Landlords had sold flats to Frogmore without serving a section 5 notice under the 1987 Act. Prior to receipt of a purchase notice, Frogmore granted certain leases in the block of flats to another party. Held: The agreements were upheld, and were not shams even though they had been intended to work around the 1987 … Continue reading Belvedere Court Management Ltd v Frogmore Developments Ltd: CA 24 Oct 1995
The plaintiff alleged conspiracy to defraud in a sum in excess of andpound;25m. During the application for a freezing order the stance of the defendant had been one of ‘taciturnity’ and non-disclosure. But on the last day of the hearing it was said that the defendant held certain assets. Another defendant, to whom over andpound;50m … Continue reading Derby v Weldon (No. 3): ChD 7 Nov 1988
The court has a power to make a pre-judgment worldwide asset freezing order (a mareva injunction) on satisfaction of the following conditions: 1. That the defendant can be protected against too many and oppressive actions, 2. That he can be protected effectively against the misuse of any information so obtained, and 3. That the interests … Continue reading Derby and Co v Weldon: CA 2 Aug 1988
Application had been made to register as a town or village green an area of land which was largely a boggy marsh. The local authority resisted the application wanting to use the land instead for housing. It then rejected advice it received from a non-statutory enquiry, and sought a declaration from the court as to … Continue reading Oxfordshire County Council v Oxford City Council and others: HL 24 May 2006
(Court of Appeal of Alberta) The court set out a number of propositions as to the intention required for inducing a breach of contract. These included inferred intention and recklessness. The Court of Appeal held as follows: ‘In order to find liability [for inference with contractual relations], a plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant had … Continue reading 369413 Alberta Ltd v Pocklington: 21 Nov 2000
Lawfulness of the imposition by the Legal Services Commission (the defendant) of an embargo on work being done under a full legal aid certificate before the discharge of the certificate under the Legal Aid Act 1988 and the Regulations of 1989 made thereunder. The effect of the embargo in this case, imposed because the claimant … Continue reading Machi, Regina (on The Application of) v Legal Services Commission: Admn 23 Jul 2001
The claimant challenged by judicial review the discharge of a legal aid certificate in educational negligence proceedings. Held: A final decision to revoke a legal aid certificate may be challenged by judicial review. Judges: Ouseley J Citations: [2007] EWHC 1786 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Legal Aid Act 1988 15(2), Civil Legal Aid (General) Regulations 1989 … Continue reading Martin v Legal Services Commission: Admn 27 Jul 2007
A property comprised a large building let on fully repairing leases of 22 units. The many rain outlets were allowed to become blocked, and water accumulated above one unit before that part of the roof collapsed. The landlord appealed a finding that since the roof was not comprised in any of the leases, there was … Continue reading Tennant Radiant Heat Ltd v Warrington Development Corporation: 1988
The defendant appealed his conviction for driving with excess alcohol. He had driven his car within a camping site at Hayling Island. He might have been charged with driving on a road or other public place, but was charged with driving on a road. It was too late on appeal to widen the wording. The … Continue reading Dunmill, Regina (On the Application of) v Director Of Public Prosecutions: Admn 5 Jul 2004
Appeals were brought complaining as to the apparent reversal of the burden of proof in road traffic cases and in cases under the Terrorism Acts. Was a legal or an evidential burden placed on a defendant? Held: Lord Bingham of Cornhill said: ‘The overriding concern is that a trial should be fair, and the presumption … Continue reading Sheldrake v Director of Public Prosecutions; Attorney General’s Reference No 4 of 2002: HL 14 Oct 2004
The court considered whether the state in which enforcement of a judgment will take place should be the place where the debt is situated upon which it is sought to execute. Held: There was nothing to preclude English courts from granting Mareva type injunctions against defendants extending to assets outside the jurisdiction, but the court … Continue reading Babanaft International Co SA v Bassatne: CA 30 Jun 1988
(Extra Division, Inner House) The reclaimers, Roman Catholic midwives working on a labour ward as co-ordinators, sought to assert a right of conscientious objection under the 1967 Act. The respondents said that only those directly involved in the termination of a pregnancy could assert such a right. Held: The midwives’ appeal succeeded. The Act set … Continue reading Doogan and Another v NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board: SCS 24 Apr 2013
The claimant sought to enforce an arbitration award made in 1983. Time might otherwise have expired, but the claimants relied on a fax which they said was an acknowledgement of the debt, and also upon a finding in a Romanian court which created an issue estoppel. Held: A typed signature on a fax was capable … Continue reading Good Challenger Navegante S A v Metalexportimport SA: CA 24 Nov 2003
A homeless gypsy caravan dweller applied for housing. The authority offered temporary bed and breakfast accomodation. She complained that she had an aversion to living in bricks and mortar. Held: The authority had discharged its function. The duty of the authority was to secure the availability of suitable accommodation within a reasonable period of time, … Continue reading Codona v Mid-Bedfordshire District Council: CA 15 Jul 2004
The claimant said he had suffered disability discrimination at the hands of the defendant, a barristers set. He had been accepted as a pupil, but then applied for a deferral which was refused. It was agreed that the set of chambers was a trade organisation. Held: In the light of the rights and duties of … Continue reading Higham of 1 Pump Court Chambers v Horton: CA 15 Jul 2004
A logo had been created for the claimants, by an independent sub-contractor. They sought assignment of their legal title, but, knowing of the claimant’s interest the copyright was assigned to a third party out of the jurisdiction. The claimant sought an order for its transfer, and an order was so made. Before it was perfected … Continue reading R Griggs Group Ltd and others v Evans and others (No 2): ChD 12 May 2004
Money which had been paid into court before the Legal Aid Certificate was issued, is not subject to the legal aid charge when it was recovered from court. Citations: Times 07-Mar-1997, [1997] EWCA Civ 826 Statutes: Legal Aid Act 1988 Sch2 Part 1 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Legal Aid Updated: 05 November 2022; Ref: scu.83549
Parties to litigation had made without prejudice disclosures. One party sought to give evidence contradicting the dsclosure, and the other now applied for leave to amend based upon the without prejudice statements to be admitted to demonstrate the perjury. Held: The court had to balance the competing needs of fairness and expedition. There was nothing … Continue reading Savings and Investment Bank Ltd (In Liquidation) v Fincken: CA 14 Nov 2003
Gilliatt A solicitors’ firm had been paid for work done in a case by the Legal Services Commission. The LSC had a right to a statutory charge against a property which had been preserved as a result of the proceedings. The solicitors should have reported to the LSC that they had recovered the property by … Continue reading Oliver Fisher (A Firm) v Legal Services Commission: Admn 10 May 2002
Grandparents should have conceded at an early stage in the Court of Appeal that an order made by the judge in proceedings relating to their grandchild had been made without jurisdiction. Held: The court considered the procedures for applying for costs for an unassisted party in children proceedings. Citations: Times 25-Nov-1996, [1996] EWCA Civ 936, … Continue reading In Re O (A Minor) (Costs:Liability of Legal Aid Board); orse Re O (A Minor) (Legal Aid Costs): CA 25 Nov 1996
A charging order is a form of ‘execution’ and may not be used again a legally aided party’s dwelling. Citations: Ind Summary 07-Mar-1994 Statutes: Legal Aid Act 1988 17(3)(b) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 26 October 2022; Ref: scu.84592
Legal Aid Act gives no power to extend time for filing affidavit under regulations. Citations: Ind Summary 10-Jan-1994 Statutes: Legal Aid Act 1988 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appeal from – Middleton v Middleton FD 4-Jun-1993 The court can extend the time for filing an affidavit re an order for costs against the Legal Aid … Continue reading Middleton v Middleton: CA 10 Jan 1994
The standard practice of not awarding costs in children cases overrides the possibility of making a hardship order from Landlord. Costs orders are unusual in custody disputes and no order was to be made against the Legal Aid Board in favour of an unassisted party.Neill LJ said: ‘In the last decade, however, it has become … Continue reading Keller v Keller and Legal Aid Board: CA 21 Oct 1994
If a company continues to trade whilst insolvent but in the expectation that it would return to profitability, it should be regarded as trading not for the benefit of the shareholders, but for the creditors also. If there is a possibility of insolvency, even a written consent will not totally safeguard against a claim from … Continue reading West Mercia Safetywear Ltd v Dodds: CA 1988
The vendor company had instructed agents to sell properties on its behalf and had agreed to pay commission on completion of the sale. The sale was agreed with a prospective purchaser introduced by the agents. Before the sale was completed, the vendor company withdrew from the sale because of an objection by one of its … Continue reading Luxor (Eastbourne) v Cooper: HL 1941
In each case the tenants requested adjournment of the possession proceedings brought against them by the landlord for arrears of rent to allow them time to bring the arrears below the level at which a possession order could be made. In each case it was said that the situation arose from maladministration by the local … Continue reading North British Housing Association Ltd v Matthews, Same v Others: CA 21 Dec 2004
The claimant had managed a pension scheme for the respondent company. It now challenged a finding of maladministration of the scheme, with respect to the methods of calculation of discounts applicable to those leaving the scheme. Held: Since the calculations employed would have been carried out for others whether or not the instant pension scheme … Continue reading Legal and General Assurance Society Ltd v CCA Stationery Ltd: ChD 12 Dec 2003
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
The claimant, Mr Tellerup, was employed as a restaurant manager by the transferor, Irma Catering A/S. When its lease was terminated it dismissed all staff. Mr Tellerup’s statutory period of notice expired on 30 April 1983. But it continued to run the business with the same staff until 25 February 1983, from when a new … Continue reading Foreningen Af Arbejdsledere I Danmark v Daddy’s Dance Hall A/S: ECJ 10 Feb 1988
The applicant cleaner sought compensation for unfair dismissal. The issue was whether she was an employee of the respondents, of their client where she did her work, or was not an employee at all. She worked for an agency, who sent her out to offices to work. The court was called upon to give guidance … Continue reading Brook Street Bureau (UK) Ltd v Dacas: CA 5 Mar 2004
(High Court of Australia) Legal practitioners – Negligence – Immunity from suit – Applicant sought legal assistance from first respondent, a statutory corporation deemed to be a firm of solicitors, in defence of criminal prosecution – First respondent retained second respondent, a barrister, to appear for applicant at committal proceedings – Applicant pleaded guilty at … Continue reading D’Orta-Ekenaike v Victoria Legal Aid: 10 Mar 2005
Statutory Charge enforcement Citations: [2004] EWCA Civ 457 Links: Bailii Statutes: Legal Aid Act 1988 16(6) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Legal Aid Updated: 07 September 2022; Ref: scu.195899
Proceedings were brought in England. The respondents sought a stay, saying the company was subject to insolvency proceedings in Germany. Held: Our domestic insolvency law was not applicable to foreign proceedings, and so could not be used to order a stay of proceedings here. (a) the English court has jurisdiction to determine Apex’s claim for … Continue reading Mazur Media Limited and Another v Mazur Media Gmbh in Others: ChD 8 Jul 2004
This was a second appeal, this time by a former tenant and was as to whether a tenancy was a shorthold tenancy or otherwise. The judge had found that the tenancy commenced in 1995, and no notice of shorthold tenancy having been given, it was an assured tenancy. The case was appealed to the High … Continue reading Naidu v Yenula Properties Ltd: CA 23 May 2002
The applicant, an 8 year old boy, became part of his Indian family who lived in England, through an adoption recognised in Indian Law, but not in English Law. Though the adoption was genuine, his family ties had not been broken in India. The family resisted an order for his return to India. Held: The … Continue reading Singh v Entry Clearance Officer New Delhi: CA 30 Jul 2004
The parties had disputed the use of a Puss-n-Boots design motif used on garments. The defendant had undertaken to surrender goods using the motif, and not to further infringe the plaintiff’s copyright. Later the defendant had obtained legal advice that the use of a further design it was not infringing, undertook further sales. The plaintiffs … Continue reading Spectravest Inc v Aperknit: ChD 1988
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
Article 8 requires that an appeal against a deportation order by reference to it should be effective. The court (a) cited at para 65 the decision of the ECtHR in W v United Kingdom (1988) 10 EHRR 29, para 64, to the effect that article 8 required that parents who had sought contact with a … Continue reading Gudanaviciene and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v The Director of Legal Aid Casework and Others: CA 15 Dec 2014
The six claimants challenged the refusal of the Director of Legal Aid Casework to grant legal aid to the claimants. The cases raise common issues concerning the availability of legal aid in immigration cases under Section 10 of the 2012 Act. Judges: Collins J Citations: [2014] EWHC 1840 (Admin), [2014] WLR(D) 266 Links: Bailii, WLRD … Continue reading Gudanaviciene and Others v Director of Legal Aid Casework and Another: Admn 13 Jun 2014
The court was asked as to the interrelationship of the statutory schemes relating to the protection of employees’ pensions and to corporate insolvency. Held: Liabilities which arose from financial support directions or contribution notices issued by the Pensions Regulator under the 2004 Act after the company had gone into administration, which required the company to … Continue reading In re Nortel Companies and Others: SC 24 Jul 2013
The claimant journalist sought disclosure of papers acquired by the respondent in its conduct of enquiries into the charitable Mariam appeal. The Commission referred to an absolute exemption under section 32(2) of the 2000 Act, saying that the exemption continued until the papers were destroyed, or for 20 years under the 1958 Act. Held: The … Continue reading Kennedy v The Charity Commission: SC 26 Mar 2014
The parties had been friends and had discussed their sex lives. The defendant took the information to a newspaper and its editor, the second and subsequent defendants who published it. The plaintiff sought damages saying the conversations and disclosures had been confidential. The defendants appealed against a refusal to strike out the claim. Held: The … Continue reading Stephens v Avery: ChD 1988
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 claimant had won an action for damages against the respondent. He was however released on licence, and subsequently became unlawfully at large. The question was whether the damages continued to be payable to him. The defendant insisted that the sum could only be paid personally, which would allow his arrest. The legal aid provisions … Continue reading Ram, Regina (on the Application Of) v Parole Board: Admn 12 Jan 2004
The term ‘necessary’ will take its colour from its context; in ordinary usage it may mean, at one end of the scale, ‘indispensable’ and at the other ‘useful’ or ‘expedient’. Lord Griffiths said: ‘What then is meant by the words ‘necessary . . for the prevention of . . crime’ in section 10? I do … Continue reading In re an Inquiry Under The Company Securities (Insider Dealing) Act 1985: HL 1988
Claim under statutory charge. Judges: David Steel J Citations: [2008] EWHC 1035 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Legal Aid Act 1988 16 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Legal Aid Updated: 15 July 2022; Ref: scu.267995
The parties sought the expenses incurred in negotiating a development contract which failed before the documents were signed. Judges: Toulmin J Citations: [2004] EWHC 2357 (TCC) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Branca v Cabarro CA 1947 The fact that the parties might contemplate the possibility of a further written agreement, does … Continue reading City Connect Management Ltd v Telia International Carrier UK and Another: TCC 30 Jul 2004
The defendant appealed from a confiscation order. He was stopped attempting to import substantial quantities of tobacco. He said that since it had been taken at the port, he had not derived an benefit so as to allow an order. Held: The appeal failed. Once a person has evaded the payment of duty he has … Continue reading Edwards v Regina: CACD 30 Nov 2004
The defendant appealed against a finding of copyright infringement in a computer game. Held: The appeal failed. The court must identify the artistic work relied upon and then decide whether it has been reproduced by copying of the work as a whole or of any substantial part of it. ”Graphic work’ is defined as including … Continue reading Nova Productions Ltd v Mazooma Games Ltd and others: CA 14 Mar 2007
An indictment had not been signed despite a clear statutory provision that it should be. The defects were claimed to have been cured by amendment before sentence. Held: The convictions failed. Sections 1(1) and 2(1) of the 1933 Act which provided for a bill of indictment (which had of itself no legal standing save as … Continue reading Clarke, Regina v; Regina v McDaid: HL 6 Feb 2008
The defendants appealed a conviction for conspiracy to assist another to retain the benefit of criminal conduct. One set of defendants illegally imported cigarettes, and S was accused of operating a bank account to assist in the moving of the proceeds. He said he was not aware of the criminal source of the funds. Held: … Continue reading Regina v Sakavickas and Another: CACD 3 Nov 2004
Citations: [2001] EWCA Civ 205 Links: Bailii Statutes: Legal Aid Act 1988 15(4) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Legal Aid Updated: 27 June 2022; Ref: scu.217970
The Law Society of Northern Ireland sought an order to quash a letter from the new NI Legal Service Commission declining to implement the remuneration rates set by the Society. There had been no review of charging rates by the commission for some considerable time, and the Society established its own committee to consider the … Continue reading Re Law Society of Northern Ireland: QBNI 9 Sep 2004
Parliament’s Approval if statute rights affected In a referendum, the people had voted to leave the European Union. That would require a notice to the Union under Article 50 TEU. The Secretary of State appealed against an order requiring Parliamentary approval before issuing the notice, he saying that the notice could be given under the … Continue reading Miller and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Exiting The European Union: SC 24 Jan 2017
At a preliminary hearing, when the respondent failed to appear, the tribunal decided that it had jurisdiction to hear a case brought by the claimant against the respondent despite the 1978 Act. The respondent sought to appeal out of time. Held: The Appeal Tribunal should pay regard also decisions on the procedure and practice of … Continue reading United Arab Emirates v Abdelghafar and others: EAT 29 Jul 1994
In a criminal investigation, the police came to suspect that a junior clerk in a barristers’ chambers was intending to give a false alibi. Though the solicitors were innocent of any wrongdoing, the police required their file. The solicitors claimed legal professional privilege. Held: Where there is evidence of specific agreement to pervert the course … Continue reading Hallinan, Blackburn-Gittings and Nott (A Firm), Regina (on the Application Of) v Crown Court at Middlesex Guildhall and Another: Admn 15 Nov 2004
The House was asked whether a rating authority could refuse to repay rates which had been paid by mistake. Held: ‘Parliament must have intended the rating authorities to act in the same high principled way expected by the court of its own officers and not to retain rates paid under a mistake of law . … Continue reading Regina v Tower Hamlets London Borough Council, ex parte Chetnik Developments Limited: HL 1988
The fact that a contract was made by an unauthorised insurer contrary to the 1974 Act, which was silent as to the effect of a breach of this statute, did not render the contracts made by the unauthorised insurer void. Rendering transactions void affects both the guilty and the innocent parties. Kerr LJ said: ‘Where … Continue reading Halvanon Insurance Co Ltd v Central Reinsurance Corporation: CA 1988
The Society had repossessed and sold the mortgagors’ house in 1990. It knew then that there was a shortfall, but took no further recovery proceedings until 2002. What was the date from which the relevant limitation period began to run? Though the deed provided for payment of monthly instalments, it did not include an express … Continue reading Wilkinson and Another v West Bromwich Building Society: CA 30 Jul 2004
Appeals were made against orders for periodical payments made against high earning husbands. The argument was that if the case of White had decided that capital should be distributed equally, the same should apply also to income. Held: The distinction between capital and income awards is no longer conclusive, having arisen in part from historical … Continue reading McFarlane v McFarlane; Parlour v Parlour: CA 7 Jul 2004
A member of the Finnish Parliament who also sat as an expert member of the Court of Appeal was said to lack independence as a judge. Held: The complaint was rejected. Also there was no no objective justification for the applicant’s fear as to a lack of independence and impartiality of the Court of Appeal … Continue reading Pabla Ky v Finland: ECHR 22 Jun 2004
Property had been purchased in the name of of the appellant by her father. She appealed a finding that the presumption of advancement had been rebutted. Held: The appeal failed. The presumption against advancement had been rebutted on the evidence. The court at first instance should keep a record of why a costs decision was … Continue reading Lavelle v Lavelle and others: CA 11 Feb 2004
The claimant challenged the rating of the land it had used for the erection of a mobile ohone mast. Held: Even though the company had the statutory right to place a mast in this location and without payment, for rating purposes the officer could ask what would be the cost of the company taking a … Continue reading Orange PCS v Alan Roy Bradford (Valuation Officer): CA 17 Feb 2004
The claimant sought damages for false imprisonment and assault after her wrongful arrest. She had waived her handbag at an officer investigating a disturbance and been arrested. The police said the arrest was lawful, she being suspected of common assault. Held: The judge was entitled to take the view that, taking the evidence at its … Continue reading Jarrett v Chief Constable of West Midlands Police: CA 14 Feb 2003
The defendant challenged the application of the section, under which he was deemed to have intended to drive a vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol, unless he could prove it was not his intent to drive, saying this infringed his right to a fair trial. Held: The section must be read down to comply … Continue reading Sheldrake v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 24 Feb 2003
The applicant was legally aided under a full certificate. He wished to continue an action despite his solicitors and counsel advising him to accept a settlement offered. The Respondent wished to consider revocation of the certificate, and instructed the solicitors to cease work until a decision had been made. This was a day or so … Continue reading Regina (Augustine Machi) v Legal Services Commission: CA 20 Dec 2001
ECHR The presumption of innocence would be violated if, without the accused having previously been proved guilty according to law, a judicial decision concerning him reflected an opinion that he was guilty. The burden of proof is on the prosecution and any doubt should benefit the accused. Citations: 10590/83, (1988) 11 EHRR 360, [1988] ECHR … Continue reading Barbera, Messegua, and Jabardo v Spain: ECHR 6 Dec 1988
Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Preliminary objection rejected (non-exhaustion); Violation of Art. 8; Non-pecuniary damage – financial award; Costs and expenses award – domestic proceedings; Costs and expenses award – Convention proceedingsThe requirements identified as flowing from the phrase ‘in accordance with the law’ include this: ‘A norm cannot be regarded as a ‘law’ … Continue reading Olsson v Sweden (No 1): ECHR 24 Mar 1988
The claimant sought to oblige the respondent to repair his flat under the 1988 Act. The respondent replied that the arrangement was a licence only, and not protected under the Act. Held: The housing association had a temporary licence to occupy a house and to re-let it, but under conditions which were more consistent with … Continue reading Bruton v London and Quadrant Housing Trust: HL 24 Jun 1999
The court considered the extent to which the defendants in the proceedings can rely on their beliefs as to the unlawfulness of the United Kingdom’s actions in preparing for, declaring, and waging war in Iraq in 2003 in a defence to a charge of criminal damage. Held: International law was to be allowed for in … Continue reading Jones and Milling, Olditch and Pritchard, and Richards v Gloucestershire Crown Prosecution Service: CACD 21 Jul 2004
The police had sought disclosure from the applicant’s solicitors of records of the time at which the applicant arrived at the solicitors’ premises on a particular date and like documents. Held: Such records are not privileged because they did not relate to legal advice or the subject matter of legal advice. Records of appointments made … Continue reading Regina v Manchester Crown Court ex parte Rogers (Legal Professional Privilege): Admn 2 Feb 1999
The Commission sought to recover what it said were payments made on account to the respondent barrister, but only after many years had passed. The Commission argued that time only began to run once it requested repayment. Held: The appeal succeeded. In general, time would run from the earlier date: ‘Save where it is the … Continue reading Legal Services Commission v Henthorn: CA 30 Nov 2011
The court had found that securities had been registered misleadingly in the US. The court held that it could not aid illegality. The court considered the defence of ‘ex turpi cause non oritur actio’. Kerr L.J: ‘The ex turpi causa defence ultimately rests on a principle of public policy that the courts will not assist … Continue reading Euro-Diam Ltd v Bathurst: CA 1988
The applicant sought a judicial review of the Commission’s refusal of his appeal against the refusal to remove a restriction on his legal aid certificate. The request had been refused on the merits after applying a cost benefit analysis, and he challenged the fairness of the procedure adopted on his appeal. He said that a … Continue reading Toth, Regina (on the Application of) v Legal Services Commission: Admn 17 Jan 2002
ECJ 1. Common commercial policy – Protection against dumping practices – Dumping margin – Determination of the normal value – Constructed value – Taking into account a reasonable profit margin (Council Regulation No 2176/84, Art. 2 (3) (b) (ii)) 2. Common commercial policy – Protection against dumping practices – Dumping margin – Comparison between the … Continue reading Sharp Corporation v Council of the European Communities: ECJ 5 Oct 1988
The respondents were the liquidators of a company which the appellant bank climbed old substantial monies. The insolvent company had several subsidiaries and sub-subsidiaries, holding further assets. The respondent first sought an order requiring the production of certain documents to assist with the liquidation. Those orders were discharged after compromise agreements. The respondent then sought … Continue reading Re Esal (Commodities) Ltd: CA 30 May 1988
(Court for Crown Cases Reserved) The defendants were charged with conspiracy to defraud a judgment creditor of the fruits of a judgment by dishonestly backdating a dissolution of their partnership to a date prior to a bill of sale given by Railton to Cox in respect of his assets. The trial judge permitted the prosecution … Continue reading Regina v Cox and Railton: 1884
It was possible for a body to apply for legal aid but only if it was genuinely acting in a fiduciary capacity as trustee, not mere contractual representative. Citations: Times 07-Nov-1997, [1997] EWHC Admin 883 Links: Bailii Statutes: Legal Aid Act 1974 2(10), Legal Aid Act 1988 2(10) Cited by: Appeal from – Regina v … Continue reading Regina v Chester and North Wales Legal Aid Area Office Ex Parte Floods of Queensbury Ltd: QBD 7 Nov 1997
The defendant had been arrested on suspicion of armed robbery. He asked for a solicitor, but one was refused under section 58 of the 1984 Act. He appealed against his conviction saying that he should have been allowed access to a solicitor. Held: The appeal was allowed. He could not be refused access to a … Continue reading Regina v Samuel: CA 1988
The council had taken the applicant’s children into care alleging that the mother had harmed them. In the light of the subsequent cases casting doubt on such findings, the mother sought the return of her children. She applied now that the hearings be in public. Held: The applicant and her solicitors had already made significant … Continue reading Kent County Council v The Mother, The Father, B (By Her Children’s Guardian); Re B (A Child) (Disclosure): FD 19 Mar 2004
There had been a proceeding before Magistrates Court for a minor traffic offence. The defendant was a member of Parliament. He sought not to have his address made public. Since his divorce from his wife he had been subjected to harassment. He had obtained a High Court injunction restraining her and she had previously, when … Continue reading Regina v The Evesham Justices ex parte McDonagh: 1988
The solicitor applicant challenged the grant of a search order under section 9. Held: The order was quashed. The court underlined the need for judges to be scrupulous in discharging their responsibilities so as to ensure that use of the procedures, which constitute a serious inroad upon the liberty of the subject, are not abused. … Continue reading Regina v Maidstone Crown Court ex parte Waitt: QBD 1988
The Secretary of State was willing to make legal advice given to him available on the grounds that privilege had been waived, but not advice after a particular cut off date. The claimants were dubious as to whether the privilege had been properly claimed and sought an order for disclosure of edited documents in order … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for Transport ex-parte Factortame and Others: CA 1988
21 people protested peacefully on the verge of the A344, next to the perimeter fence at Stonehenge. Some carried banners saying ‘Never Again,’ ‘Stonehenge Campaign 10 years of Criminal Injustice’ and ‘Free Stonehenge.’ The officer in charge concluded that they constituted a ‘trespassory assembly’ and told them so. When asked to move off, many did, … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Jones and Lloyd: HL 4 Mar 1999
The introduction of a Standard Criminal Legal Aid fees regime was within the Lord Chancellor’s proper range of discretion, even without consultation with the Law Society.The meaning of ‘carried entering UK’ can include clothing being worn, but caution to be used by the courts not to extend the meaning unnecessarily. Citations: Independent 04-May-1993, Ind Summary … Continue reading Regina v Lord Chancellor ex parte the Law Society (1): QBD 4 May 1993
Administrative Discretion to be Used Reasonably The applicant challenged the manner of decision making as to the conditions which had been attached to its licence to open the cinema on Sundays. It had not been allowed to admit children under 15 years of age. The statute provided no appeal procedure, and the applicant sought a … Continue reading Associated Provincial Picture Houses Ltd v Wednesbury Corporation: CA 10 Nov 1947
A client was granted legal aid in a children case, but with a costs limitation of andpound;5,000. The solicitor did not apply to extend that limit, but exceeded it. When the excess was disallowed, he challenged the right of the Board to impose limitations in public law cases. Held: The word ‘limitation’ must bear its … Continue reading Regina v Legal Aid Board, Ex Parte Burrows: CA 8 Mar 2001
Lord Justice Ralph Gibson said: ‘Before dealing with Mr Marr-Johnson’s submissions reference must be made to what are, in my judgment, certain basic principles of the law of contract. (i) An offer which, upon acceptance, is relied upon as altering the legal relationship between the parties, must be construed objectively. Evidence to show what the … Continue reading Hooper v British Railways Board: CA 1988
Female teachers carried out the work of principal teachers but had not been appointed to the promoted post and were paid less than they would have received had they been so appointed. They claimed equal pay with male comparators who were appointed principal teachers. Like work was established and it was agreed that disparity in … Continue reading Strathclyde Regional Council v Wallace: HL 1988
The council sought to exercise its powers under the Act to take possession of part of the defendant’s property. Held: Denning LJ said: ‘It is necessary to consider the nature of the power to requisition land. It is only a power to take possession of land. It is not a power to acquire any estate … Continue reading Lewisham Borough Council v Roberts: CA 1949
Once a person convicted of an offence on indictment appeals against that conviction and that appeal has been determined on its merits, the court has no jurisdiction to re-open it on fresh evidence coming to light. Lord Lane CJ considered the feasibility of re-opening an appeal: ‘So there is nothing there on the face of … Continue reading Regina v Pinfold: CACD 1988
The claimant appealed against a costs order. She had previously appealed against an order of the High Court on her application for judicial review of the inquest held by the respondent. Held: The coroner, and others in a similar position should not generally be expected to pay the costs of an appeal against an order … Continue reading Regina on the Application of Davies (No 2) v HM Deputy Coroner for Birmingham: CA 27 Feb 2004
Wide Application of Costs Against Third Party A claim had been made against charterers by the ship owners, and in turn by the charterers against their sub-charterers. Notice of motion were issued after arbitration awards were not accepted. When heard, costs awards were made, which were now appealed. Held: The appeals were allowed. The court’s … Continue reading Aiden Shipping Co Ltd v Interbulk Ltd (The “Vimeira”): HL 1986
H had mortgaged the matrimonial home to release funds to support his lifestyle. The bank knew about the family circumstances and the mortgage was set aside at first instance. W applied to have the charge set aside. Held: The application failed. The charge had been executed long before W had commenced her claims. The Court … Continue reading Kemmis v Kemmis (Welland and Others Intervening): CA 1988
The court recognised that there could be terms of the appointment of a civil servant which could have legal effect. May LJ said: ‘I think that at the present time in at least the great majority of cases involving disputes about the dismissal of an employee by his employer, the most appropriate forum for their … Continue reading Regina v Civil Service Appeal Board Ex Parte Bruce: 1988
The defendant was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice by making a false allegation of assault against the police. It was said that he must have made a false statement in his application for legal aid for the purpose of bringing his civil action for assault. The 1974 Act made it an … Continue reading Regina v Snaresbrook Crown Court, ex parte Director of Public Prosecutions: 1988
A property was at first wrongly described by the agents as having mains drainage. Correcting information was sent to the buyer’s solicitors by the Agents, but the solicitors did not pass on the correction to their client. The mistake was later repeated by the valuer. Held: Sir Nicholas Browne-Wilkinson VC said: ‘if it is once … Continue reading Strover v Harrington: 1988
The court considered the way of distributing property purchased by an unmarried couple: ‘When such a relationship comes to an end, just as with many divorced couples, there are likely to be disputes about the distribution of shared property. How are such disputes to be decided? They cannot be decided in the same way as … Continue reading Walker v Hall: CA 1984
Legal professional privilege is an interest which falls to be balanced against competing public interests: ‘When a communication was originally privileged and in criminal proceedings privilege is claimed against the defendant by the client concerned or his solicitor, it should be for the defendant to show on the balance of probabilities that the claim cannot … Continue reading Regina v Ataou: CACD 1988
Houses were built next to a common. Over many years the owners had driven over the common. The landowners appealed a decision that they could not acquire a right of way by prescription over the common because such use had been unlawful as a criminal offence under section 193 of the Law of Property Act … Continue reading Bakewell Management Limited v Brandwood and others: HL 1 Apr 2004
