The defendant had settled the claim for damages for personal injury. His payment in had been rejected, but the claimant won a smaller sum at trial. He now argued that the claimant should not receive the full 100% costs uplift provided. Held: The defendant’s appeal was dismissed. ‘Section III of Part 45 contains a carefully … Continue reading Lamont v Burton: CA 9 May 2007
The debtor’s wife was personally acquainted with counsel for the petitioner in his bankruptcy examination. He sought that it be set aside. Held: Whereas a judge had a duty to be independent of the parties, no such duty fell on counsel. A court might disqualify counsel where there was a complaint as to use, or … Continue reading Skjevesland v Geveran Trading Co Ltd: CA 30 Oct 2002
The court considered the approval required for an order under the 2002 Act. Held: Welfare considerations were important but not paramount: ‘Given the permanent nature of the order under s.30, it seems reasonable that the court should adopt the ‘lifelong’ perspective of welfare in the Adoption and Children Act 2002 rather than the ‘minority’ perspective … Continue reading In re X and Y (Foreign Surrogacy): FD 9 Dec 2008
Where a patentee sues for infringement and then discontinues his claim against the alleged infringer and consents to the revocation of his patent, he may yet require the alleged infringer to pay a substantial proportion of his costs if he can show that this situation came about because the alleged infringer had amended his defence … Continue reading Baird v Moule’s Patent Earth Closet Co Ltd: CA 3 Feb 1876
The claimant alleged that the proposal for a game show submitted by him had been used by the various defendants. He alleged breaches of copyright and of confidence. Application was now made to strike out the claim. Judges: Arnold J Citations: [2010] EWHC 2065 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 24.2 Jurisdiction: England and … Continue reading Meakin v British Broadcasting Corporation and Others: ChD 27 Jul 2010
The claimant had purchased the interests of a failed Formula One car racing team, including, it said, the right to enter a team in Formula One races. It claimed to have been unlawfully excluded from racing. Held: The claimant had failed to comply with the requirements imposed upon participants, and was not entitled to race. … Continue reading Phoenix Finance Limited v Federation Internationale De L’automobile, Formula One Management Limited, Formula One Administration Limited: ChD 22 May 2002
There had been proceedings as to the misuse of confidential information. X, a non-party, now sought disclosure of papers used in that case. The case had been settled by means of a Tomlin Schedule, and that, subject to further order, non-parties might not obtain documents on the court file. Held: The applicant X was entitled … Continue reading ABC Ltd v Y: ChD 6 Dec 2010
The parties had litigated the validity of a patent. Judges: Lord Neuberger MR, Aikens, Lewison LJJ Citations: [2011] EWCA Civ 1288 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Baird v Moule’s Patent Earth Closet Co Ltd CA 3-Feb-1876 Where a patentee sues for infringement and then discontinues his claim against the alleged infringer … Continue reading Fresenius Kabi Deutschland Gmbh and Others v Carefusion 303 Inc: CA 8 Nov 2011
Citations: [2015] EWCA Civ 1253, [2015] CP Rep 13 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 25 September 2022; Ref: scu.558411
Orders were sought to strike out part of the defendants defence of justification to an allegation of defamation. Held: Where there remains the possibility of a jury trial, it becomes especially important to identify the issues the jurors are to resolve and the facts they are invited to find. Judges: Eady J Citations: [2009] EWHC … Continue reading Prince Radu of Hohenzollern v Houston and Another (No 4): QBD 4 Mar 2009
The applicant had been sentenced to nine months imprisonment for having broken his undertaking to the Court. He appealed against that sentence. The other party also sought to appeal other parts of the order. Held: An appeal limited to the sentencing part of a committal for contempt did not require leave to appeal, being as … Continue reading London Borough of Barnet v Hurst: CA 17 Jul 2002
The new Civil Procedure Rules did not change the circumstances where the Court of Appeal would interfere with a first instance decision, but would apply the new rules on that decision. Very extensive pleadings in defamation cases should now be otiose. In the modern era of witness statements, extensive and fully particularised pleadings are no … Continue reading McPhilemy v Times Newspapers Ltd and Others (2): CA 26 May 1999
The appellant landlords appealed against the award of damages to their former tenants under the 1985 and 1972 Acts. The judge had proceeded to hear the case in their absence. Held: The court considered whether the appellants should instead have applied to have the judgments set aside. Judges: Moore-Bick, Gross LJJ Citations: [2011] EWCA Civ … Continue reading Williams and Another v Hinton and Another: CA 14 Oct 2011
The claimant alleged defamation by the defendant in an article regarding her expenses claims as an MP. She appealed against summary judgment in favour of the defence in their pleaded defence of honest comment. Held: Laws LJ said: ‘The principle identified in Jameel consists in the need to put a stop to defamation proceedings that … Continue reading Lait v Evening Standard Ltd: CA 28 Jul 2011
Common issues relating to the construction of Part 36 of the Civil Procedure Rules and its inter-action with Part 44, which contains general rules about costs, and Section II of Part 45, which contains rules about costs in certain kinds of road traffic accident claims. Judges: Pill, Moore-Bick, Aikens LJJ, Hurst SCJ Citations: [2011] EWCA … Continue reading Solomon v Cromwell Group Plc: CA 19 Dec 2011
Concerning challenges to leave to appeal: ‘(if) the Judge was misled by an Appellant, not necessarily deliberately, into giving permission to appeal, that may well be a compelling reason within the Rule. It must . . involve showing (a) that the materials put before the judge were inaccurate or incomplete; (b) that these deficiencies had … Continue reading Hertsmere Borough Council v Harty and others: CA 21 Jun 2001
The court allowed the appellant’s application to dispense with service of a claim form under the rule. The High Court became seised of the matter as at 19 January 2005. Further directions were given. Judges: The Honourable Mr Justice Peter Smith Citations: [2005] EWHC 1880 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 6.9 Jurisdiction: England … Continue reading Phillips, Harland (Suing As Administrators of the Estate of Christo Michailidis) v Symes (A Bankrupt), Nussberger, Galerie Nefer Ag, Geoff Rowley: ChD 19 Aug 2005
(From the Court of Appeal of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago) The consequences which a court in Trinidad and Tobago operating under the Civil Procedure Rules in that jurisdiction may impose where a party fails to file a written skeleton argument in proper time in accordance with case management directions set by the court. … Continue reading Crick and Another v Brown: PC 30 Nov 2020
(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
At first instance the appellant had dishonestly assisted another party to defraud the respondent, and ordered payment of substantial damages. The defendant, non-resident, sought to appeal, and the respondent asked the court to order payment into court of the amount of the award, saying that the appellant did not otherwise have the assets within the … Continue reading Goldtrail Travel Ltd v Onur Air Tasimacilik As: SC 2 Aug 2017
Further applications in defendant’s application for summary judgment and or security for costs in the claimant’s claim alleging copyright infringement. Held: The claimant was ordered to pay a sum of andpound;50,000 as security for costs.Kitchin J summarised the principles: ‘(i) the court has jurisdiction under rule 24.6 to make an order which is tantamount to … Continue reading Allen v Bloomsbury Publishing Plc and Another: ChD 18 Mar 2011
E Was born with and still suffered severe learning difficulties. The court was asked as to the extent of his capacity to make decisions, and as to where he should live, with a family member, the carer or with the local authority, which had removed him from her care. As he had become an adult, … Continue reading G v E and Others: CoP 26 Mar 2010
The mortgagor sought to appeal against a mortgagee’s possession order. The Court of Appeal considered the interaction between an application under CPR rule 39.3 to set aside a default judgment and an application for permission to appeal under CPR Pt 52. Held: The dismissal of an application under CPR Rule 39.3 does not, of itself, … Continue reading Bank of Scotland v Pereira and Others: CA 9 Mar 2011
The appellant sought staying the order for him to pay costs pending the results of an appeal, and the respondent sought security for costs in fighting the appeal, and a striking out in default of payment, and for security for payment of the judgement debt. The applicant company is a limited liability company registered in … Continue reading Hammond Suddard, Solicitors v Agrichem International Holdings Limited: CA 18 Dec 2001
The defendants had failed to comply with an ‘unless’ order requiring disclosure, and had been first debarred from defending the cases as to liability. They applied to a second judge who granted relief from sanctions after new solicitors had complied with the order. The claimant challenged the right of the second judge to grant such … Continue reading Thevarajah v Riordan and Others: SC 16 Dec 2015
The respondent having successfully defended the claim by the Revenue, now sought its costs on an indemnity basis having made a Part 36 offer. The Revenue responded that Part 36 did not apply to such claims. Judges: Carnwath , Moses LJJ Citations: [2010] EWCA Civ 1448, [2011] STC 547, [2011] BVC 30, [2011] STI 129 … Continue reading Revenue and Customs v Blue Sphere Global Ltd: CA 16 Dec 2010
Applications for judicial review in relation to alcoholic goods detained by the Defendants on grounds of a suspicion that duty may not have been paid in respect of them.Sales J said: ‘In my view, there is a clear reason why Parliament wished to create a distinct power of detention, namely to allow for the goods … Continue reading Eastenders Cash and Carry Plc and Another v Revenue and Customs: Admn 4 Nov 2010
The claimant had cohabited with the deceased. After his death, she applied for a grant of letters of administration in his estate, but this was rejected on the basis that she had no sufficient interest to make a claim to probate. The deceased had died but shortly after his divorce the defendants said that he … Continue reading O’Brien v Seagrave and Another: ChD 23 Mar 2007
SERVICE CHARGES -Costs before leasehold valuation tribunal – Whether payable under Lease – Effect of Paragraph 10(4) of Schedule 12 of Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 – Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 – jurisdiction of LVT’s – how it should be exercised – Significant imbalance in parties’ rights – Reasonableness of legal … Continue reading Canary Riverside Pte Ltd v Schilling and others: LT 16 Dec 2005
The court was asked whether, when a claim was issued towards the very end of a limitation period, but was then not served, and the claim was struck out, CPR Part 7.5(1) gave a further four months in which it could be resurrected at the discretion of a judge under section 33 of the 1980 … Continue reading Aktas v Adepta: CA 22 Oct 2010
The applicant had failed to comply with an unless order, delivering his expert evidence some 20 minutes late. The evidence had not been allowed. They appealed. Held: The claim was re-instated. This was not the first occasion of default. Nevertheless, the rules listed several matters to be considered, and the judge must apply his mind … Continue reading R C Residuals Ltd (formerly Regent Chemicals Ltd) v Linton Fuel Oils Ltd: CA 2 May 2002
Defendant’s application for security for costs Judges: Moulder J Citations: [2019] EWHC 325 (Comm) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 25.12 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Costs Updated: 23 August 2022; Ref: scu.634043
The husband had obstructed ancillary relief proceedings, leading to prolonged hearings. The judge ordered a gross sum in costs, without allowing the husband to be heard first. Held: Under RSC Ord 62 r9(4) a judge could award a gross sum in lieu of taxed costs, and need not give any prior warning to the other … Continue reading Leary v Leary: CA 1987
The defendant appealed against refusal of a declaration that the court had no jurisdiction to hear the claim. He said that he lived in Kenya, and the claimant had failed first to apply for leave to serve out of the jurisdiction. The claimant had served notice of the proceedings at premises owned by the defendant … Continue reading Varsani v Relfo Ltd: CA 27 May 2010
The claimant sued in defamation, but had failed to make disclosure of documents as ordered. He asked for the ‘unless’ order to be set aside, and the action re-instated saying that he had not had notice of the application for it. He also argued that the Sharp J was biased. Held: The fact that a … Continue reading Mireskandari v Associated Newspapers Ltd: QBD 4 May 2010
The court considered the scope of the court’s power to permit an amendment as regards parties outside a limitation period. The amendment in this instance was to substitute one claimant in place of another, namely the liquidator of a company instead of the company itself. Held: The court said of the new rule that: ‘The … Continue reading Parkinson Engineering Services Plc v Swan and Another: CA 21 Dec 2009
Application under CPR r81.14(1) for permission to bring proceedings for committal for interference with the administration of justice. That is covered by Section III of CPR Part 81 (r81.12 to r81.14). The interference relied on is the use of documents disclosed in an action for a collateral purpose, contrary to CPR r31.22 Judges: Birss J … Continue reading Grosvenor Chemicals Ltd and Others v UPL Europe Ltd and Others: ChD 26 Jul 2017
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
Three prisoners raised questions as to the circumstances in which the Parole Board is required to hold an oral hearing before making an adverse decision. One of the appeals (Osborn) concerned a determinate sentence prisoner who was released on licence but then recalled to custody. The other appeals (Booth and Reilly) were indeterminate sentence prisoners … Continue reading Osborn v The Parole Board: SC 9 Oct 2013
Forcelux and Mr Binnie were the landlord and tenant of a flat in Lincoln. Under the lease, the tenant was obliged to pay ground rent and other charges. The lease contained a forfeiture provision in the event of non-payment of rent or charges. Mr Binnie fell into arrears and Forcelux obtained a default judgment against … Continue reading Forcelux Ltd v Binnie: CA 21 Oct 2009
The Court considered the procedures when a prisoner is kept in solitary confinement, otherwise described as ‘segregation’ or ‘removal from association’, and principally whether decisions to keep the appellants in segregation for substantial periods were taken lawfully. Held: The segregation was not authorised by the applicable legislation: ‘rule 45 . . (1) enables the governor … Continue reading Bourgass and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: SC 29 Jul 2015
The Claimants were the residents of a housing estate who applied for a Group Litigation Order to pursue their claim of nuisance and negligence against a waste contractor. The Defendant requested the disclosure of their ‘after the event’ insurance policy as a condition of the GLO. Held: The policy was disclosable both under CPR31.14 and … Continue reading Barr and Others v Biffa Waste Services Ltd: TCC 15 May 2009
The company’s pension scheme provided that the trustees were to form an opinion as to the employee’s ability or otherwise to work. The plaintiff sought payment of an ill-health pension under the Bank Pension Scheme. Held: A pension scheme trust is quite different from other trusts. Pension benefits are part of the consideration which an … Continue reading Mihlenstedt v Barclays Bank International: CA 1989
Where it was alleged that shares in a UK company had been sold at an undervalue, so as to allow a challenge in insolvency proceedings, the leave of the court was still required if the pleadings were to be served abroad. When the court considered such an application, it had to look not just at … Continue reading In Re Banco Nacional De Cuba: ChD 7 Jun 2001
The appellant sought to restrict publication by the defendants in the Mail on Sunday of matters which he said were a breach of confidence. He had lied to a court in giving evidence, whilst at the same time being ready to trash the reputation of his opponent. The judge had refused to excise the details … Continue reading Lord Browne of Madingley v Associated Newspapers Ltd: CA 3 Apr 2007
The respondent brought in laws restricting marriages between persons subject to immigration control, requiring those seeking non Church of England marriages to first obtain a certificate from the defendant that the marriage was approved. The applicants said this was discriminatory and infringed their human rights. Held: Legislation which prevented marriages of convenience between aliens and … Continue reading Baiai and Others, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 10 Apr 2006
An application was made under Part 3.1(7) to vary an earlier final order made by the judge after a trial, on the application of the wife of one of the defendants whose potential interest in funds subject to the judge’s order had been overlooked by him when making it, in her absence. Held: The application … Continue reading Independent Trustee Services Ltd v GP Noble Trustees Ltd and Others: ChD 14 Dec 2010
Costs in a housing disrepair case: ‘The question which we have to consider arises where, on receipt of that notification, the landlord promptly carries out the repairs. If he does, that will remove from the tenant’s claim in the court action subsequently brought any application for specific performance of the repairing covenant, but will, very … Continue reading Birmingham City Council v Lee: CA 30 Jul 2008
The defendant appealed awards against it of disturbance payments to the claimants under their contracts of employment. The claimants had produced documents at the last minute before the trial but it was arguable that since these documents were those of the defendants, they should heve been disclosed anyway. Held: The evidence, however badly introduced had … Continue reading Hayes and others v Transco Plc: CA 17 Sep 2003
The claimant had succeeded in her claim and had recovered more than the sum paid in by the defendant, and now appealed an order for costs in favour of the defendant. Held: The award of costs to a successful claimant achieving more than any sum paid in was not automatic. Where the court felt that … Continue reading Carver v BAA Plc: CA 22 Apr 2008
Presumption in Favour of Open Proceedings There had been an unauthorised dissemination by the petitioner to third parties of the official shorthand writer’s notes of a nullity suit which had been heard in camera. An application was made for a committal for contempt. Held: The House equated the contempt to a breach of an injunction … Continue reading Scott v Scott: HL 5 May 1913
Judges: Akenhead J Citations: [2008] EWHC 123 (TCC) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 13 July 2022; Ref: scu.264015
The defendants had succeeded in an application before the Land Registry adjudicator for a strip of land adjoining their property to be registered in their name after a finding that they had successfully established a claim by adverse possession. The claimants had developed the adjoining land leaving the strip unbuilt upon. A fence had been … Continue reading Hicks Developments Ltd v Chaplin and others: ChD 5 Feb 2007
Various parties had sought relief in the English courts and in Switzerland after an alleged fraud. There had been a mistake in service of the proceedings in England. The high court had dispensed with service an backdated the effect of the order to pre-date the Swiss proceedings. The court of appeal set aside the backdating … Continue reading Phillips and Another v Symes and others: HL 23 Jan 2008
The defendant sought a variation under Part 3.1(7) of an order setting aside an earlier judgment in default of defence, on terms requiring a substantial payment into court with which the defendant, who was a litigant in person, had not complied. Patten J discussed the jurisdiction under Part 3.1(7): ‘The Deputy Judge exercised a discretion … Continue reading Lloyds Investment (Scandinavia) Ltd v Ager-Hanssen: ChD 15 Jul 2003
The claimants appealed against a reduction in their costs awards after succeeding in their claims arising from road traffic incidents. The judge had awarded them only 60% of their costs and they appealed submitting that there was no reason why they should not get 100%. Held: The appeal succeeded. It was the defendant insurers allegations … Continue reading Hall and others v Stone: CA 18 Dec 2007
The parties had disputed the terms of a construction contract, but it was settled very shortly after issue of proceedings. The court was asked whether only fixed costs should be payable if the defendant to an issued claim admits or pays the sum claimed within a few days of the issue on or before the … Continue reading Amber Construction Services Ltd v London Interspace Hg Ltd: TCC 18 Dec 2007
Mortgagees claimed possession of the land. The occupiers claimed a right of occupation under a lease. The mortgagees argued that the lease had been surrendered. Held: The lease had been surrendered by a deed. The defects in notice alleged did not affect the result. The bank’s claim under estoppel was made out. Judges: John Randall … Continue reading Hardy and others v Fowle and Another: ChD 26 Oct 2007
The claimant had offered to accept damages subject to a 50% finding of contributory negligence. The defendant did not accept. That was the exact order made. The claimant appealed refusal to award her costs on the standard basis to the time for acceptance of the offer and thereafter on an indemnity basis. Held: The judge … Continue reading Read v Edmed: QBD 8 Dec 2004
Application, issued on 2.7.15, of the Applicant for pre-action disclosure under CPR r.31.16 Judges: Behrens HHJ Citations: [2016] EWHC 381 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 31.16 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 12 July 2022; Ref: scu.562168
The appellants appealed against a refusal to strike out as an abuse of process the respondent’s claim against them for professional negligence in the drafting of development agreements.Buxton LJ considered the nature of the enquiry on such an application: ‘The court . . has to consider, by an intense focus on the facts of the … Continue reading Taylor Walton (A Firm) v Laing: CA 15 Nov 2007
The claimants, a firm of accountants, sued their former clients for unpaid fees. The defendant company counterclaimed for professional negligence. The claimant had expended andpound;5.6m in costs. The claimants now sought a non-party costs order against former directors of the company, which had gone into administration. They said that the company’s counterclaim was built on … Continue reading Chantrey Vellacott v The Convergence Group Plc and others: ChD 31 Jul 2007
The Defendant had applied for summary judgment under CPR Part 24. One argument was a short point of construction. The Judge suggested the parties agree that he should decide the point as a preliminary issue. They were unwilling so he proceeded on the basis that he should apply the Part 24 test. He dismissed the … Continue reading ICI Chemicals and Polymers Ltd v TTE Training Ltd: CA 13 Jun 2007
The defendant had sought an order requiring the claimant to remove from a witness statement elements referring to without prejudice discussions between the parties before litigation began. Held: The defendant’s appeal succeeded. The test for proximity of the negotiations to the litigation was not one of time, but of the closeness of the connection between … Continue reading Framlington Group Ltd and Another v Barnetson: CA 24 May 2007
To fulfil the requirement in CPR Part 16.2.1(a) ‘it is necessary at least to give some idea or indication of the duty which it is alleged the defendant has failed to perform.’ Judges: Cooke J Citations: [2007] EWHC 642 (Comm) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 16.2.1.a Cited by: Cited – Berezovsky v Abramovich ComC … Continue reading Nomura International Plc v Granada Group Ltd and others: ComC 23 Mar 2007
The court had ordered preparation of a joint statement by the parties expert witnesses with a view to encouraging mediation. The claimant obtained an order that the statement was privileged, and could not be used later in the proceedings. Held: The defendant’s appeal succeeded. Though ‘with some exceptions not relevant to this appeal’, what goes … Continue reading Aird and Another v Prime Meridian Ltd: CA 21 Dec 2006
The defendant did not appear at the trial and now appealed the judgment. The claim form and court papers had been served by post at the wrong address. The question was whether a defendant wanting to set aside a judgment was required to persuade the court to exercise its discretion or whether he was entitled … Continue reading Nelson and Another v Clearsprings (Management) Ltd: CA 22 Sep 2006
The defendant a serving prisoner sought an adjournment of his extradition to a time closer to the end of the sentence he was to serve in England. Held: The court had sympathy with the argument that where the district judge is being invited to express his satisfaction over matters under section 11 and section 21 … Continue reading United States of America, Regina (on the Application of) v Bow Street Magistrates’ Court: Admn 6 Sep 2006
The police sought the closure of premises under an anti-social behaviour order. Held: A body seeking such an order had an obligation to serve written copies of the evidence upon which they wished to rely on the proposed respondent. The respondent had therefore been entitled to the adjournment he sought but was refused by the … Continue reading Cleary, Regina (on the Application of) v Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court and others: Admn 26 Jul 2006
Objection was made to the use of an expert witness who had formerly been a senior employee of the defendant. Held: The court set out criteria for testing the independence of a proposed expert witness: ‘i) It is always desirable that an expert should have no actual or apparent interest in the outcome of the … Continue reading Armchair Passenger Transport Ltd v Helical Bar Plc and Another: QBD 28 Feb 2003
The claimant sought damages after being severely injured in a road traffic accident in Australia caused by the defendant. The defendant denied that the court had jurisdiction to permit service out of the jurisdiction. The claimant said that the issues were not as to liability but as to quantum. Held: The defendant’s application failed. The … Continue reading Cooley v Ramsey: QBD 1 Feb 2008
The defendants appealed a decision that they had no sufficient reason for not attending court on the day of the trial. Held: The fact that the defendants had a continuing commercial relationship with the claimants was not enough to justify an inference that they should be aware of proceedings served at a former address. In … Continue reading Estate Acquisition and Development Ltd v Wiltshire and Another: CA 4 May 2006
The court considered the effect of negotiations on costs claims: ‘Changes were made to the Rules of Court. Some of these changes, and in particular the provisions of Sections II to V of CPR45, were introduced following ‘industry wide’ discussions under the aegis of the Civil Justice Council. Agreement was reached on the recoverable costs … Continue reading Butt v Nizami: QBD 9 Feb 2006
The claimant had been severely injured in a road traffic accident. His claim was compromised and embodied in a court order, but later a question was raised as to whether he had had mental capacity at the time to make the compromise he had. Held: The term ‘patient’ in this context had a meaning specific … Continue reading Bailey v Warre: CA 7 Feb 2006
Various parties appealed refusal and grant of extensions of time for service of claim forms. Held: The court gave detailed guidance. The three central issues were the proper construction of the rule, the question of whether the court could reconsider an application made without notice and on paper, and whether the Hashtroodi guidance was being … Continue reading Collier v Williams and others: CA 25 Jan 2006
The tenant had a bad record of payment of rent. The local authority sought possession. The district judge suspended the possession warrant. The authority appealed to the county court judge on the basis that the district judge had made his order without seeing the court file which in turn showed the many attempts by the … Continue reading Richardson v Ealing London Borough Council: CA 22 Nov 2005
The parties had disputed payments for subcontracting work on a major project. The matter had been referred to arbitration, and the claimants now appealed refusal of leave to appeal the adjudicator’s award. Held: The dispute was complex and substantial. Nevertheless, the adjudicator ‘not only took the initiative in ascertaining the facts but also applied his … Continue reading Carillion Construction Ltd v Devonport Royal Dockyard Ltd: CA 16 Nov 2005
The claimant owned the copyright in several successful computer games. He had granted licenses for the use of the software, which licences were assigned to the defendants. Disputes arose as to the calculation of royalty payments, and the claimant sought to exercise his auditing rights. The defendant company in the US handled the accountancy for … Continue reading Sawyer v Atari Interactive Inc: ChD 1 Nov 2005
An order had been made restraining the defendant trades unions from taking industrial action. The unions said the UK court had no jurisdiction. Held: ‘It is at first sight surprising that the English Commercial Court should be the forum in which a dispute between a Finnish company and a Finnish Trade Union and an international … Continue reading International Transport Workers’ Federation and Another v Viking Line Abp and Another: CA 3 Nov 2005
The client challenged his opponent’s solicitors bill of costs, saying that the other side had not been given an estimate of costs. The solicitor acted on several matters for the client and had not given a formal estmate. Held: The absence of the estimate should not deprive the solicitor of payment for the work undertaken … Continue reading Garbutt and Another v Edwards and Another: CA 27 Oct 2005
The claimants sought to amend their particulars of claim to add a request for declarations with regard to a bill of lading and contract for carriage. Held: The application to amend was made more than six years after the cause of action accrued. It was in its nature a new claim. The additional possibility that … Continue reading P and O Nedloyd BV v Arab Metals Co and Others (‘The UB Tiger’): QBD 22 Jun 2005
Appeal from a decision of Morland J, who granted the defendants summary judgment under Civil Procedure Rule 24(2)(a)(2), finding that the claimant, Mr Spencer, had no real prospect of succeeding on his claim. Held: Buxton LJ said: ‘Bearing in mind the emphasis placed on the right to jury trial in section 69 [of the Senior … Continue reading Spencer v Sillitoe and Another: CA 22 Oct 2002
The claimant licensee alleged that the license contract had been repudiated by the defendant licensor. The claimant succeeded at the trial of liability. The defendant had made a payment into court. The judge was told of the payment but not of the amount. He ordered the defendant to pay the costs of the liability trial … Continue reading HSS Hire Services Group Plc v BMB Builders Merchants Ltd and Another: CA 24 May 2005
The claimant wished to pursue his claim for defamation against the defendant, but was reluctant to return to the UK to give evidence, fearing arrest and extradition to the US. He appealed refusal of permission to be interviewed on video tape. Held (Majority): The appeal succeeded, and the judge’s order allowing the evidence to be … Continue reading Polanski v Conde Nast Publications Ltd: HL 10 Feb 2005
The court considered an application for leave for a second appeal. Held: Pursuant to the Practice Direction, the court certified that though this was an application for leave, it could be cited: ‘the reference in CPR 52.13(2)(a) to ‘an important point of principle or practice’ is to an important point of principle or practice that … Continue reading Uphill v BRB (Residuary) Ltd: CA 3 Feb 2005
Tenants occupied land next to land which was to be developed after compulsory acquisition. The tenants and the landlords asserted a right of light over the land, and sought an injunction to prevent the development. The developer denied that any right of light had been acquired. The sky contour diagrams projected that the reductions in … Continue reading Midtown Ltd v City of London Real Property Company Ltd: ChD 20 Jan 2005
The employee first issued a claim in the employment tribunal, and then in the High Court. The defendant company argued that the tribunal proceedings were not concluded before the High Court proceedings were issued, but only later when they were struck out. The employee said she had withdrawn them. Held: The withdrawal of tribunal proceedings … Continue reading London Borough of Enfield v Sivanandan: CA 20 Jan 2005
Parties appealed from decisions of the Trade Marks Registry, and requested leave to introduce new evidence. Held: It was not agreed what rules applied on appeals under the 1938 Act. The Trade Mark system had public interest effects as well as private law. The rules governing appeals were therefore different from other regimes. The courts … Continue reading E I Du Pont de Nemours and Co v S T Dupont (1): ChD 31 Oct 2002
The court considered what was meant by ‘act promptly’ in the Rule. Held: Dictionary definitions were considered by both Arden LJ and Simon Brown LJ – ‘with alacrity’ or ‘all reasonable celerity in the circumstances’. The court no longer has a broad discretion whether to grant such an application: all three of the conditions listed … Continue reading Regency Rolls Ltd and Another v Carnall: CA 16 Oct 2000
The parties had been involved in a bitter and protracted boundary dispute. The judge had found a minimal encroachment, and awarded nominal damages. He had made an error in the order. At an appeal counsel was given leave to apply to amend the oder under the slip rule (r40.12). Held: The amendment was not the … Continue reading Markos v Goodfellow and others: CA 30 Nov 2001
The claimant sought his profit share from a partnership. The defendant complained that the claimant had for some time put his assets beyond reach, and obtained an order for security for costs. The claimant now appealed. Held: The appeal failed. It was not necessary for a defendant in such an action to show that the … Continue reading Harris v Wallis: ChD 10 Mar 2006
The claimant sought expert evidence to support her claim for personal injuries. A draft report was produced, followed by a final report which was disclosed. She appealed an order requiring disclosure of the draft report. Held: The appeal succeeded. The rules required disclosure of a report. They could not be read to require disclosure of … Continue reading Jackson v Marley Davenport Ltd: CA 9 Sep 2004
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
EAT This interlocutory appeal raises a point of general importance regarding Employment Tribunal practice where one Tribunal revisits and varies or alters an interlocutory order or direction made by an earlier Tribunal. We use the expression Tribunal to include a Chairman properly sitting alone.’ Held: Although it was open to an Employment Tribunal to make … Continue reading Goldman Sachs Services Ltd v Montali: EAT 19 Oct 2001
The defendant claimed that he had gone absent without leave from the RAF as a conscientous objector. Held: The defendant had not demonstrated by complaint to the RAF that he did object to service in Iraq. In some circumstances where there was no procedure to make his objection known, the failure to do so might … Continue reading Khan v Royal Air Force Summary Appeal Court: Admn 7 Oct 2004
The court considered the circumstancs allowing a striking out. Held: Consideration should be given to the question whether striking out the claim or defence would be disproportionate and, except perhaps where striking it out would be plainly proportionate, the judge should give reasons why it was proportionate in the particular case. Only in a case … Continue reading Asiansky Television Plc and Another v Bayer-Rosin: CA 19 Nov 2001
There was a boundary dispute. The judge in the County Court had made an error. Counsel had offered to apply to amend the order under the slip rule, and therefore the judge had refused leave to appeal. Held: This was an application for leave to apply for a second appeal, and such appeals only very … Continue reading Markos v Goodfellow and Barke and Barke: CA 26 Jul 2001
Application to amend order under slip rule. Citations: [2001] EWCA Civ 1306 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – Gwembe Valley Development Co Ltd (In Receivership) v Koshy and Others (No 2) ChD 30-Mar-2000 The new Civil Procedure Rules had not substantially affected the rules on costs following the event of a … Continue reading Gwembe Valley Development Company Ltd v Koshy and Another: CA 25 Jul 2001
The court considered the application of CPR 3.9(1) to a decision relating to the relief of a sanction. Held: Lord Justice Brooke said: ‘It is essential for courts, exercising their discretion on an occasion like this, to consider each matter listed under CPR 3.9(1) systematically in the same way as it is now well known … Continue reading Bansal v Cheema: CA 2 Mar 2000
The claimant sought to begin proceedings to renew his business tenancy, but the proceedings were issued in the wrong name. He sought to amend the proceedings to substitute the correct defendant, but that application was out of time. Held: Proceedings under the 1954 Act were not within the proceedings listed by CPR 19.5 since the … Continue reading Parsons and Another v George and Another: CA 13 Jul 2004