Whilst employed by the claimants as a salesman, the defendant came to want to develop his idea for a modular helmet suitable for fire-fighters and others. He took certain steps including showing the proposal confidentially to a competitor, and then left the company. The claimant brought proceedings alleging breach of a duty of confidentiality toward … Continue reading Helmet Integrated Systems Ltd v Tunnard and others: CA 15 Dec 2006
The Action Group had obtained a declaration that, where an overpayment of benefits had arisen due to a miscalculation by the officers of the Department, any process of recovering the overpayment must be by the Act, and that the Department could not use the law of unjust enrichment. The Department Appealed. Held: The appeal failed. … Continue reading The Child Poverty Action Group v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: SC 8 Dec 2010
The claimant was entitled to share in the copyright royalties of Bob Marley and the Wailers, and claimed payment from the defendants. The defendants said that the matters had already been settled and that the claim was an abuse of process, and also that there was an action estoppel. Held: An English court should not … Continue reading Barrett v Universal-Island Records Ltd and others: ChD 15 May 2006
The council’s tenant had unlawfully secured assignment of a secure tenancy to the defendant. The council sought possession. Held: A secure tenancy granted by an authority pursuant to a misrepresentation by the tenant is nonetheless valid. The statutory list of grounds for recovering possession was explicit and exhaustive. The present basis of claim was not … Continue reading Islington v Uckac and Another: CA 30 Mar 2006
There are no degrees of nullity The plaintiffs had owned mining property in Egypt. Their interests were damaged and or sequestrated and they sought compensation from the Respondent Commission. The plaintiffs brought an action for the declaration rejecting their claims was a nullity. The Commission replied that the courts were precluded from considering the question … Continue reading Anisminic Ltd v Foreign Compensation Commission: HL 17 Dec 1968
Fairness on Division of Family Capital The House faced the question of how to achieve fairness in the division of property following a divorce. In the one case there were substantial assets but a short marriage, and in the other a high income, but low capital. Held: The 1973 Act gives only limited guidance on … Continue reading Miller v Miller; McFarlane v McFarlane: HL 24 May 2006
Account taken of circumstances wihout ambiguity The respondent gave advice on home income plans. The individual claimants had assigned their initial claims to the scheme, but later sought also to have their mortgages in favour of the respondent set aside. Held: Investors having once assigned their causes of action to the ICS, could not later … Continue reading Investors Compensation Scheme Ltd v West Bromwich Building Society: HL 19 Jun 1997
The House gave guidance how it would treat an invitation to depart from a previous decision of the House. Such a course was possible, but the direction was not an ‘open sesame’ for a differently constituted committee to prefer their views to those of the committee which determined the decision unanimously or by a majority. … Continue reading Practice Statement (Judicial Precedent): HL 1966
Magistrates were wrong to think they had a discretion to look at the validity of a liability assessment under child support legislation. The Act gave the payer alternative avenues of appeal, and therefore the Act should be read as it stated and the magistrates had no such jurisdiction. ‘section 33(4) precludes the justices from investigating … Continue reading Farley v Child Support Agency and Another; Farley v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (No. 2): HL 28 Jun 2006
A firm of solicitors had a member involved in a substantial fraud. The defendant firm of accountants certified the firm’s accounts. There were later many calls upon the compensation fund operated by the claimants, who sought recovery in turn from the accountants. The accountants pleaded limitation. Held: The Law Society faced a contingent liability on … Continue reading Law Society v Sephton and Co (a Firm) and Others: HL 10 May 2006
The claimant sought disclosure under the 1998 Act by the defendant of records held by them. The respondent said that the information they held did not amount to data under the Act. Held: The information was contained in different formats, on paper, electronically and on CD, but was then brought together in a risk assessment. … Continue reading Johnson v The Medical Defence Union Ltd: ChD 3 Mar 2006
The House considered whether the Secretary of State for Health acted lawfully in issuing guidance as to the employment of foreign doctors to employing bodies within the National Health Service in April 2006. Held: The secretary of state’s appeal failed. The fact that the guidance differentiated between NHS service and private medical care indicated that … Continue reading BAPIO Action Ltd and Another, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department and Another: HL 30 Apr 2008
james_greenwichEAT06 EAT Contract of Employment – Definition of employeeThe Appellant was supplied by an agency to carry out work for Greenwich Council. She had no express contract with the Council but she contended that there was an implied contract, given in particular that she had worked for the Council for a period of some five … Continue reading James v Greenwich Council: EAT 18 Dec 2006
The deceased had come into contact with asbestos when working on building sites for more than one contractor. The claimant here sought contribution from the defendants for the damages it had paid to his estate. The issue was as to liability on . .
The claimant asserted associative disability discrimination. She was the carer for her disabled son.
Held: To succeed the claimant would have to show that associative discrimination was prohibited by the directive and that the 1995 Act could . .
RESTRICTIVE COVENANT – discharge – modification – absolute covenant against development – regulatory covenants – whether the former obsolete – change in character of property – whether practical benefits secured – substantiality – application for . .
Excise Duty – Father and son importing excise goods – restoration of motor vehicle and goods – previous Tribunal decision making findings of fact and ordering re-review – reasonableness of Commissioners’ decision – Appellant’s claim for compensation . .
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The claimant was the daughter of a lady who died of mesothelioma. The defendant appealed saying that the judge had found that the exposure for which it was responsible had increased the risk above the background risk by only 18%, and this was insufficient to found liability. Citations: [2009] EWCA Civ 1159, [2010] QB 370, … Continue reading Sienkiewicz v Greif (UK) Ltd: CA 6 Nov 2009
The deceased had suffered mesothelioma. It was said to have been contracted whilst studying at the defendant University. His study involved working in a closed tunnel with asbestos lagged pipes. Held: Aikens LJ, set out the legal approach to be adopted applying the three leading decisions He referred to Sienkiewicz and the holding by the … Continue reading Williams v University of Birmingham and Another: CA 28 Oct 2011
The defendant insurance company was found liable to contribute under insurance it had written, 22% of the compensation it had paid out in a mesothelioma claim brought in Guernsey by a Mr le Carre. The company was successor to a company which had employed Mr le Carre for many years, exposing him to asbestos. Other … Continue reading International Energy Group Ltd v Zurich Insurance Plc UK: ComC 24 Jan 2012
The claimant suffered injury at a competitive fun day organised by his employers, the RAF at a facility of the respondents. He struck his head diving into a very shallow inflatable pool. He appealed against dismissal of his claim. Held: The judge had failed properly to explain why he had preferred the evidence of the … Continue reading Uren v Corporate Leisure (UK) Ltd: CA 2 Feb 2011
A claim had been made for mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos, but the claim arose in Guernsey. Acknowledging the acute difficultis particular to the evidence in such cases, the House of Lords, in Fairchild. had introduced the Special Rule at common law as to such evidence. In the UK, the 2006 Act had amended the … Continue reading Zurich Insurance Plc UK Branch v International Energy Group Ltd: SC 20 May 2015
ICO The complainant requested information from the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) about the issue of ‘third party capture’ by liability insurers. The authority provided some information in response to the request. However, it refused to provide a copy of the legal advice passed to the MOJ by the Financial Services Authority further to an Exemption … Continue reading Ministry of Justice (Decision Notice) FS50269559: ICO 3 Aug 2010
The Court considered appeals where defendants challenged the factual basis of findings that they had contributed to the causes of the claimant’s Mesothelioma, and in particular to what extent a court can satisfactorily base conclusions of fact on epidemiological evidence. The defendants in each case argued that the Fairchild exception should not have been applied … Continue reading Sienkiewicz v Greif (UK) Ltd; Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council v Willmore: SC 9 Mar 2011
Allied Maples had made a corporate takeover of assets and businesses within the Gillow group of companies, during which it was negligently advised by the defendant solicitors in relation to seeking protection against contingent liabilities of subsidiaries within the vendor’s group. Allied Maples would have been better off, competently advised, if, but only if: (a) … Continue reading Brown v KMR Services Ltd: CA 26 Jul 1995
Resolution of disputes that have arisen between four claimants and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in relation to the smoking history of four miners, (three of them now deceased), in respect of whom claims for damages have been made within the British Coal Respiratory Disease Litigation (BCRDL). Judges: Swift J Citations: [2007] EWHC … Continue reading AB and others v British Coal Corporation and Another: ComC 18 May 2007
Judges: Mr Justice Mitting Citations: [2008] EWHC 69 (Comm) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – AB and others v British Coal Corporation and Coal Mining Contractor Defendants QBD 22-Jun-2004 . . See Also – AB and others v Department of Trade and Industry S/A British Coal Corporation CA 21-Dec-2005 . . … Continue reading AB and others v British Coal Corporation: ComC 15 Jan 2008
The plaintiff loaned money on the basis of a negligent survey by the defendant. The borrower subsequently defaulted, and the lender issued a writ. The defendant said that the claim was time barred. Held: The court allowed the plaintiff’s appeal. A cause of action against surveyor arose only when the loss was sustained and crystalised, … Continue reading First National Comercial Bank plc v Humberts: CA 27 Jan 1995
Judges: Mance J Citations: [1995] 1 LL Rep 647 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Three Rivers District Council and others v The Governor and Company of the Bank of England ComC 12-Apr-2006 The claimants had pursued compensation over many years from the defendants alleging various kinds of misfeasance in regulating the bank … Continue reading Cepheus Shipping Corporation v Guardian Royal Exchange Plc: 1995
The court considered the validity of beer ties affecting public houses. Judges: Lord Justice Schiemann Lord Justice Mance Lord Justice Morritt Citations: [1999] EWCA Civ 1501 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appeal from – Courage Limited v Crehan ChD 25-Nov-1998 . . Cited – Thomas Witter v TBP Industries Ltd ChD 15-Jul-1994 An award of … Continue reading Crehan v Courage Limited and Byrne and Inntrepreneur Beer Supply Co Ltd and Langton v Inntrepreneur Beer Supply Co Ltd: CA 27 May 1999
Judges: Laddie J Citations: [2005] EWHC 357 (Ch) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Principal Judgment – Cambridge Antibody Technology v Abbott Biotechnology Ltd and Another Patc 20-Dec-2004 Rectification of an agreement was sought. Held: Laddie J rejected a submission that evidence of the subjective state of mind of one of the parties contained in statements … Continue reading Cambridge Antibody Technology v Abbott Biotechnology Ltd and Another: 2005
The court considered the application of the limitation period to answering when damage occurred when it arises under an unsecured contingent liability. The claimant insurance company had provided after the event litigation insurance policies to the solicitors and their clients, relying on assessments of the cases made by the defendants. The court below had held … Continue reading Axa Insurance Ltd v Akther and Darby Solicitors and Others: CA 12 Nov 2009
In order for the landlord to claim double rent where a tenant held over unlawfully after the tenancy was determined, the landlord must not do anything to indicate that the lease might be continuing, for example by denying the validity of break clause. In construing an Act, regard must be had to the whole of … Continue reading Oliver Ashworth (Holdings) Limited v Ballard (Kent) Limited: CA 18 Mar 1999
Judges: Lord Justice Brooke Lord Justice Neuberger Sir Anthony Clarke MR Citations: [2005] EWCA Civ 1737 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – AB and others v British Coal Corporation and Coal Mining Contractor Defendants QBD 22-Jun-2004 . . Cited by: See Also – AB and others v British Coal Corporation and … Continue reading AB and others v Department of Trade and Industry S/A British Coal Corporation: CA 21 Dec 2005
SML sought damages and/or equitable compensation pursuant to section 178(1) of the Companies Act 2006 and an indemnity pursuant to section 195(3)(b) of the 2006 Act against three of its former directors (or in the case of one of them his estate). Citations: [2020] EWHC 1266 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Companies Act 2006 178(1) 195(3)(b) … Continue reading Stubbins Marketing Ltd v Stubbins Food Partnerships Ltd and Others: ChD 19 May 2020
The Society appealed dismissal for limitation of its claim against the defendant firm of accountants arising from alleged fraud in approval of a solicitor’s accounts. Held: The liability did not arise until the Society decided to make compensation to those who had been affected by the solicitor’s default. The claims in negligence were not time … Continue reading The Law Society v Sephton and Co and others: CA 13 Dec 2004
The appellants contracted through an agent to supply tyres. The respondents contracted not to do certain things, and in case of breach concluded: ‘We agree to pay to the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company, Ltd. the sum of 5 l. for each and every tyre, cover or tube sold or offered in breach of this agreement, … Continue reading Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company Ltd v New Garage and Motor Company Ltd: HL 1 Jul 1914
The defendant appealed against interim costs orders made in the claim against it for defamation. Held: The general power of cost capping measures available to courts were available also in defamation proceedings. The claimant was being represented under a conditional fee agreement. The court considered that the amount of costs being incurred served to act … Continue reading King v Telegraph Group Ltd: CA 18 May 2004
EAT Four employees successfully established before the Employment Tribunal that they had been unfairly dismissed for redundancy. The Tribunal found that there had been procedural defects. In particular the assessments in the redundancy exercise had been inadequate and subjective. The Tribunal considered whether the dismissals were fair under section 98A(2) of the Employment Rights Act … Continue reading Software 2000 Ltd v Andrews etc: EAT 17 Jan 2007
When considering claims for damages for shock, the court only recognised the action lying where the injury by shock was sustained ‘through the medium of the eye or the ear without direct contact.’ Wright L said: ‘No doubt, it has long ago been stated and often restated that if the wrong is established the wrongdoer … Continue reading Bourhill v Young’s Executor: HL 5 Aug 1942
The court had to answer the question of whether the Pensions Ombudsman could make orders which the court could not. Held: It could not, Knox J said: ‘there is a real distinction between ordering compensation for inconvenience and distress caused by maladministration as an adjunct to the power to remedy injustice caused by maladministration which … Continue reading Hillsdown Holdings plc v Pensions Ombudsman: 1997
A contractor had done defective work in breach of a building contract with the developer but the loss was suffered by a third party who had by then purchased the development. The developer recovered the loss suffered by the purchaser. Held: The benefit of a contract may be assigned to a third party without the … Continue reading Linden Gardens Trust Ltd v Lenesta Sludge Disposals Ltd and Others; St. Martins Property Corporation Ltd v Sir Robert McAlpine: HL 8 Dec 1993
The parties disputed whether oral statements had been incorporated into an option agreement. Held: Evidence of negotiations before the written contract was signed were inadmissible, because it is only on the signing of the first document that any agreement is signified to have been reached. The exercise of the rights requested were conditional on the … Continue reading Great Hill Equity Partners Ii Lp v Novator One Lp and others: ComC 22 May 2007
The court was asked as to when it is appropriate to order costs on an indemnity basis. Waller LJ said: ‘The question will always be: is there something in the conduct of the action or the circumstances of the case which takes the case out of the norm in a way which justifies an order … Continue reading Excelsior Commercial and Industrial Holdings Ltd v Salisbury Hammer Aspden and Johnson (A Firm): CA 12 Jun 2002
The defendant had appealed his conviction for murder to the Court of Appeal. The 1968 Act required the court to consider whether the conviction was unsafe. New evidence was before the Court of Appeal, but they had rejected the appeal. Held: The Court of Appeal should reach its own view based on the unadorned words … Continue reading Regina v Pendleton: HL 13 Dec 2001
In 2000, the defendant introduced a policy to make compensation payments for those British services personnel who had been imprisoned by the Japanese in the second world war. The appellant, a citizen of Pakistan had served in the Indian Army, was captured and became a prisoner of war of the Japanese. He accepted that he … Continue reading Mohammed, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Defence: CA 1 May 2007
The parties contested ancillary relief on their divorce. The marriage had been very long, and the assets were very substantial. The husband contended that these assets represented an exceptional contribution on his part. Held: In this case an unequal division would reflect the husband’s special and exceptional contributions. As to the balance between the cases … Continue reading Sorrell v Sorrell: FD 29 Jul 2005
The case involved an appeal from the Land’s Tribunal arbitration award setting compensation for land to be acquired. The question was whether the value should have been that acceptable to a willing seller, or to a ‘a company regulated and subsidised by central government and subject to the political pressures as were the Claimants themselves’. … Continue reading Railtrack Plc (In Railway Administration) v Guinness Limited: CA 20 Feb 2003
The Alexander T, owned by the appellant and insured by the respondents was a total loss. The insurers resisted payment, the appellant came to allege improperly, and the parties had settled the claim on full payment under a Tomlin Order. The owners later began proceedings in Greece claiming what the defendants said were the same … Continue reading Starlight Shipping Co v Allianz Marine and Aviation Versicherungs Ag and Others: CA 20 Dec 2012
ECHR Article 5 Article 5-4 Review of lawfulness of detention Supreme Court decision declaring appeal inadmissible but nevertheless addressing the merits: inadmissible Article 5-1-e Persons of unsound mind Court order for admission to psychiatric hospital for observation owing to concerns about applicant’s mental state: inadmissible Facts – In July 2006 a public prosecutor submitted a … Continue reading SR v The Netherlands (Dec): ECHR 18 Sep 2012
A claim in negligence was brought against insurance brokers for failing to advise the claimant of certain matters with the result that an insurance policy entered into by the claimant was voidable for non-disclosure. Held: The claimant suffered damage when the policy was entered into: ‘the cause of action can accrue and the plaintiff have … Continue reading Knapp v Ecclesiastical Insurance Group Plc and Another: CA 30 Oct 1997
CS Damages of 200,000 pounds by way of exemplary damages had been awarded against the police for unlawful arrest and assault. Held: The court gave a guideline maximum pounds 50,000 award against police for wrongful arrest and wrongful imprisonment. Comparisons were proper with personal injury cases. It is important to identify and quantify the various … Continue reading Thompson v Commissioner of Police of Metropolis; Hsu v Same: CA 20 Feb 1997
Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 Article 1 para. 1 of Protocol No. 1 Peaceful enjoyment of possessions Loss of two-thirds of old-age pension as a result of introduction of legislation effectively deciding outcome of pending litigation against the State: violation Article 6 Civil proceedings Article 6-1 Fair hearing Introduction of legislation effectively deciding outcome … Continue reading Stefanetti And Others v Italy: ECHR 15 Apr 2014
The claimant sought compensation after his commercial agency was terminated. The court had found that the agency was declining in turnover, and reduced the compensation accordingly. There had been no written agreement for the agency, and six months’ notice was given. Held: The agent’s appeal failed. The UK had chosen to implement both the allowed … Continue reading Lonsdale (T/A Lonsdale Agencies) v Howard and Hallam Ltd: HL 4 Jul 2007
The claimant sought compensation after its sales agency agreement with the defendant was terminated. He had opened up several substantial sales channels for the respondent’s products within the UK. There were difficulties in the products (leather furniture) meeting UK fire safety standards, and with which the claimant gave assistance. The defendants did not renew the … Continue reading Tigana Ltd v Decoro Ltd: QBD 3 Feb 2003
Mr Page was taken on to trade in commodities for the defendant for a minimum period of four years. Six months later the defendant’s parent company decided to cease trading activities, and he began proceedings claiming compensation under regulation 17 and applied for an injunction to prevent the defendant from moving its assets abroad. The … Continue reading Page v Combined Shipping and Trading Co Ltd: CA 24 May 1996
The applicants sought damages as commercial agents following the termination of their exclusive agency for the sale of the respondents goods in the UK. The defendants claimed the contract was governed exclusively by Californian law. The European Court had decided that the compensation could not be excluded by contract. The court had to assess damages. … Continue reading Ingmar GB Ltd v Eaton Leonard Inc: QBD 31 Jul 2001
Articles in consecutive issues of The Sunday Mirror accused the plaintiff of pimping for the KGB, organising sex with prostitutes for visiting British businessmen and then blackmailing them. The defendants pleaded justification. The plaintiff conceded in evidence that he was a persistent womaniser, but denied procuring prostitutes, though a tape of a conversation with a … Continue reading Jones v Pollard, Mirror Group Newspapers Limited and Bailey: CA 12 Dec 1996
EAT UNFAIR DISMISSALConstructive dismissalCompensationRespondent’s ET3 struck out for failure to comply with an unless order. No judgment entered against the Respondent. Employment Tribunal refused to permit Respondent to have order reviewed but applied rule 34 of ET Rules of Procedure. Also, applying rule 9 Employment Tribunal refused to permit Respondent to participate in remedy hearing; … Continue reading Epem Ltd v Huggins: EAT 21 May 2012
The defendant agreed to indemnify the insured ‘in respect of all sums which the insured shall become legally liable to pay as compensation arising out of’ various matters including wrongful arrest, malicious prosecution and false imprisonment. The insurer contended that the use of the word ‘compensation’ excluded awards of exemplary damages. Held: The contention was … Continue reading Lancashire County Council v Municipal Mutual Insurance Ltd: CA 3 Apr 1996
Defamation – Large Damages Awards MGN appealed as to the level of damages awarded against it namely pounds 350,000 damages, comprising pounds 75,000 compensatory damages and pounds 275,000 exemplary damages. The newspaper contended that as a matter of principle there is no scope in law for awarding exemplary damages, either generally or in the particular … Continue reading John v MGN Ltd: CA 12 Dec 1995
The ship was returned by the charterer after the expiry of the time charter. The court was asked as to when the validity of the last order was to be tested. Held: The legitimacy of the charterer’s final order was to be tested at the date it had been given. Counsel had respectively argued: ‘Furthermore, … Continue reading Torvald Klaveness A/S v Arni Maritime Corporation (The Gregos): CA 4 Jun 1993
The applicants owned a substantial property near an airbase. They complained that changes in the patterns of flying by the respondents were a nuisance and sought damages. Walcot Hall was subjected to very high noise levels from military aircraft. The particular noise is loud and characterised by a very rapid onset with a corresponding startle … Continue reading Dennis and Dennis v Ministry of Defence: QBD 16 Apr 2003
The parties contracted for the hire of a ship. They were each under a mistaken impression as to its position, and a penalty became payable. The hirer claimed that the equitable doctrine of mutual mistake should forgive him liability. Held: Over the years there had been a conflict caused by Lord Denning’s creation of an … Continue reading Great Peace Shipping Ltd v Tsavliris (International) Ltd: CA 14 Oct 2002
The tenant claimed Rent Act protection for his tenancy. He had been rehoused and began his tenancy in 1970 with the ground floor used as a shop, and the first floor as living accomodation. He later abandoned the business use. He appealed a finding that he did not have protection under the 1977 Act. Held: … Continue reading Tan and Another v Sitkowski: CA 1 Feb 2007
The company had entered into collective agreements with the union governing criteria and procedures for redundancy selection. The company said that the criteria were not compliant with the age discrimination regulations. Held: The union was correct and the agreement was compliant. Judges: Morison J Citations: [2008] EWHC 2420 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Employment Equality (Age) … Continue reading Rolls Royce Plc v Unite the Union: QBD 17 Oct 2008
The MIB appealed from a judgment making it liable for an award of damages to the estate of the deceased who had been a passenger in a vehicle which he knew to be being driven without insurance. The estate had not sued the MIB directly, but first obtained a judgement against the driver and then … Continue reading Phillips v Rafiq and Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB): CA 13 Feb 2007
The claimant advanced funds to the respondent for him to invest in a bank of which the claimant had insider knowledge. In fact the defendant did not invest the funds, the knowledge was incorrect. The defendant however did not return the sums advanced, saying he need not return it because the contract was for an … Continue reading Patel v Mirza: SC 20 Jul 2016
Damages or removal of coal under land User damages were awarded for the unauthorised removal of coal from beneath the appellant’s land, even though the site was too small for the appellant to have mined the coal himself. The appellant was also awarded damages for the damage done to the houses on the surface. If … Continue reading Livingstone v Rawyards Coal Co: HL 13 Feb 1880
The court considered the liability of insurers of companies now wound up for mesothelioma injuries suffered by former employees of those companies, and in particular whether the 1930 Act could be used to impose liability. The insurers now appealed against findings that some policies, those which insured against injury ‘sustained’ during the policy period, as … Continue reading Employers’ Liability Insurance ‘Trigger’ Litigation: BAI (Run Off) Ltd v Durham and Others: SC 28 Mar 2012
The United Kingdom’s ban on homosexuals within the armed forces was a breach of the applicants’ right to respect for their private and family life. Applicants had also been denied an effective remedy under the Convention. The investigations into private lives and sexual activity were intrusive, and given the excessive consequences following, were also striking … Continue reading Smith and Grady v The United Kingdom: ECHR 27 Sep 1999
The defamation claimant sought that certain paragraphs of the defence should be struck out. Held: Several paragraphs of the defence were struck out, and others left. Judges: Tugendhat J Citations: [2011] EWHC 272 (QB) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Lucas-Box v News Group Newspapers Ltd; Polly Peck (Holdings) Plc v Trelford, … Continue reading Hunt v Evening Standard Ltd: QBD 18 Feb 2011
The house decided against altering the rule in Page -v- Newman. ‘The common law does not award general damages for delay in payment of a debt beyond the date when it is contractually due’ The power given to the court under s 35A is discretionary. It does not have the character of a substantive right. … Continue reading President of India v La Pintada Compagnia Navigacia SA (“La Pintada”): HL 1985
The paper owner sought possession of land. The defendant said he had acquired a possessory title. The land was registered. Held: The claimant’s human rights under article 1 were engaged. To be justifiable, the interference in that right had to be ‘in the public interest’. The limitation rules were enacted by the State for public … Continue reading Beaulane Properties Ltd v Palmer: ChD 23 Mar 2005
Estoppel Cannot Oust Statutory Discretion The plaintiff had been refused planning permission for a factory. The refusals were followed by the issue of Enforcement Notices and Stop Notices. The plaintiff said that they had been given re-assurances upon which they had relied. Held: The appeal failed. The court tried to reconcile invocations of estoppel with … Continue reading Western Fish Products Ltd v Penwith District Council and Another: CA 22 May 1978
In considering what evidence can be used in mitigation of damages in defamation, it is necessary to draw a distinction between evidence which is put forward to show that the plaintiff is a man of bad reputation and evidence which is already before the court on some other issue. Neill LJ set out rules for … Continue reading Pamplin v Express Newspapers Ltd (2): CA 1988
Where a defendant in a defamation action sought to reduce the damages payable by arguing that the claimant had a reduced or damaged reputation, he could include evidence about particular facts only where these were directly connected to the background circumstances which led to the offending publication. General evidence was admissible, but particular evidence of … Continue reading Burstein v Times Newspapers Ltd: CA 20 Dec 2000
Four articles in the People all covered the same story about Esther Rantzen’s organisation, Childline, suggesting that the plaintiff had protected a teacher who had revealed to Childline abuses of children occurring at a school where he taught, by keeping secret that he himself was a pervert, unfit to have any child in his care. … Continue reading Rantzen v Mirror Group Newspapers (1986) Ltd and Others: CA 1 Apr 1993
ECJ (Staff Regulations) French Text – Public service – Officials – Passage of class under the sway of the old statute – Transitional rules for classification in grade 1 May 2004 – Bureau decision of the European Parliament of 13 February 2006 – Reclassification on the basis of the salary of officials covered of compensation … Continue reading Ange Serrano v Parliament: ECJ 29 Sep 2011
EAT VICTIMISATION DISCRIMINATION – Protected disclosureUNFAIR DISMISSAL – Automatically unfair reasonsThe Tribunal erred in law in holding that words spoken at a meeting by the Claimant did not amount to information for the purposes of section 43B of the Employment Rights Act 1996. Cavendish Munro Professional Risks Management v Geduld [2010] ICR 125 applied.The Tribunal … Continue reading Freeman v Ultra Green Group Ltd: EAT 9 Aug 2011
EAT UNFAIR DISMISSAL – CompensationPRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Appellate jurisdiction/reasons/Burns-Barkebr />The successful Claimant worked in the NHS from 1983 but for the Respondent Trust only from 2006. The dispute about this was raised in submissions on the basic award. The Employment Tribunal calculated back to 1983. The EAT allowed the jurisdictional point about Employment Rights … Continue reading Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust v Walker: EAT 24 Jun 2011
The owner of land whose land was affected by subsidence in 1868 and who received compensation from those who had worked coal and caused the subsidence, was able, in 1882 when further subsidence took place causing further injury, to bring a fresh action for compensation. No action could be brought in respect of a withdrawal … Continue reading Darley Main Colliery Co v Mitchell: HL 1886
The court was asked whether Lister and Co v Stubbs 45 ChD 1, a decision of the Court of Appeal, was binding on him or whether he could apply the Privy Council’s decision in Attorney General for Hong Kong v Reid Held: On the facts of the case the judge was able to distinguish Lister … Continue reading Daraydan Holdings Limited, Cairn Estates Limited and Others v Solland International Limited and Others: ChD 26 Mar 2004
Grand Chamber – The international measure relied on by the respondent state had to be interpreted in a manner that minimised the extent to which arbitrary detention was sanctioned or required. The court described its role in settling awards of compensation under the Convention: ‘The court recalls that it is not its role under article … Continue reading Al-Jedda v United Kingdom: ECHR 7 Jul 2011
EAT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Appellate jurisdiction/reasons/Burns-BarkeAlthough this was a ‘narrative’ judgment sufficient substance could be extracted from the decision to demonstrate compliance with rule 30(6) of the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2004 SI No. 1861; Balfour Beatty Power Networks Ltd v Wilcox [2006] EWCA Civ 1240, [2007] IRLR 63, Greenwood … Continue reading Sivagnansundarum v Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust: EAT 28 Jun 2011
The appellant had sought to challenge refusal of disability living allowance. Ultimately her request a judicial review of the Upper Tribunal’s decion was rejected on the basis that the UT, being a court of superior record, was not susceptible to judicial review save in very limited circumstancs. Held: The appeal failed, though the reasons varied. … Continue reading EBA v Advocate General for Scotland: SC 21 Jun 2011
COMPENSATION – electricity – preliminary issues – reference by consent – deed of grant for easement of overhead electricity line – provision for additional payment if planning permission granted for residential development – whether barn conversion for holiday lets residential development – held that it was – whether compensation to be assessed at date of … Continue reading Moyce v National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc: LT 25 Apr 2008
The appellant had been charged with and disciplined for a prison offence. He was refused legal assistance at his hearing, and it was accepted that the proceedings involved the determination of a criminal charge within the meaning of article 6 of the Convention, that the deputy controller was not an independent tribunal and that the … Continue reading Greenfield, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 16 Feb 2005
A contract of guarantee was made, but based upon a term of fundamental importance which was mistaken as to the existence of certain machines. Held: The court must first look to the nature of the purported agreement. Steyn J said: ‘Logically, before one can turn to the rules as to mistake, whether at common law … Continue reading Associated Japanese Bank (International) Ltd v Credit du Nord SA: 1988
A husband and wife had each executed the will which had been prepared for the other, owing to an oversight on the part of their solicitor; the question which arose was whether the will of the husband, who died after his wife, was valid. The parties disputed whether the will have been validly executed, and … Continue reading Marley v Rawlings and Another: SC 22 Jan 2014
The applicant cleaner sought compensation for unfair dismissal. The issue was whether she was an employee of the respondents, of their client where she did her work, or was not an employee at all. She worked for an agency, who sent her out to offices to work. The court was called upon to give guidance … Continue reading Brook Street Bureau (UK) Ltd v Dacas: CA 5 Mar 2004
The plaintiff’s marriage had been dissolved and her former husband was ordered to pay her maintenance at a specified rate. The husband subsequently filed evidence that he was unable to comply with that order but offered to undertake to pay one-third of his income to the plaintiff. An order was made in 1939 in those … Continue reading Re Hudson, Hudson v Hudson: ChD 1966
Lord Cairns said: ‘A reason for the dismissal of an employee is a set of facts known to the employer, or it may be of beliefs held by him, which cause him to dismiss the employee. If at the time of his dismissal the employer gives a reason for it, that is no doubt evidence, … Continue reading Abernethy v Mott Hay and Anderson: CA 1974
ECHR Article 41 Just satisfaction Absence of award in respect of non-pecuniary damage where delays in confiscation proceedings were mainly attributable to applicant Facts – In June 2001 the applicant was found guilty of drug-trafficking offences and sentenced to fourteen years’ imprisonment (he was released in 2006). By virtue of his conviction he became liable … Continue reading Piper v The United Kingdom: ECHR 21 Apr 2015
EAT UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Compensation The decisions to apportion compensation, not to award any future loss after April 2008 and to apply an ‘uplift’ of 25% in respect of breach of statutory procedures were neither irrational, nor without evidential foundation nor based on any misdirection and the appeal would be dismissed. PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – … Continue reading Joes v The City and County of Swansea: EAT 5 May 2011
EAT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Costs UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Compensation 1. Compensation. It is argued, in reliance on Melia v Magna Kansei Ltd [2006] ICR 410, that the Employment Tribunal should have made an allowance for delay in payment of loss of earnings. This was, however, not argued below and no evidential foundation was laid … Continue reading Francois v Castle Rock Properties Ltd (T/S Electric Ballroom): EAT 5 Apr 2011
Solicitor firms had been made bankrupt leaving a shortfall after thefts from client accounts of over 12 million pounds. The thief had diappeared, and the other partners were now discharged form bankruptcy. The Law Society accepted that it could not proceed to claim against the discharged bankrupts, but now sought recovery from their insurers. Held: … Continue reading Law Society of England and Wales and others v Shah and others: ChD 30 Nov 2007
The parties had lived together, but remained unmaried. The relationship broke down and Ms Gow claimed under the 2006 Act. Mr Grant now appealed. Held: The appeal succeeded. Mrs Gow’s application for an award of a capital sum was refused. There had been a number of cases which disclosed varying and contradictory approaches to the … Continue reading Gow v Grant: SCS 22 Mar 2011
A reinsurance contract which contained a clause which provided that no settlement or compromise of a claim could be made or liability admitted by the insured without the prior approval of the reinsurers. The court considered how the discretion to approve a settlement must be exercised. Held: What was proscribed in all of them was … Continue reading Gan Insurance Co Ltd v Tai Ping Insurance Co Ltd: CA 3 Jul 2001
