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
Judges: Gloster J DBE Citations: [2007] EWHC 3010 (Comm), [2008] ILPr 14, [2008] 1 All ER (Comm) 305 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 71.2 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – Masri v Consolidated Contractors International (UK) Ltd ComC 17-May-2005 . . See Also – Masri v Consolidated Contractors International (UK) Ltd CA … Continue reading Masri v Consolidated Contractors International Company Sal and Another: ComC 20 Dec 2007
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
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
The claimant alleged that the defendant, the chief executive of the Law Society had slandered him in a conversation with another senior lawyer. The claimant now sought summary judgment against the claimant, saying that the defence had no realistic prospect of success. Held: The claim was dismissed as an abuse. Whilst the alleged libel was … Continue reading Kordowski v Hudson: QBD 21 Oct 2011
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 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
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 parties were to appeal a finding of professional negligence. Leave had been given and it was suggested that the judge make additional findings of fact to assist the appeal court. Citations: [2007] EWHC 2545 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 52.10(2)(b) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 13 September 2022; Ref: … Continue reading Hicks v Russell Jones and Walker: ChD 5 Nov 2007
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 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
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 sought an order for enhanced disclosure. Judges: Gloster DBE J Citations: [2010] EWHC 2010 (Comm) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 31.5(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 29 August 2022; Ref: scu.425307
The appeal raises the following interesting and difficult question: On an application for retrospective validation of what is now accepted to be the defective service of a claim form, and where any new claim would now be statute-barred, is it appropriate for the court to allow a respondent to take advantage of an honest mistake … Continue reading Phoenix Healthcare Distribution Ltd v Woodward and Another: ChD 26 Jul 2018
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
The court considered an appeal against an order allowing an amendment outside the limitation period which would Judges: Lloyd, Wilson, Gross LJJ Citations: [2010] EWCA Civ 1153, [2011] Bus LR 504, [2011] BPIR 158, [2011] 1 WLR 1364 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 19.5, Limitation Act 1980 35 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited … Continue reading Irwin and Another v Lynch and Another: CA 6 Oct 2010
UTIAC Rule 9(5) of the Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) Rules 2008, which provides for UNHCR participation in Upper Tribunal proceedings as an intervener in an ‘asylum case’, is to be construed purposively to include subsidiary (humanitarian) protection. In deciding whether to accept an application by an appellant to withdraw an appeal in an asylum-related case … Continue reading HM and Others (Article 15(C)) Iraq CG: UTIAC 22 Sep 2010
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 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
After a substantial personal injury case, the parties now disputed who should bear the costs of the costs assessment which had itself lasted 8 days. Held: Though the defendant had indeed managed to achieve a reduction in its liability on costs, that reduction was modest and nothing like what it had set out to achieve. … Continue reading Bold v Urbisity Ltd: QBD 13 Oct 2010
The defendants appealed an award of costs on an indemnity basis against them in the favour of a legally aided claimant. Held: Indemnity costs were often intended to indicate disapproval of a party’s behaviour in an action, and were awarded in several and discretionary circumstances. It was not an objection of principle to say that … Continue reading Brawley v Marczynski and Another: CA 21 Oct 2002
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
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
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 parties had been involved in protracted litigation where a freezing order had been made to support a claim which was eventually dismissed. The claimant sought to have set aside an earlier order made ordering him to pay costs on failing to have the order discharged. Held: The order had been made under the former … Continue reading Deg-Deutsche Investitions – Undentwicklungs Gesellschaft Gmbh v Thomas Koshy: ChD 13 Dec 2004
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
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 rejection of a Part 36 offer does not render it incapable of later acceptance. Judges: Coulson J Citations: [2008] EWHC 2616 (TCC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil procedure Rules Part 36 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Gibbon v Manchester City Council, L G Blower Specialist Bricklayer Ltd, Reeves and another CA 25-Jun-2010 … Continue reading Sampla and Others v Rushmoor Borough Council and Another: TCC 22 Oct 2008
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
(Jamaica) The parties agreed for the sale of land. The seller sought specific performance by the buyer. The buyer had said there was a problem of title. The appellant had failed to defend the proceedings, and appealed against judgment in default. Held: The very long history of events was not properly laid out before the … Continue reading O’Connor v Piccott and Another: PC 17 Feb 2010
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
Acting on guidance, the parties representatives and the tribunal had assumed that part of the award relating to loss of future earnings would not be taxable. The question now was whether the tribunal had power of its own motion to review its decision. Held: ‘There is a difference between saying that a case to which … Continue reading Williams v Ferrosan Ltd: EAT 5 Mar 2004
application by the Defendant to set aside judgment in default of defence for a sum to be determined. Citations: [2019] EWHC 1904 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 12 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 25 July 2022; Ref: scu.639725
The court considered how a Part 36 offer could be treated as accepted when it involved an agreement to transfer land, because the offer and its acceptance would not operate under the 1989 Act. Held: The agreement was enforceable. The Civil Procedure Rules, and the inherent jurisdiction of the court, allowed the creation of rights … Continue reading Orton v Collins and others: ChD 23 Apr 2007
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
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
Proceedings which invoked the jurisdiction of the High Court to grant declarations as to the best interests of incapacitated adults were civil proceedings to which the Civil Procedure Rules applied. Although not assigned to any division, having regard to their nature and the issues raised within them, such proceedings were more suitable for hearing in … Continue reading Practice Note (Family Division: Incapacitated adults): FD 2 Jan 2002
The coroner investigating the death of Prncess Diana sought an order for the production by Channel 4 of documents and materials in its possession. Held: Whilst the order should be made, it must be recognised that the Civil Procedure Rules were designed for use within an adversarial context, and not within the context of the … Continue reading Assistant Deputy Coroner for Inner West London v Channel 4 Television Corporation: QBD 31 Oct 2007
The court heard and accepted an argument that there was a lacuna in the CPR provisions relating to the uplift in counsel’s fees in the equivalent rules relating to employer’s liability claims. The rules relating to counsel’s fees unlike those dealing with solicitors, did not provide for a percentage uplift when a case settled on … Continue reading Dahele v Thomas Bates and Sons Ltd: SCCO 17 Apr 2007
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
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
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
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
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 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 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 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
The defendant occupied property belonging to the claimant. An order for immediate possession had been granted in January. The defendant now said that part of the order was been made without jurisdiction. Held: Though he occupied the property as a licensee only of the claimant, that licence had been granted against the promise of the … Continue reading Polar Park Enterprises v Allason: ChD 18 Apr 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 claimant asserted that the 1998 Act created rights between the parties that are in substance though not in form of a contractual nature; and rights to compensation for infringement of those primary rights of a nature that did not previously exist in English domestic law. He said that when the defendant had proceesed information … Continue reading Johnson v The Medical Defence Union: CA 28 Mar 2007
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
An order was sought to declare the claimant to be a vexatious litigant. The respondent answered that some of her applications had succeeded. Held: It was not necessary to show that all applications by the claimant had been without merit. Judges: Lewison J Citations: Times 30-Nov-2005, [2005] EWHC 2751 (Ch), [2006] 1 WLR 1511 Links: … Continue reading Thakerar v Lynch Hall and Hornby (a Firm): ChD 21 Oct 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
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 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
An accountant sought payment of his professional fees. The defendants had sought to re-amend their defence and counterclaim. Appeals had variously been allowed to go ahead or denied after the master had not been able to deal with all of them for lack of time. Held: The several appeals raised common issues. Some were first … Continue reading The Convergence Group Plc and Another v Chantrey Vellacott (a Firm): CA 16 Mar 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 new Civil Procedure Rules. The court was not bound by the Sardinia Sulcis rules: ‘The Sardinia Sulcis should be allowed to sink back to the ocean bottom. It would muddy the … Continue reading Morgan Est (Scotland) Ltd v Hanson Concrete Products Ltd: CA 17 Feb 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 claimant had sought an extension of time for service of her claim form in her action for personal injury. The solicitors in error did not include the words ‘claim form’ in their request. The judge had initially held the error was one of drafting not of procedure, and refused rectification. Held: The distinction was … Continue reading Steele v Mooney and others: CA 8 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
The claimant doctor had sought assistance from the defendant, and having been refused it had sought disclosure of its records about him. He had been refused access under the 1998 Act, and now sought access under the Civil Procedure Rules. Held: Though his claim still was for wrongful processing under the 1998 Act, that claim … Continue reading Johnson v Medical Defence Union Ltd: ChD 9 Nov 2004
The defendant wished to make a claim against another party outside the jurisdiction and was granted permission to serve documents which were headed ‘defence and counterclaim’. The proposed defendant argued that such a document could be served in this way. Held: The defendant should apply to the court for leave to add the party outside … Continue reading Shahar v Tsitsekkos and others: ChD 17 Nov 2004
The applicant sought leave to appeal against a decision of the Competition Commission Appeals Tribunal. Held: Since the decision of the tribunal did not involve questions of law, it fell exactly within the Cooke case, and the court should be reluctant to review a tribunal practicing as expert in an area for which it had … Continue reading Napp Pharmaceutical Holdings Ltd v Director General of Fair Trading: CA 8 May 2002
The claimant appealed against a costs award made to him when acting as a litigant in person. Held: The appeal was allowed. A litigant in person may be able to claim for the costs of his research, subject to the cap in the rules. Schiemann LJ said: ‘If one reads together 48.6(2) and (4) one … Continue reading Wulfsohn, Regina (on the Application of) v Legal Service Commission: CA 8 Feb 2002
The claimant renewed her application for leave to appeal, but had first asked the judge to recuse himself for apparent bias having already expressd an opinion on the papers submitted. Held: Reconsideration by the same judge who had refused leave on the papers was part of the system. Applying Kheino, parties who did not bring … Continue reading Rezvi v Air Canada: CA 14 Feb 2002
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
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 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
Judges: Simon Brown LJ, Chadwick LJ, Longmore LJ Citations: [2001] EWCA Civ 871, [2001] EMLR 34 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – McPhilemy v Times Newspapers Limited; Clarke and Neil (1) CA 25-Nov-1998 . . See Also – McPhilemy v Times Newspapers Ltd and Others (2) CA 26-May-1999 The new Civil … Continue reading McPhilemy v Times Newspapers Ltd and others: CA 12 Jun 2001
In the course of a long dispute, the defendant’s solicitors had indicated that they would accept service of proceedings. Just before the limitation period expired, the papers were served directly in the client. The defendants solicitors said that this was invalid service, and that later service out of time could not revive the claim. Held: … Continue reading Firstdale Ltd v Quinton: ComC 5 Aug 2004
The claimants had been imprisoned for many years before their convictions were quashed. They claimed compensation under the Act. The assessor said that there should be deducted from the award the living expenses they would have incurred if they had not been in prison. Held: The statutory scheme replaced an ex gratia scheme, and there … Continue reading Independent Assessor v O’Brien, Hickey, Hickey: CA 29 Jul 2004
The court considered whether there had been effective service of proceedings on defendants in Turkey. Evidence was given as to the effectiveness of such service in Turkish law. Held: The defendant’s application to set aside the judgment in default succeeded. The claimant’s applications in respect of CPR 3.10 and CPR 6.9 were refused. The Civil … Continue reading Basil Shiblaq v Kahraman Sadikoglu (No 2): ComC 30 Jul 2004
The court handed down a New Practice Direction 52 for grounds of appeal, decisions in permissions to appeal, notices to respondents of appeals, appeal bundles etc. Judges: Mr Justice Brooke Lord Justice Mance Lord Justice Dyson Citations: [2004] EWCA (Civ) 835, Times 08-Jul-2004, [2005] CP Rep 2, [2005] 1 Costs LR 18 Links: Bailii Statutes: … Continue reading Scribes West Limited v Relsa Anstalt and Another (No 1): CA 1 Jul 2004
The claimant had issued proceedings in time, but then the limitation period expired before it was served, and in the meantime the limitation period had expired. The defendant appealed against an automatic extension of time for service granted to the claimant. Held: The Rules should generally be interpreted without reference to case law under the … Continue reading Hashtroodi v Hancock: CA 27 May 2004
In ancillary relief proceedings, the husband had not made frank disclosure of his assets. The final Calderbank offer of andpound;600,000 was made only the day before the substantive hearing. The offer was rejected. The judge awarded the wife a lump sum of andpound;1 million. The judge made no order as to costs after the date … Continue reading Gojkovic v Gojkovic (No 2): CA 1 Apr 1991
Nieces had fallen out over their aunt’s estate. One niece had been closer than the others, and despite not properly understanding what she was doing the deceased had made lifetime gifts to the niece who was now executor. She appealed a finding of having an obligation as executor to reinstate the estate despite not herself … Continue reading Jennings and Another v Cairns: CA 18 Nov 2003
EAT The EAT considered the consequences, of a decision to strike out a Notice of Appearance under Rule 15(2)(d). Held: The EAT will require an employment tribunal, among other things, to consider the proportionality of what it was doing. If a fair trial were not possible on liability, there could still be an order simply … Continue reading Bolch v Chipman: EAT 19 May 2003
The claimant sought damages for defamation. He feared arrest and extradition to the US if he came to England, and was granted an order allowing him to give evidence by video link. The defendant appealed that order. Held: There was no absolute rule which would allow the order made. The judge had considered that if … Continue reading Polanski v Conde Nast Publications Limited: CA 11 Nov 2003
The Claimant, a highly qualified lawyer in several foreign jurisdictions, only acquired a practising certificate in this country in 1998. He was a successful commercial lawyer practising as a sole practitioner in the City of London, but in his ‘spare time’ was working on a revision of the Merchant Shipping Acts. In that connection he … Continue reading Stockinger v Highdorn Co Ltd and Ors: SCCO 5 Apr 2001
In each case claims had been late in being served and extensions in time were sought and refused. Held: The recent authorities were examined. The words ‘has been unable to serve’ in CPR 7.6(3)(a) include all cases where the court has failed to serve, including mere oversight. The court’s discretion might then be exercised according … Continue reading Cranfield and Another v Bridgegrove Ltd; Claussen v Yeates etc: CA 14 May 2003
The parties disputed liability for a road traffic accident in which both vehicles were damaged. The claimant paid an insurance excess of andpound;125. The two insurers agreed to accept a decision of the court on liability to allocate the repair costs, and the claimant brought an action to recover andpound;125. The district judge ordered the … Continue reading Khiaban v Beard: CA 10 Mar 2003
The claimant had recovered damages, but was ordered to pay costs since she had recovered less than was paid in. She appealed. Held: There were anomalies in the system with regard to the recoverable social security benefits. The sums recoverable were not reduced in line with any reduction for contributory negligence, benefits could be recovered … Continue reading Williams v Devon County Council: CA 18 Mar 2003
The claimant had been awarded damages for sex discrimination, including a sum of andpound;25,000 for injury to feelings. The respondent appealed. Held: The Court of Appeal looked to see whether there had been an error of law in the employment tribunal decision. It did not look to see whether the Employment Appeal Tribunal had erred … Continue reading Vento v The Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police (No 2): CA 20 Dec 2002
