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 court was asked what the proper approach of the court should be to judgments obtained in default where there has been non-compliance with the requirements of CPR 7.8. That rule provides under the heading ‘Form for Defence etcetera must be served with Particulars of Claim’. Citations: [2010] EWCA Civ 1621 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil … Continue reading Rajval Construction Ltd v Bestville Properties Ltd: CA 14 Dec 2010
The claimant suffered severe brain injury in a crash. The parties sought guidance form the court as to his legal capacity. Held: The fact that a party may be particularly susceptible to exploitation was a relevant element when considering his capacity to act, though alone it would not usually be enough to find a lack … Continue reading Lindsay v Wood: QBD 16 Nov 2006
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 parties disputed whether their ancillary relief claim was to be heard under the Family Proceedings Rules or the Civil Procedure Rules where the substance was to seek an order setting aside assets transfers. Citations: [2011] EWCA Civ 39 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice, Family Updated: 01 September 2022; Ref: scu.428309
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
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
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
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 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
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 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 appealed against an order striking out his claim and a consequential civil proceedings order had been made. Held: ‘ the statement of case in this action disclose no reasonable grounds for bringing any of these claims. Accordingly it must be struck out in its entirety. ‘ Judges: Tugendhat Citations: [2005] EWHC 550 (QB) … Continue reading Branch and others v Department for Constitutional Affairs: QBD 8 Apr 2005
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
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 claimant had obtained an anonymity order ex parte on commencing the proceedings. The defendant now objected. Held: The order that the Claimant be dispensed from giving her name and address on the claim form will be continued subject to conditions. Judges: Tugendhat J Citations: [2012] EWHC 1148 (QB) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales … Continue reading CVB v MGN Ltd: QBD 3 May 2012
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 defendant had made an offer including an offer that each party bear their own costs. A later action led to an order on better terms, and the claimant sought costs on an indemnity basis. Held: The rules were generally incompatible with offers which included costs. Their purpose was to direct costs after a case … Continue reading Mitchell and Others v James and Others: CA 12 Jul 2002
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
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 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 court examined the scope of CPR 6.30(2) in the context of an application for service on an officer resident in Greece of an order for his examination under CPR 71. Held: CPR 6.30(2) was concerned with documents requiring to be served on parties to the proceedings. Judges: Tomlinson J Citations: [2008] EWHC 378 (Comm), … Continue reading Vitol Sa v Capri Marine Ltd: ComC 29 Feb 2008
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
Application of the first defendant (‘Zurich’), by notice dated 13 May 2022, for an order under CPR Practice Direction 57AC striking out the entirety of four witness statements served on behalf of the claimants and parts of other such witness statements on the grounds that they do not comply with the provisions of the Practice … Continue reading Curtiss and Others v Zurich Insurance Plc: TCC 1 Jun 2022
Application for leave to appeal against refusal to lift automatic stay for delay. Judges: Latham LJ Citations: [2002] EWCA Civ 767 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules Part 51 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 06 August 2022; Ref: scu.217161
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
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 claimant had been banned from public houses under the Haverhill Pub Watch scheme. He now sought judicial review of a decision to extend his ban for a further two years. The Scheme argued that it was not a body amenable to judicial review, and did not exercise ‘functions of a public nature’; the claimant … Continue reading Boyle, Regina (On the Application of) v Haverhill Pub Watch and Others: Admn 8 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 defendant appealed against the admission of evidence on the respondent’s application for a football bannng order. A witness statement was based on intelligence reports which meant that the witness could not be effectively examined by he defence. Held: The magistrates should have proceeded by admitting the evidence, and an appeal court would have been … Continue reading Newman v Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis: Admn 25 Mar 2009
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
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
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
Application by the Claimant seeking the anonymisation of the parties in this litigation and corresponding reporting restrictions preventing the parties being identified. Held; Refused (retained subject to appeal) Judges: The Honourable Mr Justice Nicklin Citations: [2022] EWHC 1908 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Contempt of Court Act 1981 11, Human Rights Act 1998 6, Civil Procedure … Continue reading EGC v PGF NHS Trust: QBD 19 Jul 2022
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 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
Defendant’s application for strike out elements of claimant’s case – granted in part. Held: The court summarised the core principles in considering an application to strike out a defence, saying that it: ‘ . . calls for analysis of the statement of case, without reference to evidence. The primary facts alleged are assumed to be … Continue reading Duchess of Sussex v Associated Newspapers Ltd: ChD 1 May 2020
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
Appeals were made against interlocutory injunctions for alleged trade mark infringement. Held: The court should hesitate about making a final decision for summary judgment without a trial, even where there is no obvious conflict of fact at the time of the application, where reasonable grounds exist for believing that a fuller investigation into the facts … Continue reading Doncaster Pharmaceuticals Group Ltd and Others v The Bolton Pharmaceutical Company 100 Ltd: CA 26 May 2006
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
An application for an anti-social behaviour order against an individual was a civil, not a criminal proceeding. The standard of evidence required was on the balance of probability; the civil standard. Such proceedings were not subject to the additional protection of the human rights convention. Necessarily, the circumstances from which protection was sought were ones … Continue reading Regina v Manchester Crown Court, ex parte McCann and others: QBD 22 Nov 2000
The defendant in the main action sought a third party costs order. Judges: Morgan J Citations: [2008] EWHC 192 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 48.2 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Thomson v Berkhamsted Collegiate School QBD 2-Oct-2009 Costs were to be sought against third parties to the action. A pupil … Continue reading PR Records Ltd v Vinyl 2000 Limited and others: ChD 15 Jan 2008
The applicants sought judicial review of the Immigration Appeal Tribunal’s refusal of leave to appeal. The court had to decide whether such a right survived section 101 of the 2001 Act. Held: The right to have a judicial review could only be removed by the clearest of words. A right remained, but it was severely … Continue reading Regina (G) v Immigration Appeal Tribunal; Regina (M) v Immigration Appeal Tribunal: Admn 25 Mar 2004
The claimant sought an order for the defendant to be pursued for contempt of court having filed a statement of truth which was known to be false. Judges: Pumfrey J Citations: [2004] EWHC 1192 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 32.14 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Malgar Ltd v R E Leach … Continue reading Kabushiki Kaisha Sony Computer Entertainment Inc (t/a Sony Computer Entertainment Inc) v Ball and Others: ChD 17 May 2004
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
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 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
‘can a defendant plead a comprehensive defence to allegations of breach (which relies on matters not expressly addressed by the particulars of claim), and raise a separate case on causation (which it says would defeat the claimant’s claim in any event), and then seek to rely upon CPR 17.4(2) to deny the claimant the opportunity … Continue reading Mulalley and Co Ltd v Martlet Homes Ltd: CA 24 Jan 2022
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 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
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 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
The defendants appealed convictions for contempt of court, on the basis of having wilfully interrupted the court. The respondent said that no appeal lay. Held: The statute was ambiguous, and ‘there can be no good reason why a person convicted under s.12 should not have a right of appeal against conviction as well as against … Continue reading Haw and Another v City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court: Admn 12 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
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 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
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
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
Application to set aside order, that applicant saying that he had not been given notice of the proceedings. Citations: [2019] EWHC 889 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 6.9 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Litigation Practice Updated: 10 July 2022; Ref: scu.638200
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
Application for disclosure against a non-party. Citations: [2006] EWHC 2756 (TCC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Supreme Court Act 1981 34, Civil Procedure Rules 1998 31.17 Litigation Practice, Civil Procedure Rules Updated: 08 July 2022; Ref: scu.246935
The Court considered the circumstances in which it is appropriate, on an application for retrospective validation of service pursuant to CPR r 6.15(1) and (2), to allow a potential defendant to take advantage of a mistake on the part of a would-be claimant giving rise to defective service where any new claim would be statute-barred. … Continue reading Woodward and Another v Phoenix Healthcare Distribution Ltd: CA 12 Jun 2019
The court was asked the parties agree an extension of time for service of a claim form outside the period specified in r. 7.5. The particulars of claim were served nearly five months late. Held: An extension of time could be agreed between the parties in writing, but the claim was struck out because there … Continue reading Thomas v The Home Office: CA 19 Oct 2006
The House was asked whether an asylum applicant whose original application was determined in Scotland, but his application for leave to appeal rejected in London, should apply to challenge those decisions in London or in Scotland. Held: Such an application must be heard in Scotland save only in exceptional circumstances. The appropriate forum would be … Continue reading Tehrani v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 18 Oct 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 Court considered the interpretation of a consent order on an application to vary its terms. The terms were incorporated within a consent order. It was argued that the variation could be based on CPR 3.1(7) which provides that the Court has power to vary or revoke an order. It was also argued that the … Continue reading Weston v Dayman: CA 7 Jun 2006
The defendants had started but abandoned a request against third parties, and had to pay their costs. It now sought those and its own costs from the claimant, saying that the abortive application would have been unnecessary had the claimant complied with its own disclosure obligations. The claimant said the court did not have jurisdiction … Continue reading Environment Agency v Lewin Fryer and Partners: TCC 6 Jul 2006
The claimant wished to bring an action against the defendant enquiry agent, saying that it had obtained unlawful access to details of his bank accounts, and now sought disclosure of documents. The defendant denied wrongdoing, and said it had returned all papers to solicitors. Held: The proposed respondents had not been fully candid, and a … Continue reading Hughes v Carratu International Plc: QBD 19 Jul 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 court considered the consequences of delay in applications for judicial review: ‘It is important that those parties, and indeed the public generally, should be able to proceed on the basis that the decision is valid and can be relied on, and that they can plan their lives and make personal and business decisions accordingly.’ … Continue reading Hardy and others v Pembrokeshire County Council and Another: CA 19 Jul 2006
Opposed application for an order for the provision of further information under CPR 18.1. Judges: Briggs J Citations: [2010] EWHC 1416 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 18.1 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – Lexi Holdings (In Administration) v Pannone and Partners ChD 26-Oct-2009 The parties sought preliminary decisions in their court … Continue reading Lexi Holdings (In Administration) v Pannone and Partners: ChD 18 Jun 2010
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
