused – whether appeal against non-restoration of vehicle – whether decision not to restore goods proportionate – whether appellant entitled to raise issue of own use – whether abuse of process – No JURISDICTION – Whether criminal charge – Whether Magna … Continue reading Davidson v Revenue and Customs: Excs 25 Jul 2008

Akers and Others v Samba Financial Group: SC 1 Feb 2017

Saad Investments was a Cayman Islands company in liquidation. The liquidator brought an action here, but the defendant sought a stay saying that another forum was clearly more appropriate. Shares in Saudi banks were said to be held in trust for the company, but Saudi law would not recognise such trusts. The shares had been … Continue reading Akers and Others v Samba Financial Group: SC 1 Feb 2017

McCullim and others v Customs and Excise: Excs 7 Feb 2005

Excs EXCISE DUTY – refusal to restore excise goods including 18 kilograms of hand rolling tobacco and 24,860 cigarettes imported by the three Appellants – the Appellants claimed that the goods were not liable to forfeiture and proceedings were commenced in the magistrates court – those proceedings had not been heard at the date of … Continue reading McCullim and others v Customs and Excise: Excs 7 Feb 2005

Socimer International Bank Ltd v Standard Bank London Ltd: CA 22 Feb 2008

Rix LJ considered the restraints operating a party to a contract in exercising any discretion gien under it, preferring the use of the term ‘irrationality’ to ‘unreasonableness’: ‘It is plain from these authorities that a decision-maker’s discretion will be limited, as a matter of necessary implication, by concepts of honesty, good faith, and genuineness, and … Continue reading Socimer International Bank Ltd v Standard Bank London Ltd: CA 22 Feb 2008

Alfred Mcalpine Capital Projects Ltd v Tilebox Ltd: TCC 25 Feb 2005

Validity of penalty clause. Judges: Jackson J Citations: [2005] EWHC 281 (TCC) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Cleeve Link Ltd v Bryla EAT 8-Oct-2013 EAT Unlawful Deduction From Wages – The principles enunciated in Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Co Ltd v New Garage and Motor Co Ltd [1915] AC 1979 and … Continue reading Alfred Mcalpine Capital Projects Ltd v Tilebox Ltd: TCC 25 Feb 2005

Ilott v Mitson and Others: CA 31 Mar 2011

The claimant, the estranged adult daughter of the deceased, had claimed under the 1975 Act. The judge made an order for payment of pounds 50,000 by way of capitalisation of maintenance. The claimant appealed saying she should have received more, and the charities (beneficiaries under the will) said that no payment should have been ordered … Continue reading Ilott v Mitson and Others: CA 31 Mar 2011

Freakley and Curzon Insurance Ltd v Centre Reinsurance International Company and Another; similar: CA 11 Feb 2005

Claims were made for personal injury caused by asbestos. The re-insurers sought declaratory relief against the head insurers, and the administrators of the insolvent company. The administrators sought declarations in turn. Curzon insured the company for ultimate net loss, and then had re-insurance with Centre Reinsurance. Ultimate net loss meant all sums paid out less … Continue reading Freakley and Curzon Insurance Ltd v Centre Reinsurance International Company and Another; similar: CA 11 Feb 2005

Lloyd v McMahon: HL 12 Mar 1987

The district auditor had issued a certificate under the 1982 Act surcharging the appellant councillors in the sum of 106,103, pounds being the amount of a loss incurred or deficiency caused, as the auditor found, by their wilful misconduct. Held: An aggrieved objector to local government spending should pursue his rights under the Act and … Continue reading Lloyd v McMahon: HL 12 Mar 1987

Stocznia Gdanska S A v Latvian Shipping Co and Others: HL 22 Jan 1998

The parties had contracted to design, build, complete and deliver ships. The contract was rescinded after a part performance. Held: It remained appropriate for payment to be made for the work already done in the design and construction stages: ‘In both actions the yard should now be allowed to amend its pleadings to set out … Continue reading Stocznia Gdanska S A v Latvian Shipping Co and Others: HL 22 Jan 1998

Attorney-General’s Reference (No. 2 of 1982): CACD 1984

Two men were charged with theft from a company which they wholly owned and controlled. The court considered the actions of company directors in dishonestly appropriating the property of the company, and whether since the title to the goods was transferred, the goods had remained the property of the company. Held: The actions of the … Continue reading Attorney-General’s Reference (No. 2 of 1982): CACD 1984

Lehtimaki and Others v Cooper: SC 29 Jul 2020

Charitable Company- Directors’ Status and Duties A married couple set up a charitable foundation to assist children in developing countries. When the marriage failed an attempt was made to establish a second foundation with funds from the first, as part of W leaving the Trust. Court approval was obtained, but the court ordered the remaining … Continue reading Lehtimaki and Others v Cooper: SC 29 Jul 2020

ABC Ltd and Another v HM Revenue and Customs: CA 7 Jul 2017

Temporary approval pending appeal was preferred The company challenged refusal of fit and proper approval for registration as wholesaler of duty paid alcohol. Held: The appeals were allowed in part. HMRC, having once concluded that the applicant was not fit and proper was not free to approve them pending their appeal. Better was a temporary … Continue reading ABC Ltd and Another v HM Revenue and Customs: CA 7 Jul 2017

OWD Ltd (T/A Birmingham Cash and Carry) and Another v Revenue and Customs: SC 19 Jun 2019

The wholesalers sought approval from the respondent for the wholesale supply of duty-paid alcohol. Approval was refused, but the parties sought a means of allowing a temporary approval pending determination by the FTT. The two questions considered were: (1) What power does HMRC have to permit a person to carry on trading pending the determination … Continue reading OWD Ltd (T/A Birmingham Cash and Carry) and Another v Revenue and Customs: SC 19 Jun 2019

Corbelli and Another (T/A Corbelli Wines) v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 7 Aug 2017

EXCISE DUTY – appeal against HMRC’s decision to refuse approval for registration as a wholesaler of alcohol on the basis that they were not satisfied that the appellants are fit and proper persons – s 88C (2) of the Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979 – appeal allowed and a review ordered under s 16(4) of … Continue reading Corbelli and Another (T/A Corbelli Wines) v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 7 Aug 2017

Smith v Eric S Bush, a firm etc: HL 20 Apr 1989

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

W T Ramsay Ltd v Inland Revenue Commissioners: HL 12 Mar 1981

The taxpayers used schemes to create allowable losses, and now appealed assessment to tax. The schemes involved a series of transactions none of which were a sham, but which had the effect of cancelling each other out. Held: If the true nature of the transactions could be seen by looking at them all together, then … Continue reading W T Ramsay Ltd v Inland Revenue Commissioners: HL 12 Mar 1981

AXA General Insurance Ltd and Others v Lord Advocate and Others: SC 12 Oct 2011

Standing to Claim under A1P1 ECHR The appellants had written employers’ liability insurance policies. They appealed against rejection of their challenge to the 2009 Act which provided that asymptomatic pleural plaques, pleural thickening and asbestosis should constitute actionable harm for the purposes of an action of damages for personal injury. Held: The insurers’ appeals failed. … Continue reading AXA General Insurance Ltd and Others v Lord Advocate and Others: SC 12 Oct 2011

Mozer v Revenue and Customs (Procedure : Other): FTTTx 13 Dec 2021

Refusal to permit making of late appeal. Applicant sought to appeal – under section 16 Finance Act 1994 – a decision under section 152(b) Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 refusing to restore vehicle seized under section 139(1) of that act as being liable to forfeiture under section 141(1)(a) of the act. Whether document sent … Continue reading Mozer v Revenue and Customs (Procedure : Other): FTTTx 13 Dec 2021

Lloyds Bank plc v Rosset: CA 13 May 1988

Claim by a wife that she has a beneficial interest in a house registered in the sole name of her husband and that her interest has priority over the rights of a bank under a legal charge executed without her knowledge. The case raises a point of importance in the law of registered conveyancing. Shortly … Continue reading Lloyds Bank plc v Rosset: CA 13 May 1988

Sunman v Director of Border Revenue: FTTTx 12 Dec 2014

FTTTx Excise Duty – importation of tobacco products – concealment – seizure and confiscation of tobacco – CEMA 1979 – excise duty assessment under Finance Act 1994 s 12 (1A) – no valid grounds of appeal presented – appeal disallowed. [2014] UKFTT 1096 (TC) Bailii England and Wales Customs and Excise Updated: 24 December 2021; … Continue reading Sunman v Director of Border Revenue: FTTTx 12 Dec 2014

Chinn v Hochstrasser (Inspector of Taxes): HL 11 Dec 1980

The House considered the meaning of the word ‘bounty’ in an income tax context, where it had been used by the courts: ‘My Lords, I would venture to point out that the word ‘bounty’ appears nowhere in the statute. It is a judicial gloss upon the statute descriptive of those classes of cases which are … Continue reading Chinn v Hochstrasser (Inspector of Taxes): HL 11 Dec 1980

Supercool Refrigeration and Air Conditioning v Hoverd Industries Ltd: 1994

(New Zealand) The court noted a greater reluctance in Australia and Ireland than in England to accept the creation of a fixed charge over present and future book debts. Tompkins J said:’ a requirement to pay the proceeds of the book debts into the company’s account without any restriction on how the company may use … Continue reading Supercool Refrigeration and Air Conditioning v Hoverd Industries Ltd: 1994

National Westminster Bank plc v Spectrum Plus Limited and others: HL 30 Jun 2005

Former HL decision in Siebe Gorman overruled The company had become insolvent. The bank had a debenture and claimed that its charge over the book debts had become a fixed charge. The preferential creditors said that the charge was a floating charge and that they took priority. Held: The appeal was allowed. The debenture, although … Continue reading National Westminster Bank plc v Spectrum Plus Limited and others: HL 30 Jun 2005

Office of Fair Trading v Abbey National Plc and seven Others: ComC 24 Apr 2008

The Office sought a declaration that the respondent and other banks were subject to the provisions of the Regulations in their imposition of bank charges to customer accounts, and in particular as to the imposition of penalties or charges for the breach of the overdraft limits. Held: The relevant terms were not exempt from assessment … Continue reading Office of Fair Trading v Abbey National Plc and seven Others: ComC 24 Apr 2008

Prest v Petrodel Resources Ltd and Others: SC 12 Jun 2013

In the course of ancillary relief proceedings in a divorce, questions arose regarding company assets owned by the husband. The court was asked as to the power of the court to order the transfer of assets owned entirely in the company’s names. The judge had made such an order, finding evidence that the companies had … Continue reading Prest v Petrodel Resources Ltd and Others: SC 12 Jun 2013

O’Reilly v Mackman: HL 1982

Remission of Sentence is a Privilege not a Right The plaintiffs had begun their action, to challenge their loss of remission as prisoners, by means of a writ, rather than by an action for judicial review, and so had sidestepped the requirement for the action to be brought within strict time limits. Held: The forfeiture … Continue reading O’Reilly v Mackman: HL 1982

Armitage v Nurse; etc: CA 19 Mar 1997

A clause in a trust deed may validly excuse trustees from personal liability for even gross negligence. The trustee was exempted from liability for loss or damage ‘unless such loss or damage shall be caused by his own actual fraud’. Held: The trustee was under no liability in absence of any dishonest intention. Millett LJ … Continue reading Armitage v Nurse; etc: CA 19 Mar 1997

Three Rivers District Council and others v Governor and Company of the Bank of England (No 6): HL 11 Nov 2004

The Bank anticipated criticism in an ad hoc enquiry which was called to investigate its handling of a matter involving the claimant. The claimant sought disclosure of the documents created when the solicitors advised employees of the Bank in preparing to present the Bank’s case, and the Bank now appealed an order granting such access, … Continue reading Three Rivers District Council and others v Governor and Company of the Bank of England (No 6): HL 11 Nov 2004

Douglas and others v Hello! Ltd and others (No 3): CA 18 May 2005

The principal claimants sold the rights to take photographs of their wedding to a co-claimant magazine (OK). Persons acting on behalf of the defendants took unauthorised photographs which the defendants published. The claimants had retained joint copyright over the photographs and reserved a right to control publication of any particular photographs. In return they made … Continue reading Douglas and others v Hello! Ltd and others (No 3): CA 18 May 2005

Miller v Miller; McFarlane v McFarlane: HL 24 May 2006

Fairness on Division of Family Capital The House faced the question of how to achieve fairness in the division of property following a divorce. In the one case there were substantial assets but a short marriage, and in the other a high income, but low capital. Held: The 1973 Act gives only limited guidance on … Continue reading Miller v Miller; McFarlane v McFarlane: HL 24 May 2006

North Somerset District Council v Honda Motor Europe Ltd and Others: QBD 2 Jul 2010

Deleayed Rates Claims Service made them Defective The council claimed that the defendants were liable for business rates. The defendants said that the notices were defective in not having been served ‘as soon as practicable’, and further that they should not be enforced since the delay had created substantial prejudice. The Council challenged the correctness … Continue reading North Somerset District Council v Honda Motor Europe Ltd and Others: QBD 2 Jul 2010

Barclays Bank Plc v Weeks Legg and Dean (a Firm); Barclays Bank Plc v Lougher and Others; Barclays Bank Plc v Hopkin John and Co: CA 21 May 1998

The defendant solicitors had each acted for banks in completing charges over property. They had given the standard agreed form of undertaking to secure a good and marketable title, and the banks now alleged that they were in breach because undisclosed covenants variously restricted future development of the land. Held: The standard solicitor’s undertaking to … Continue reading Barclays Bank Plc v Weeks Legg and Dean (a Firm); Barclays Bank Plc v Lougher and Others; Barclays Bank Plc v Hopkin John and Co: CA 21 May 1998

NML Capital Ltd v Argentina: SC 6 Jul 2011

The respondent had issued bonds but in 2001 had declared a moratorium on paying them. The appellant hedge fund later bought the bonds, heavily discounted. Judgment was obtained in New York, which the appellants now sought to enforce against assets in the UK. They argued that the terms of issue waived state immunity. Held: The … Continue reading NML Capital Ltd v Argentina: SC 6 Jul 2011

Scottish Widows Plc v Revenue and Customs: SC 6 Jul 2011

The taxpayer insurance company had transferred sums from accounts designated as Capital Reserves. The Revenue said that these were properly part of the profit and loss accounts for the respective tax years, and chargeable receipts. Held: The Revenue’s cross appeal succeeded. As a life assurance company, the amounts to be taken into account in computing … Continue reading Scottish Widows Plc v Revenue and Customs: SC 6 Jul 2011

Stannard (T/A Wyvern Tyres) v Gore: CA 4 Oct 2012

The defendant, now appellant, ran a business involving the storage of tyres. The claimant neighbour’s own business next door was severely damaged in a fire of the tyres escaping onto his property. The court had found him liable in strict liability under the rule in Rylands, concluding that the appellant had collected the tyres on … Continue reading Stannard (T/A Wyvern Tyres) v Gore: CA 4 Oct 2012

PST Energy 7 Shipping Llc and Another v OW Bunker Malta Ltd and Another: SC 11 May 2016

Parties had entered into a bunker supply contract which contained a retention of title clause in favour of the supplier. It purported to allow the buyer to use the goods before title came to be passed. Held: The owner’s appeal failed. It did not fall within the scope of the 1979 Act, and therefore the … Continue reading PST Energy 7 Shipping Llc and Another v OW Bunker Malta Ltd and Another: SC 11 May 2016

Davidson v Revenue and Customs; Excs 25 Jul 2008

References: [2008] UKVAT-Excise E01127 Links: Bailii Ratio: VDT EXCISE – seizure of vehicle and goods – whether seizure challenged – restoration refused – whether appeal against non-restoration of vehicle – whether decision not to restore goods proportionate – whether appellant entitled to raise issue of own use – whether abuse of process – No JURISDICTION … Continue reading Davidson v Revenue and Customs; Excs 25 Jul 2008

McCullim and others v Customs and Excise; Excs 7 Feb 2005

References: [2005] UKVAT-Excise E00845 Links: Bailii Coram: Brice Ch Excs EXCISE DUTY – refusal to restore excise goods including 18 kilograms of hand rolling tobacco and 24,860 cigarettes imported by the three Appellants – the Appellants claimed that the goods were not liable to forfeiture and proceedings were commenced in the magistrates court – those … Continue reading McCullim and others v Customs and Excise; Excs 7 Feb 2005