The claimant estate agents appealed dismissal of their claim for commission. The owners were splitting up, and there was to begin with no clear instruction to market the property. Later the property was sold privately, but to a buyer introduced by the claimant to Mrs Voyce. The agent asked the court to go beyond its … Continue reading Day Morris Associates v Voyce and Another: CA 26 Feb 2003
Football organisations applied to be joined to a case being remitted to the European Court for the purpose of giving their views on the questions raised. The European Court practice only allowed for states to act as interveners. The court had already recognised the significance of the question to be referred as to the licensing … Continue reading Football Association Premier League Ltd and Others v QC Leisure (A Trading Name) and Others: ChD 13 Nov 2008
The court was asked as to whether the on-line marketplace site defendant was liable for trade mark infringements by those advertising goods on the web-site. Held: The ECJ had not yet clarified the law on accessory liability in trade mark infringement, and the legislation remained unclear. Many of the direct sellers were held to be … Continue reading L’Oreal Sa and Others v Ebay International Ag and Others: ChD 22 May 2009
Interlocutory Hearing re the filing of part of Form 8, Counterstatement and exhibits by way of email Result Incomplete documents filed in defence of registration by email: Appeal allowed. Registered Proprietor allowed to defend its registration Points Of Interest The filing of documents by email is allowed Summary An application for revocation of the mark … Continue reading Storm (Trade Mark: Revocation): IPO 4 Jul 2007
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
In all three claims, children sought to recover the costs of applications to approve compromises of their claims for damages for personal injuries received. In particular the court was asked whether they were entitled only to fixed costs, or were subject to detailed assessment. Citations: [2012] EWCA Civ 184 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules … Continue reading Dockerill and Another v Tullett: CA 24 Feb 2012
The applicant trustee in bankruptcy sought an extended civil restraint order against the respondents, saying that they had made unmeritorious claims in the proceedings. Held: The rules required there to be shown that person had ‘persistently issued claims or made applications which are totally without merit’. The court must respond to such behaviour in a … Continue reading Courtman v Ludlam and Another; In re Ludlam (Bankrupts): ChD 6 Aug 2009
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 claimants sought unpaid royalties. The defendants sought to have the claim struck out as an abuse of process. Held: Such interlocutory applications alleging abuse of process should now be dealt with on the same footing as other applications for summary relief. The court had to be able to say with a high degree of … Continue reading Barrett v Universal-Island Records Ltd and Another: ChD 28 Mar 2003
The judge had reserved his judgment, but had since received further voluminous representations from a party. Held: None of the matters raised suggested a proper reason for exercising the jurisdiction given by In re Barrell. The claimant was subject to a civil restraint order, and these applications had been made without consent. Nor had she … Continue reading Sheikh and Another v Dogan and Others: ChD 17 Nov 2009
The parties had litigated the sale of land free of restrictive covenants. Held: The rule that a party was entilted to its costs of defending an action under the Act for the discharge of a covenant at least as far as was necessary for it to have been able to establish whether it was proper … Continue reading University of East London Higher Education Corporation v London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and others: ChD 14 Dec 2004
The claimant had been awarded costs, and sought to charge her time as a solicitor. Held: The claimant had only a limited practicing certificate, which would allow her to work for others only without charge. She could not for these proceedings charge on the basis on which she would not be allowed to practise. Judges: … Continue reading Boyd and Hutchinson v Joseph: ChD 14 Mar 2003
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
Application for permission to appeal in respect of a refusal by a County Court Judge to grant permission to appeal from a District Judge. It is also an application for permission to appeal against the costs, assessed at pounds 280, which were awarded against the applicant by the County Court Judge. Citations: [2001] EWCA Civ … Continue reading French v French and Another: CA 6 Apr 2001
Applications for trade marks on behalf of the claimant had been rejected. Acquired distinctiveness was a significant issue, and the question of whether the appeal was a review or a rehearing was significant. In this appeal, the parties had given oral evidence, and the Registrar contended that any further appeal to the High court should … Continue reading Dyson Limited v The Registrar of Trade Marks: ChD 15 May 2003
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 court considered issues relating to the appropriateness of the claimants instructing London solicitors in a case in which those solicitors had submitted a bill of costs totalling pounds 220,000 in connection with a claim in which their clients had recovered pounds 90,000. Sir Christopher Staughton said: ‘So surely case management powers will allow a … Continue reading Solutia UK Limited v Griffiths: CA 26 Apr 2001
The claimant challenged an order requiring him to give security for costs before proceeding. The judge had felt he was unreasonable in the way he was pursuing his claim. He appealed saying the order was made outside the scope of Part 25. Held: The rules now allowed orders akin to orders for security for costs … Continue reading Olakunle O Olatawura v Alexander O Abiloye: CA 17 Jul 2002
The defendants appealed against a refusal to allow them to amend their pleadings. They wished to include allegations as to matters which were unknown to the journalist at the time of publication. Held: It is necessary for the defendants to establish that they had a duty to publish the article if they are to be … Continue reading Loutchansky v Times Newspapers Limited (No 2): CA 12 Mar 2001
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 claimant had appealed a judgment against her. The court itself recommended that the parties use a method of alternate dispute resolution, to avoid the need for appeal. The defendant refused, not wishing to make any payment over and above the offer it had already made. Held: The defendant, otherwise successful on appeal, should be … Continue reading Dunnett v Railtrack plc: CA 22 Feb 2002
A party had been refused leave to appeal against an arbitration under the Act by the judge, but later obtained leave to appeal. Held: Such leave could only be granted by the trial judge, and the Court of Appeal could set aside the leave granted in excess of jurisdiction. The parties had argued that the … Continue reading Athletic Union of Constantinople v National Basketball Association and Others: CA 28 May 2002
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
Defendants appealed against an order refusing an order to restrain service of the proceedings on certain defendants outwith the jurisdiction. The claimant was seriously injured holidaying at a resort managed by the several defendants in Jamaica in various ways. The defendants argued that the proper forum was Jamaica. Held: The decision as to forum conveniens … Continue reading Owusu v Jackson, Mammee Bay Resorts Limited etc: CA 19 Jun 2002
(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
Application for reconsideration of refusal of leave to appeal. Judges: Lord Justice Flaux Citations: [2021] EWCA Civ 57 Links: Bailii, Juciciary Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 52.30 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See also – UCP Plc v Nectrus Ltd ComC 21-Feb-2018 Application for stay pending proceedings in Isle of Man . . See also – … Continue reading Nectrus Ltd v UCP Plc: CA 21 Jan 2021
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
The appellant sought to appeal a striking out of her complaint of race discrimination. She appealed from the Employment Appeal Tribunal which had rejected her appeal in its preliminary hearing procedure. Held: The Court of Appeal had the power to return a case to the full Employment Appeal Tribunal so that it could hear and … Continue reading Sukui-Lennard v Croydon Primary Healthcare Trust: CA 22 Jul 2003
An application had been made to set aside a possession order obtained by a social landlord and determined by a district judge who applied CPR3.1 (7), when setting the possession order aside. By the time the landlord’s appeal against that decision was heard, the decision in Forcelux was available and the circuit judge held that … Continue reading London Borough of Hackney v Findlay: CA 20 Jan 2011
A rule which deemed service on an asylum applicant two days after postage of a special adjudicator’s determination irrespective of whether it was in fact received was outside the powers given to the Secretary, and is of no effect. The Act gave power to make rules, but the receipt of the determination was fundamental to … Continue reading Saleem v Secretary of State for Home Department: CA 13 Jun 2000
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
Application for relief from sanctions made pursuant to CPR 3.9(1) Judges: Henry Carr QC Citations: [2014] EWHC 1878 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 3.9(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 24 August 2022; Ref: scu.526609
The court was asked, on a reference back from the Supreme Court: ‘to determine whether the court should require [the interested party] to provide a copy of any other document placed before the judge and referred to in the course of the trial to [the applicant] . . in accordance with the principles laid down … Continue reading Dring v Cape Intermediate Holdings Ltd: QBD 16 Jul 2020
The claimant intended to seek recovery of a very substantial sum from the defendant. On learning of the defendant’s intention to sell its assets, it sought an order freezing them. Held: The court has the discretion to order a freezing of a defendant’s assets so as to prevent a transfer of those assets, even though … Continue reading Commissioners of Customs and Excise v Anchor Foods Ltd (No 2): ChD 24 Mar 1999
Trial of a claim issued under Part 8 of the Civil Procedure Rules in which the Claimant seeks sums alleged to be due under a contract of indemnity or damages for breach of that contract along with declarations as to its entitlement. Judges: Philip Marshall QC (Sitting as a Deputy Judge of the High Court) … Continue reading Euler Hermes Sa v Mackays Stores Group Ltd: ComC 25 Jul 2022
The respondent bank had obtained a charging order nisi against the applicant’s property. The applicant then obtained an order under s252 of the act requiring any further action against his estate to be stayed. The bank nevertheless obtained an order absolute. The claimant was not represented at that hearing. Several years later he sought to … Continue reading Clarke v Coutts and Co: CA 17 Jun 2002
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
Application for partial or total disallowance of the Claimants’ costs pursuant to rule 44.11(1)(b) of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (CPR); the Defendants allege ‘gross misconduct before and during the proceedings’. Citations: [2019] EWHC B2 (Costs) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Costs Updated: 19 August 2022; Ref: scu.641805
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
Each party sought summary judgment in the case Judges: Roth J Citations: [2010] EWHC 1083 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 24 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Lewis v Client Connection Ltd ChD 6-Jul-2011 The claimant alleged infringement of his registered trade marks ‘Money Saving Expert’ and associated terms. The defendant … Continue reading Vaseeharan and Another v Uthayaranjan: ChD 21 May 2010
The various insured defendants had been driven in the insured vehicles by a non-insured driver. Suffering injury at the negligence of the driver, they recovered variously damages. Their insurance companies sought recovery of the sums paid from their respective insureds under the policy terms, section 151 and under European law. Appeals and cross appeals were … Continue reading Churchill Insurance Company Ltd v Wilkinson and Others: CA 19 May 2010
Citations: [2003] EWCA Civ 950 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 51 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 16 August 2022; Ref: scu.184608
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 newspaper applied for leave to access documents referred to but not released during the course of extradition proceedings in open court. Held: The application was to be allowed. Though extradition proceedings were not governed by the Civil Procedure Rules, wider principles still applied. The open justice principle is a constitutional principle to be found … Continue reading Guardian News and Media Ltd, Regina (on The Application of) v City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court: CA 3 Apr 2012
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
The court considered what was to be discovered under Part 31.4.1 of CPR. Pumfrey J expressly approved the commentary in the White Book: ‘A computer database which forms part of the business records for company is, in so far as it contains information capable of being received and converted into readable form, a document for … Continue reading Marlton v Tectronix UK Holdings: ChD 10 Feb 2003
A company could give several people the power to appoint a receiver in respect of different elements of its assets. If this was done there was no fundamental reason why such appointments should not be put in effect. The appointment of one receiver did not, in the absence of explicit limitations to the contrary exhaust … Continue reading Gwembe Valley Development Co Ltd (In Receivership) v Koshy and Others: ChD 8 Feb 2000
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 court considered a contributory invalidity scheme: ‘today the general rule is that Article 6(1) does apply in the field of social insurance, including even welfare assistance . . State intervention is not sufficient to establish that Article 6(1) is inapplicable; other considerations argue in favour of the applicability of Article 6(1) in the instant … Continue reading Schuler-Zgraggen v Switzerland: ECHR 24 Jun 1993
The court was asked whether the applicant’s entitlement to a statutory sickness allowance, which was a contributory scheme but for which she had not registered due to illness, was a civil right within the meaning of article 6. Held: The applicant claimed a right ‘flowing from specific rules laid down by the legislation in force’ … Continue reading Feldbrugge v The Netherlands: ECHR 29 May 1986
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
Coulson J considered RSC Order 52 to decide whether he had jurisdiction to hear a complaint of contempt of court arising from statements filed in County Court proceedings and said to be false. Held: He did have jurisdiction: ‘At the outset of the trial, I raised with the parties my concern as to jurisdiction. This … Continue reading Walton v Kirk: QBD 3 Apr 2009
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 claimant police officer complained of an alleged defamation in an article published by the defendant. The defendant wished to obtain information from the IPCC to show that they were investigating the matter as a credible issue. The court considered applications relating to the disclosure of private materials given to the Independent Police Complaints Commission … Continue reading Flood v Times Newspapers Ltd and others: QBD 5 Mar 2009
The council appealed against a decision that the crown court had jurisdiction to extend the time for appeal against refusal of a private hire vehicle licence. Held: The court did not have the jurisdiction it used: ‘The terms of the section 300 of the Public Health Act 1936 are, in my view clear. A fixed … Continue reading Stockton-On-Tees Borough Council v Latif: Admn 13 Feb 2009
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 court gave reasons for making an extended civil restraint order against the claimant. Judges: Popplewell J Citations: [2013] EWHC 3671 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 3.11 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 22 July 2022; Ref: scu.518369
If the court wishes to enable a party to appeal against a particular finding contained in the judgment, it may make a declaration embodying that finding. Citations: [2002] EWCA Civ 1142, [2003] 1 WLR 307, [2003] CP Rep 5 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: See Also – Compagnie … Continue reading Compagnie Noga D’Importation et D’Exportation Sa v Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. and others: CA 31 Jul 2002
The claimant complained of an irregularly obtained judgment. The defendant had obtained an amendment to a writ of sequestration in the course of a bitterly fought dispute bewteen the defendant and the owner of the claimant. The judge had found the irregularity proved, but declined to set the order aside. The claimant now said that … Continue reading Tombstone Ltd v Raja and Another; Raja v Van Hoogstraten and others (No 9): CA 17 Dec 2008
Judges: Park J Citations: [2005] EWHC 3483 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules Part 8 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Costs Updated: 18 July 2022; Ref: scu.263706
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
Application under Part 31 of the Civil Procedure Rules for pre-action disclosure. Judges: Akenhead J Citations: [2009] EWHC 250 (TCC) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 18 July 2022; Ref: scu.291787
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
A court hearing an appeal under the Act, and deciding whether or not to admit new evidence, must now bear in mind the overriding objectives of litigation as defined, and also the need for proportionality. In this case, the pre-hearing procedures had failed to identify the real issues between the parties, and justice required that … Continue reading In Re Club Europe Trade Mark: ChD 2 Sep 1999
The claimant sought damages in negligence against solicitors who had advised the executors in an estate of which he was a beneficiary. He now sought to amend his claim to make a claim in his personal and in derivative capacities. Sums had been paid out of the estate which had defeated the inheritance rights of … Continue reading Roberts v Gill and Co and Another: CA 15 Jul 2008
PROCEDURE – hearing in public or private – VAT Tribunals Rules 1986 r 24(1) – assessment to recover allegedly over-claimed input tax – VATA 1994 ss 25, 26, VAT Regs 1995, reg 29, Sixth Directive art 18 – Human Rights Convention arts 6 and 8 – appellant a sole practitioner solicitor – application for hearing … Continue reading A Practitioner v Customs and Excise: VDT 12 Dec 2003
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
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
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
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
Date of service of claim form sent from England to defendant in Scotland. Judges: Sharp, Asplin LJJ, Sir Rupert Jackson Citations: [2019] EWCA Civ 648, [2019] WLR(D) 282 Links: Bailii, WLRD Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 6.14 7.5 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 11 July 2022; Ref: scu.638808
The claimant sought to add the name of a further claimant. The defendant objected, saying that it was after the expiry of the limitation period. Held: The claimant was seeking to use the rules for substitution of parties to add a party. In defamation law, the claim of each claimant was a single and separate … Continue reading Adelson and Another v Associated Newspapers Ltd: CA 9 Jul 2007
The applicants complained that they had been made subject to non-derogating control orders as suspected terrorists, but that the failure to inform them of the allegations or evidence against them was unfair and infringed their human rights. The material was withheld in the interests of national security. Held: The failure to supply the defendants with … Continue reading Secretary of State for the Home Department v AF AN and AE (No 3): HL 10 Jun 2009
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 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
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
The defendants sought an order for payment of their costs by the claimants solicitors who, they said had wasted them Judges: Stephen Davis J Citations: [2012] EWHC 2628 (TCC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Senior Courts Act 1981 51(3), Civil Procedure Rules 48.2 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Costs, Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 04 July 2022; Ref: scu.465189
In two separate actions, fathers with parental responsibility sought orders requiring the mothers of their children to ensure they received the MMR vaccine. Each mother objected, having suspicions as to the safety of the treatment. Specific issue orders were sought. Held: The court found the evidence given by the expert for the mother’s unconvincing. There … Continue reading A and D v B and E: FD 13 Jun 2003
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
The Defendants were accountants who had been sued through their partnership in KPMG. They had been granted a order for their costs. They sought payment for the time they had spent prersonally in preparing their defences. Held: As professionals there was no reason to distinguish the cost to the defendants of resisting the claims in … Continue reading Sisu Capital Fund Ltd and others v Tucker and others: 28 Oct 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
The claimant claimed damages for historic child abuse by a teacher. On 19 January 2018 the Defendant offered to settle the claim by paying pounds 80,000 to the Claimant. On 2 April 2020 the Claimant accepted the offer. Because the period for accepting the offer under Part 36 of the Civil Procedure Rules had expired … Continue reading MRA v Education Fellowship Ltd (Aka Rushden Academy): QBD 22 Apr 2022
It remains of overriding importance for parties to seek to avoid litigation wherever possible. In this case, a dispute between a local authority and some of the inhabitants of one of its residential homes. The courts now have ample power within the rules to find other ways forward. In this case, the court might of … Continue reading Cowl and Others v Plymouth City Council: CA 14 Dec 2001
The defendants appealed against confiscation orders on the basis that in various ways, the Crown had failed to comply with procedural requirements. Held: The courts must remember the importance of such procedures in the fight against crime, and must not allow procedural or technical failures to defeat that purpose. Courts should rather look to see … Continue reading Sekhon, etc v Regina: CACD 16 Dec 2002
The taxpayer sought to challenge in Europe the ruling by the respondents that the mobile phones they supplied did not meet the criteria to be zero-rated for VAT. A decision would be unlikely before 2006. They sought judicial review now of the refusal of the commissioners to make an interim payment. Held: There exists in … Continue reading Regina on the Application of Teleos Plc and others v Commissioners of Customs and Excise: CA 2 Mar 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 court found no reason why the courts should apportion costs on a case in accordance with the degree of fault found in a collision giving rise to a claim. Judges: Aikens J Citations: [2008] EWHC 1880 (Admlty), Times 20-Oct-2008 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 44.3(2)(a) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Transport, Costs, Civil Procedure … Continue reading Maritime Inc (Krysia) v Intership Ltd: Adct 1 Aug 2008
VDT ASSESSMENT – Over-claimed input tax – Work done to a listed building – Whether alteration or repair – Part of work related to private house – Whether VAT reasonable LEGAL COSTS – Appellants ordered by court to pay building societies costs including VAT – Whether that VAT recoverable in hands of the Appellants – … Continue reading Iliffe and Another (T/A Otterton Post Office) v Customs and Excise: VDT 14 Jan 2004
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
This appeal concerns (1) the principle by which a party to a contract, in this case a tenant under a lease of commercial premises, may recover from the other party a sum paid by him that has been lost as a result of that party’s breach, and (2) the requirement under the Civil Procedure Rules … Continue reading Grange v Quinn: CA 29 Jan 2013
Citations: [2004] EWHC 1778 (TCC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Limitation Act 1980 35 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appealed to – Morgan Est (Scotland) Ltd v Hanson Concrete Products Ltd CA 17-Feb-2005 The defendant appealed an order adding two new claimants. Held: Cases decided under the old RSC were not apposite for matters covered by the … Continue reading Morgan EST (Scotland) Ltd v Hanson Concrete Products Ltd: TCC 22 Jul 2004
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
Appeal against dismissal of claim for damages on basis that it was an abuse being a second attempt to litigate a matter already decided. Judges: Judge, Jonathan Parker LJJ, Bodey J Citations: [2002] CP Rep 6, [2001] EWCA Civ 1597 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 3.4(2)(b) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice, Civil Procedure … Continue reading Collins v CPS Fuels Ltd: CA 9 Oct 2001
Renewed application for leave to appeal: ‘Quite how securely the door to the Court of Appeal should be shut by narrowly confining CPR 52.13(2)(a) to new points or principle, and precisely what the interrelationship is between (2)(a) and (2)(b), are matters which may need to be subject to further and fuller argument if this Court … Continue reading Brown and Brown v Fenwick: CA 4 Oct 2001