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North East Lincolnshire Borough Council v Millenium Park (Grimsby) Ltd: CA 23 Oct 2002

An agreement was made for a redevelopment of land. The council sought an order requiring specific performance by the respondent of its obligations. The council sought summary judgment, which the respondent resisted claiming that it was presently impossible to proceed. Held: The judge had been wrong, on an application for summary judgement, to proceed on … Continue reading North East Lincolnshire Borough Council v Millenium Park (Grimsby) Ltd: CA 23 Oct 2002

Grobbelaar v News Group Newspapers Ltd and Another: HL 24 Oct 2002

The claimant appealed against a decision of the Court of Appeal quashing the judgement in his favour for damages for defamation. Held: The Court of Appeal was not able to quash a jury verdict as perverse, and the appeal succeeded. An appellate court could not substitute its own verdict on the facts for that of … Continue reading Grobbelaar v News Group Newspapers Ltd and Another: HL 24 Oct 2002

Budgen v Andrew Gardner Partnership: CA 31 Jul 2002

The defendant firm of solicitors appealed an order for costs against it based upon a percentage calculation. They sought an issues based costs order. Held: Where there was insufficient information upon which to calculate an issues based costs order, it could be appropriate to make a percentage based order under subsection (f). Whilst issues based … Continue reading Budgen v Andrew Gardner Partnership: CA 31 Jul 2002

Lilly Icos Ltd v Pfizer Ltd (No 2): CA 23 Jan 2002

The respondent sought an order to maintain the confidentiality of documents disclosed during patent revocation proceedings. It now appealed an order refusing confidentiality. Held: Under normal circumstances, a party requesting such an order must provide clear reasons for it to be granted. The court should recognise the lack of protection which would attach to a … Continue reading Lilly Icos Ltd v Pfizer Ltd (No 2): CA 23 Jan 2002

Kellar v BBR Graphic Engineers (Yorks) Ltd: ChD 2002

The court was asked whether the district judge had applied the right test on an application to set aside a statutory demand because the conclusions of the district judge referred to a real prospect of success, the test used in CPR 24.2, rather than the test of genuine triable issue. Held: The debate as to … Continue reading Kellar v BBR Graphic Engineers (Yorks) Ltd: ChD 2002

Sarwar v Alam: CA 19 Sep 2001

Litigation had followed an accident. The claimant, a passenger, sought and won damages for personal injuries. He had taken out legal expenses insurance, and at dispute was the recovery of the cost of that insurance. He had been unaware of having the insurance and had also paid out for after the event insurance. He sought … Continue reading Sarwar v Alam: CA 19 Sep 2001

Unilever Italia SpA v Central Food SpA: ECJ 26 Sep 2000

ECJ National rules embodying a specification contained in a document which lays down the characteristics required of a product, including the requirements applicable to the product as regards labelling, constitute technical specifications within the meaning of Article 1(2) of Directive 83/189 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical … Continue reading Unilever Italia SpA v Central Food SpA: ECJ 26 Sep 2000

Societe Eram Shipping Company Ltd v Compagnie International De Navigation and Others: CA 7 Aug 2001

Judgment creditors obtained a garnishee order nisi, but the bank objected to the order being made absolute. The account was in Hong Kong, where there was a real danger, that the law would not relieve them of their obligation to the account holders to pay the balance to them, after satisfaction of the garnishee debt. … Continue reading Societe Eram Shipping Company Ltd v Compagnie International De Navigation and Others: CA 7 Aug 2001

Samaroo and Sezek v Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 17 Jul 2001

Two foreign nationals with leave to remain in this country committed serious crimes. The Secretary of State ordered their deportation. Held: Where the deportation of a foreigner following a conviction here, would conflict with his human rights, the court had to assess whether the, first, the objective could be achieved by some alternative, less interfering, … Continue reading Samaroo and Sezek v Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 17 Jul 2001

De Freitas v The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Lands and Housing and others: PC 30 Jun 1998

(Antigua and Barbuda) The applicant was employed as a civil servant. He joined a demonstration alleging corruption in a minister. It was alleged he had infringed his duties as a civil servant, and he replied that the constitution allowed him to speak out. Held: The demonstration did contravene the restriction on publishing his views. Analogies … Continue reading De Freitas v The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Lands and Housing and others: PC 30 Jun 1998

Reliance National Insurance Company (Europe) Limited and Another v Ropner Insurance Services Limited: CA 1 Dec 2000

A court action had become stale, and was at risk of automatic striking out. One party wrote the court requesting directions or that the judge direct a case management conference if appropriate. He did not seek the approval of the defendant. It was held that the letter, and its being read by the judge, was … Continue reading Reliance National Insurance Company (Europe) Limited and Another v Ropner Insurance Services Limited: CA 1 Dec 2000

Police of The Metropolis v Brown: QBD 31 Jul 2018

‘The appeal concerns the operation of the qualified one-way costs shifting regime (known as ‘QOCS’) contained in Section II of Part 44 of the Civil Procedure Rules (‘CPR’). The Judge decided that QOCS applied, automatically, to protect Ms Brown against any adverse costs order which might be made against her in the Police’s favour. The … Continue reading Police of The Metropolis v Brown: QBD 31 Jul 2018

X, Regina (on the Application of) v Y School: Admn 21 Feb 2007

The court was asked whether a school was entitled to refuse to allow a Muslim girl to wear the niqab full face veil at school. The reasons were ‘first educational factors resulting from a teacher being unable to see the face of the girl with a niqab; second the importance of a uniform policy as … Continue reading X, Regina (on the Application of) v Y School: Admn 21 Feb 2007

Elvee Ltd v Taylor and others: CA 6 Dec 2001

Where a party seeking injunctive relief departed from normal practice, in this case by applying to the Queen’s Bench rather than the Chancery Division for an injunction in an intellectual property case, they must file an explanation of why they had departed from that practice. Where a court did not give its reasons for a … Continue reading Elvee Ltd v Taylor and others: CA 6 Dec 2001

Lloyd v McMahon: HL 12 Mar 1987

The district auditor had issued a certificate under the 1982 Act surcharging the appellant councillors in the sum of 106,103, pounds being the amount of a loss incurred or deficiency caused, as the auditor found, by their wilful misconduct. Held: An aggrieved objector to local government spending should pursue his rights under the Act and … Continue reading Lloyd v McMahon: HL 12 Mar 1987

Commissioners of Customs and Excise v Anchor Foods Limited: Admn 26 Jun 1998

The court heard an appeal by the Commissioners from the VAT Duties Tribunal that ‘Spreadable butter’ and ‘Ammix butter’ from New Zealand made and imported by the respondent are ‘manufactured directly from milk or cream’, and are not ‘recombined butter’, and are therefore subject to a lower rate of tariff duty under Annex I to … Continue reading Commissioners of Customs and Excise v Anchor Foods Limited: Admn 26 Jun 1998

Iqbal v Dean Manson Solicitors: CA 15 Feb 2011

The claimant sought protection under the Act from his former employers’ behaviour in making repeated allegations against him. He appealed against the striking out of his claim. Held: The appeal suceeded. The matter should go to trial. The defendants had written three letters and ‘these three letters, particularly when viewed in the light of each … Continue reading Iqbal v Dean Manson Solicitors: CA 15 Feb 2011

In re P (a Barrister) (Wasted Costs Order): CACD 23 Jul 2001

The procedure for making a wasted costs order was primarily compensatory, for costs wasted, rather than punitive for malpractice. The procedure is summary, and more in line with applications for costs made under the Civil Procedure Rules rule 44.3, rather than cases involving contempt of court. Usually there is no need for the judge in … Continue reading In re P (a Barrister) (Wasted Costs Order): CACD 23 Jul 2001

TSP Group Ltd v Globemark (UK) Ltd: QBD 2 Nov 2005

The claimant interpleader appealed summary dismissal of its claim. Held: The appeal was upheld. Despite the Civil Procedure Rules, the old case law on interpleader retained value. Although under the new rules, the precise formulation of an issue might be dispensed with, the matter could not be dealt with out of hand except in exceptional … Continue reading TSP Group Ltd v Globemark (UK) Ltd: QBD 2 Nov 2005

Stewart v Engel, BDO Stoy Hayward: CA 17 May 2000

A judge may reopen a case even after he has delivered his final judgment. A judge invited counsel to amend his pleading to incorporate an improvement, but in the face of his repeated failure to take up the invitation, entered final judgment against him. After advice from leading counsel, counsel requested the judgment be reopened … Continue reading Stewart v Engel, BDO Stoy Hayward: CA 17 May 2000

Tanfern Ltd v Cameron-MacDonald, Cameron-MacDonald: CA 12 May 2000

The court gave detailed guidance on the application of the new procedures on civil appeals in private law cases introduced on May 2. Appeals from a County Court District Judge’s final decision in a multi-track case could now go straight to the Court of Appeal. Appeals will generally be subject to leave being obtained. An … Continue reading Tanfern Ltd v Cameron-MacDonald, Cameron-MacDonald: CA 12 May 2000

The Royal Brompton Hospital National Health Service Trust v Hammond and Others (No 5): CA 11 Apr 2001

When looking at an application to strike out a claim, the normal ‘balance of probabilities’ standard of proof did not apply. It was the court’s task to assess whether, even if supplemented by evidence at trial, the claimant’s claim was bound to fail and even if unchallenged. The court could look to witness statements to … Continue reading The Royal Brompton Hospital National Health Service Trust v Hammond and Others (No 5): CA 11 Apr 2001

Regina v Taylor and Crabb: CACD 22 Jul 1994

The defendants had stood trial at the Central Criminal Court for murder. At the trial a witness anonymised as Miss A was allowed to give evidence anonymously, without revealing her address, behind a screen so arranged that she, the judge, jury and counsel could see each other directly but she and the defendants could not, … Continue reading Regina v Taylor and Crabb: CACD 22 Jul 1994

Tennero Ltd v Arnold: QBD 6 Jul 2006

The court considered an application for permission to appeal. The Defendant had not attended the trial, but had applied by letter for an adjournment, which was refused. The trial proceeded and resulted in an order against the Defendant. He applied unsuccessfully under rule 39.3(3) to set the judgment aside, and he also appealed in effect … Continue reading Tennero Ltd v Arnold: QBD 6 Jul 2006

Regina v Ministry of Defence ex parte Colin James Murray: QBD 15 Dec 1997

The defendant sought judicial review of his court-martial and of the confirming officers. He said the court should have heard that he committed the offence whist intixicated after taking an anti-malarial drug. The court dd not explain why it had found no causal connection beween the treatment and the offence. Held: There is no over-riding … Continue reading Regina v Ministry of Defence ex parte Colin James Murray: QBD 15 Dec 1997

Sartipy (Aka Hamila Sartipy) v Tigris Industries Inc: CA 1 Mar 2019

The claim had been struck out on the basis that the claimant was a proxy for a person against whom an extended civil restraint order had been made. The claimant had herself been made to an ECRO. The point allowed to come to appeal was whether such an order was available when the claimant had … Continue reading Sartipy (Aka Hamila Sartipy) v Tigris Industries Inc: CA 1 Mar 2019

Hildebrand v Hildebrand: 1992

The parties in ancillary relief proceedings sought orders for discovery. H had been to the wife’s flat surreptitiously on five occasions, and taken photocopies of so many documents obtained by him in the course of those visits (but returned after photocopying) that the photocopies themselves would now ‘fill a crate’, as the judge was told. … Continue reading Hildebrand v Hildebrand: 1992

Black v Sumitomo Corporation: CA 3 Dec 2001

The claimants proposed pre-action discovery which was resisted. Held: A purpose of pre-action disclosure is to assist those who need disclosure as a vital step in deciding whether to litigate at all or to provide a vital ingredient in the pleading of their case. The rules required first that disclosure would be desirable in the … Continue reading Black v Sumitomo Corporation: CA 3 Dec 2001

General Mediterranean Holdings SA v Patel and Another: QBD 19 Jul 1999

The new Civil Procedure Rules were ultra vires and invalid insofar as they purported to remove any right of a solicitor’s client to assert his right of confidence as against his solicitor. The solicitor was therefore unable in this case to defend himself against a wasted costs order, but the court could allow for the … Continue reading General Mediterranean Holdings SA v Patel and Another: QBD 19 Jul 1999

GKR Karate (UK) Ltd v Yorkshire Post Newspapers Ltd (No1): CA 21 Jan 2000

It was arguable that a defendant in defamation proceedings could pray in aid in his claim for qualified privilege circumstances not known to him at the time of the publication: ‘there was a real, if problematic, prospect of success.’May LJ said: ‘the existence or otherwise of qualified privilege is to be judged in all the … Continue reading GKR Karate (UK) Ltd v Yorkshire Post Newspapers Ltd (No1): CA 21 Jan 2000

Deutsche Bank AG v Sebastian Holdings Inc and Another: CA 21 Jan 2016

Appeal from Order joining party for purposes of third party costs order. Judges: Moore-Bick VP, Lewison, Simon LJJ Citations: [2016] EWCA Civ 23, [2016] CP Rep 17, [2016] 4 WLR 17, [2016] WLR(D) 25 Links: Bailii, WLRD Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Approved – Dymocks Franchise Systems (NSW) Pty Limited v Todd and Todd, Bilgola … Continue reading Deutsche Bank AG v Sebastian Holdings Inc and Another: CA 21 Jan 2016

Salford City Council v Garner: CA 27 Feb 2004

The tenancy had been an introductory tenancy. The council sought to terminate the tenancy, delivering the papers to the court before the anniversary. Held: The proceedings were not begun under the section until the court issued the claim form. That had occurred outside the twelve month period, and the trial tenancy had expired and the … Continue reading Salford City Council v Garner: CA 27 Feb 2004

Wilson v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; Wilson v First County Trust Ltd (No 2): HL 10 Jul 2003

The respondent appealed against a finding that the provision which made a loan agreement completely invalid for lack of compliance with the 1974 Act was itself invalid under the Human Rights Act since it deprived the respondent lender of its property rights. It was also argued that it was not possible to make a declaration … Continue reading Wilson v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; Wilson v First County Trust Ltd (No 2): HL 10 Jul 2003

McPhilemy v Times Newspapers Ltd and Others: CA 7 Jun 2000

The new civil procedure rules did not change the basic rules of evidence. The old rule prevented a party putting in evidence a witness statement which he knew conflicted substantially with the case he wished to place before the jury, and then be allowed to assert to a jury that he disagreed with large parts … Continue reading McPhilemy v Times Newspapers Ltd and Others: CA 7 Jun 2000

Tibbles v SIG Plc (T/A Asphaltic Roofing Supplies): CA 26 Apr 2012

The court considered applications for relief from sanction under CPR 3.1(7). Held: An application under CPR 3.1(7) usually requires a change of circumstances. Considerations of finality, the undesirability of allowing litigants to have two bites at the cherry and the need to avoid undermining the concept of appeal all required a principled curtailment of an … Continue reading Tibbles v SIG Plc (T/A Asphaltic Roofing Supplies): CA 26 Apr 2012

Regina v Ashworth Hospital Authority (Now Mersey Care National Health Service Trust) ex parte Munjaz: HL 13 Oct 2005

The claimant was detained in a secure Mental Hospital. He complained at the seclusions policy applied by the hospital, saying that it departed from the Guidance issued for such policies by the Secretary of State under the Act. Held: The House allowed the Hospital’s appeal. The policy was lawful. Seclusion was to be seen as … Continue reading Regina v Ashworth Hospital Authority (Now Mersey Care National Health Service Trust) ex parte Munjaz: HL 13 Oct 2005

Cape Intermediate Holdings Ltd v Dring (Asbestos Victims Support Group): CA 31 Jul 2018

The court was asked important questions about (i) the powers of the court under the CPR and its inherent jurisdiction to permit access to documents by non-parties; (ii) the way in which the court’s discretion should be exercised where an application is within its powers; and (iii) the proper balance to be struck between the … Continue reading Cape Intermediate Holdings Ltd v Dring (Asbestos Victims Support Group): CA 31 Jul 2018

Triuva Kapitalverwaltungsgesellschaft v Galliford Try Construction Ltd: TCC 23 Feb 2017

Application by the claimant for an interim payment pursuant to Part 25 of the Civil Procedure Rules in respect of its claim for damages against the defendant. The defendant opposes the application on the ground that the court can’t be satisfied that if the matter went to trial, Triuva would obtain judgment for a substantial … Continue reading Triuva Kapitalverwaltungsgesellschaft v Galliford Try Construction Ltd: TCC 23 Feb 2017

Medallion Holidays Ltd v Birch: 1985

The Chairman of the Industrial Tribunal had struck out the employers’ Notice of Appearance for failure to comply with an order for particulars. Hld: The employers’ appeal to the EAT was dismissed. The court considered a strike out of an application before the Industrial Tribunal: ‘The striking-out of the entire notice of appearance was indeed … Continue reading Medallion Holidays Ltd v Birch: 1985

Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department Ex Parte Quaquah: QBD 20 Jan 2000

An asylum seeker had been wrongly accused of riot and sought to sue for damages for malicious prosecution. The Home Secretary, a possible defendant in that action decided to expel the failed asylum seeker. Held: Such an action was in breach of the principle of equality of arms enshrined in the treaty, and deprived the … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department Ex Parte Quaquah: QBD 20 Jan 2000

Dow Jones and Co Inc v Jameel: CA 3 Feb 2005

Presumption of Damage in Defamation is rebuttable The defendant complained that the presumption in English law that the victim of a libel had suffered damage was incompatible with his right to a fair trial. They said the statements complained of were repetitions of statements made by US authorities. The claimant had asserted that no more … Continue reading Dow Jones and Co Inc v Jameel: CA 3 Feb 2005

Regina (G) v Ealing London Borough Council and Others: QBD 28 Feb 2002

Nothing in the new rules prevented the court from allowing cross examination of witnesses in judicial review cases, though the procedure does not lend itself to cases with a high degree of factual debate. The court has a wide discretion, and the Wilkinson case seems to imply this. This applies notwithstanding that Part 54 appeared … Continue reading Regina (G) v Ealing London Borough Council and Others: QBD 28 Feb 2002

Appleby Global Group Llc v British Broadcasting Corporation and Another: ChD 26 Jan 2018

Claim by international firm of lawyers for breach of confidence against publishers who had received and published that information. The court now considered which division of the High Court should hear the claim. Held: Rose J considered the creation of the M and CL and observed: ‘the starting point is, as I have said, that … Continue reading Appleby Global Group Llc v British Broadcasting Corporation and Another: ChD 26 Jan 2018

Secretary of State for Health and Others v Servier Laboratories Ltd and Others: CA 22 Oct 2013

The French company defendants had been ordered to disclose documents which they said might expose them to criminal prosecution in France. They now appealed. Held: The court was not obliged to make use of the Council Regulation. Orders for discovery of a document in this court (or for inspection of a document already disclosed) are … Continue reading Secretary of State for Health and Others v Servier Laboratories Ltd and Others: CA 22 Oct 2013

Taylor v Bolton Heath Health Authority: QBD 14 Jan 2000

The court construed narrowly the term ‘instructions’ within the rules where they exempted document forming part of the instructions to an expert to prepare a report for the litigation from disclosure. The word meant ‘what an expert was told to do’. Judges: Moreland J Citations: Unreported, 14-Jan-2000 Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 35.10 Jurisdiction: England and … Continue reading Taylor v Bolton Heath Health Authority: QBD 14 Jan 2000

Fourie v Le Roux and others: HL 24 Jan 2007

The appellant, liquidator of two South African companies, had made a successful without notice application for an asset freezing order. He believed that the defendants had stripped the companies of substantial assets. The order was set aside for want of jurisdiction, because it had not been ancillary to any proceedings which had even been formulated … Continue reading Fourie v Le Roux and others: HL 24 Jan 2007

Societe Eram Shipping Company Limited and others v Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp Ltd, Compagnie Internationale de Navigation: HL 12 Jun 2003

The appeal concerned a final third party debt order (formerly a garnishee order). A judgment in France was registered here for enforcement. That jurisdiction was now challenged. Held: A third party debt order is a proprietary remedy operating by attachment against the property of the judgment debtor. The property so attached is the chose in … Continue reading Societe Eram Shipping Company Limited and others v Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp Ltd, Compagnie Internationale de Navigation: HL 12 Jun 2003

Siskina (owners of Cargo lately on Board) v Distos Compania Naviera SA: HL 1979

An injunction was sought against a Panamanian ship-owning company to restrain it from disposing of a fund, consisting of insurance proceeds, in England. The claimant for the injunction was suing the company in a Cyprus court for damages and believed the company to have no other assets from which to meet the hoped-for damages award … Continue reading Siskina (owners of Cargo lately on Board) v Distos Compania Naviera SA: HL 1979

Assicurazioni Generali Spa v Arab Insurance Group (BSC): CA 13 Nov 2002

Rehearing/Review – Little Difference on Appeal The appellant asked the Court to reverse a decision on the facts reached in the lower court. Held: The appeal failed (Majority decision). The court’s approach should be the same whether the case was dealt with as a rehearing or as a review. Tanfern was limited to appeals from … Continue reading Assicurazioni Generali Spa v Arab Insurance Group (BSC): CA 13 Nov 2002

AXA General Insurance Ltd and Others v Lord Advocate and Others: SC 12 Oct 2011

Standing to Claim under A1P1 ECHR The appellants had written employers’ liability insurance policies. They appealed against rejection of their challenge to the 2009 Act which provided that asymptomatic pleural plaques, pleural thickening and asbestosis should constitute actionable harm for the purposes of an action of damages for personal injury. Held: The insurers’ appeals failed. … Continue reading AXA General Insurance Ltd and Others v Lord Advocate and Others: SC 12 Oct 2011

ZH (Tanzania) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 1 Feb 2011

The respondent had arrived and claimed asylum. Three claims were rejected, two of which were fraudulent. She had two children by a UK citizen, and if deported the result would be (the father being unsuitable) that the children would have to return with her. Held: The mother’s appeal succeeded. The court had to consider the … Continue reading ZH (Tanzania) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 1 Feb 2011

Swain v Hillman: CA 21 Oct 1999

Strike out – Realistic Not Fanciful Chance Needed The proper test for whether an action should be struck out under the new Rules was whether it had a realistic as opposed to a fanciful prospect of success. There was no justification for further attempts to explain the meaning of what are clear words. The judge … Continue reading Swain v Hillman: CA 21 Oct 1999

Vedanta Resources Plc and Another v Lungowe and Others: SC 10 Apr 2019

The claimants alleged negligence causing them personal injury and other losses arising from pollution from mining operations of the defendants in Zambia. The company denied jurisdiction. In the Court of Appeal the defendants’ appeals were dismissed. Held: The appeals failed save that the UK was not the proper jurisdiction to bring the case. The claim … Continue reading Vedanta Resources Plc and Another v Lungowe and Others: SC 10 Apr 2019

Deman v The Commission for Equality and Human Rights and Others: CA 16 Nov 2010

The court considered whether a judge sitting in the County court had power to sit alone and without assessors when determining an application to strike out a pleading. Held: He had that power. Judges: Sedley, Moses LJJ Citations: [2010] EWCA Civ 1279, [2011] CP Rep 12 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Civil Procedure Rules … Continue reading Deman v The Commission for Equality and Human Rights and Others: CA 16 Nov 2010

Bessant and others v South Cone Incorporated; in re REEF Trade Mark: CA 28 May 2002

The Reef pop group applied to register ‘REEF’ for Classes 25 and 26 – e.g. T-shirts, badges, etc. South Cone opposed them as registered proprietors of ‘Reef Brazil’ for the footwear which also was included in Class 25. South’s reputation was primarily amongst surfers. The Hearing Officer conducted a ‘multi-factorial’ comparison, and rejected the opposition … Continue reading Bessant and others v South Cone Incorporated; in re REEF Trade Mark: CA 28 May 2002

Vilnius City, the District Court of v Barcys: Admn 22 Mar 2007

The court considered whether it had jurisdiction to apply the Rules to extend time to appeal against discharge of an extradition request. The notice of appeal was not filed (or served) within seven days. Held: Latham LJ said: ‘I acknowledge the force of this argument. But it begs the question as to what power the … Continue reading Vilnius City, the District Court of v Barcys: Admn 22 Mar 2007

Hunter v Chief Constable of the West Midlands Police: HL 19 Nov 1981

No collateral attack on Jury findigs. An attempt was made to open up in a civil action, allegations of assaults by the police prior to the making of confessions which had been disposed of in a voir dire in the course of a criminal trial. The plaintiffs had imprisoned having spent many years after conviction … Continue reading Hunter v Chief Constable of the West Midlands Police: HL 19 Nov 1981

Roberts v Parole Board: HL 7 Jul 2005

Balancing Rights of Prisoner and Society The appellant had been convicted of the murder of three police officers in 1966. His tariff of thirty years had now long expired. He complained that material put before the Parole Board reviewing has case had not been disclosed to him. Held: The appeal failed (by a majority). The … Continue reading Roberts v Parole Board: HL 7 Jul 2005

Sahyouni v Mamisch: ECJ 12 May 2016

ECJ (Order) Reference for a preliminary ruling – Article 53(2) of the Rules of Procedure of the Court – Judicial cooperation in civil matters – Regulation (EU) No 1259/2010 – Scope – Recognition of a private divorce pronounced by a religious court in a third country – Manifest lack of jurisdiction of the Court C-281/15, … Continue reading Sahyouni v Mamisch: ECJ 12 May 2016

Woodhouse v Consignia Plc; Steliou v Compton: CA 7 Mar 2002

The claimant continued an action brought in her late husband’s name. The action had begun under the former rules. After the new rules came into effect, the action was automatically stayed, since no progress had been made for over a year. Her application to lift the stay was refused, and she appealed. Held: The automatic … Continue reading Woodhouse v Consignia Plc; Steliou v Compton: CA 7 Mar 2002

Middleton, Regina (on the Application of) v Coroner for the Western District of Somerset: HL 11 Mar 2004

The deceased had committed suicide in prison. His family felt that the risk should have been known to the prison authorities, and that they had failed to guard against that risk. The coroner had requested an explanatory note from the jury. Held: The jury should indeed have been given opportunity to explain their verdict: ‘By … Continue reading Middleton, Regina (on the Application of) v Coroner for the Western District of Somerset: HL 11 Mar 2004

Regina (Holding and Barnes plc) v Secretary of State for Environment Transport and the Regions; Regina (Alconbury Developments Ltd and Others) v Same and Others: HL 9 May 2001

Power to call in is administrative in nature The powers of the Secretary of State to call in a planning application for his decision, and certain other planning powers, were essentially an administrative power, and not a judicial one, and therefore it was not a breach of the applicants’ rights to a fair hearing before … Continue reading Regina (Holding and Barnes plc) v Secretary of State for Environment Transport and the Regions; Regina (Alconbury Developments Ltd and Others) v Same and Others: HL 9 May 2001

Kirk v Walton: QBD 24 Jul 2008

The defendant sought leave to bring proceedings for contempt of court against the claimant saying that she had had no honest belief in the matters deposed in her statement of truth, in that she had substantially exaggerated her injuries. Held: Leave was granted. The court approached the application on the basis ‘that the discretion to … Continue reading Kirk v Walton: QBD 24 Jul 2008

Seal v Chief Constable of South Wales Police: CA 19 May 2005

Mr Seal noisily objected to a neighbour blocking in his car. Police were called who took him into custody under the 1983 Act. He was released several days later, and eventually sought damages for his wrongful treatment. He had failed to first seek permission from the court as was required by s139(2). Held: The appeal … Continue reading Seal v Chief Constable of South Wales Police: CA 19 May 2005

Manchester City Council v Pinnock: SC 3 Nov 2010

The tenant had been secure but had his tenancy had been reduced to an insecure demoted tenancy after he was accused of anti-social behaviour. He had not himself been accused of any misbehaviour, but it was said that he should have controlled his family members. The county court had been unwilling to allow any challenge … Continue reading Manchester City Council v Pinnock: SC 3 Nov 2010

Kay and Another v London Borough of Lambeth and others; Leeds City Council v Price and others and others: HL 8 Mar 2006

In each case the local authority sought to recover possession of its own land. In the Lambeth case, they asserted this right as against an overstaying former tenant, and in the Leeds case as against gypsies. In each case the occupiers said that the recovery of possession interfered with their right respect for their family … Continue reading Kay and Another v London Borough of Lambeth and others; Leeds City Council v Price and others and others: HL 8 Mar 2006

Adams, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: SC 11 May 2011

The three claimants had each been convicted of murders and served time. Their convictions had been reversed eventually, and they now appealed against the refusal of compensation for imprisonment, saying that there had been a miscarriage of justice. Held: The appeal of Adams was denied, but those of MacDermott and McCartney allowed (by majority). The … Continue reading Adams, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: SC 11 May 2011

Regina (Daly) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 23 May 2001

A prison policy requiring prisoners not to be present when their property was searched and their mail was examined was unlawful. The policy had been introduced after failures in search procedures where officers had been intimidated by the presence of prisoners. Particularly when examining documents subject to legal professional privilege, the rules did not allow … Continue reading Regina (Daly) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 23 May 2001

Bank Mellat v Her Majesty’s Treasury (No 2): SC 19 Jun 2013

The bank challenged measures taken by HM Treasury to restrict access to the United Kingdom’s financial markets by a major Iranian commercial bank, Bank Mellat, on the account of its alleged connection with Iran’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. The bank sought to have the direction given under section 7 of the 2008 Act. … Continue reading Bank Mellat v Her Majesty’s Treasury (No 2): SC 19 Jun 2013

Konamaneni v Rolls Royce Industrial Power (India) Limited: ChD 20 Dec 2001

The claimants founded their action on the assertion that the defendants had been corrupt in obtaining contracts in India. The defendants argued that the English courts had no jurisdiction. The claimants held various small shareholdings in a company used as a vehicle for paying bribes, and sought return of the money paid. It was a … Continue reading Konamaneni v Rolls Royce Industrial Power (India) Limited: ChD 20 Dec 2001

Home Office v Lownds (Practice Note): CA 21 Mar 2002

The respondent had been ordered to pay costs of over pounds 16,000 in an action for clinical negligence where the final award was only pounds 4,000. The Secretary of State appealed claiming that the costs were disproportionate. Held: In such cases the court must undertake a two stage examination. First it should look at the … Continue reading Home Office v Lownds (Practice Note): CA 21 Mar 2002

Masterman-Lister v Brutton and Co, Jewell and Home Counties Dairies (No 1): CA 19 Dec 2002

Capacity for Litigation The claimant appealed against dismissal of his claims. He had earlier settled a claim for damages, but now sought to re-open it, and to claim in negligence against his former solicitors, saying that he had not had sufficient mental capacity at the time to accept the offer. Held: There is no definition … Continue reading Masterman-Lister v Brutton and Co, Jewell and Home Counties Dairies (No 1): CA 19 Dec 2002

VIS Trading Co Ltd v Nazarov and Others: QBD 18 Nov 2015

Application for the first defendant to be committed for alleged contempt of court for having failed to make disclosure of documents as required by a court order.Whipple J said: ‘In this case, the extent to which the Defendants are in continuing breach is in issue. In resolving that factual issue, Mr Milner suggests that it … Continue reading VIS Trading Co Ltd v Nazarov and Others: QBD 18 Nov 2015

Huntingdon Life Sciences Group Plc and Another v Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC): QBD 15 Mar 2007

The claimant company was licensed to carry out scientific research, including research on live animals. The defendant association and its members opposed such work as cruel. The claimant had obtained an injunction to restrain the defendants harrassing protests. They now sought additional orders to protect staff members. Held: The order had provided a structure within … Continue reading Huntingdon Life Sciences Group Plc and Another v Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC): QBD 15 Mar 2007

RWE Npower Plc and others v Carrol (acting for and on behalf of the unincorporated association identified as “The Sandles House Group” etc): QBD 27 Apr 2007

The claimant sought relief against protesters challenging its proposal for disposal of ash from its coal fired power station in gravel pits local to the defendants. Teare J [2007] EWHC 947 (QB) Bailii Civil Procedure Rules 19.6 England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Boyle, Regina (On the Application of) v Haverhill Pub Watch and … Continue reading RWE Npower Plc and others v Carrol (acting for and on behalf of the unincorporated association identified as “The Sandles House Group” etc): QBD 27 Apr 2007

Serco Ltd v Lawson; Botham v Ministry of Defence; Crofts and others v Veta Limited: HL 26 Jan 2006

Mr Lawson was employed by Serco as a security supervisor at the British RAF base on Ascension Island, which is a dependency of the British Overseas Territory of St Helena. Mr Botham was employed as a youth worker at various Ministry of Defence establishments in Germany; under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement of 1951 … Continue reading Serco Ltd v Lawson; Botham v Ministry of Defence; Crofts and others v Veta Limited: HL 26 Jan 2006

Chellaram and Another v Chellaram and others (No 2): ChD 16 Apr 2002

One of the defendants had not been properly served by posting the proceedings to an address at which he stayed on his very occasional visits to London. The proceedings had not been issued for the purposes of service abroad, because at the time of deemed service under CPR 6 he was not physically within the … Continue reading Chellaram and Another v Chellaram and others (No 2): ChD 16 Apr 2002

Stoute v LTA Operations Ltd (T/A Lawn Tennis Association): CA 15 May 2014

The claimant issued proceedings requesting the court to return the summons to him for service. In error the court served direct. The defendant argued that the service error made the claim invalid, and in the circumstances out of time. The claimant appealed from a decision in the defendant’s favour. Held: The appeal succeeded. ‘the principal … Continue reading Stoute v LTA Operations Ltd (T/A Lawn Tennis Association): CA 15 May 2014

Hallam Estates Ltd and Another v Baker: CA 19 May 2014

‘The paying parties appeal against a decision of the High Court reversing a decision of the costs judge, whereby he declined to set aside his earlier order granting an extension of time for serving the points of dispute. The principal issues in this appeal are whether the costs judge was dealing with relief from sanctions … Continue reading Hallam Estates Ltd and Another v Baker: CA 19 May 2014

O’Brien v Chief Constable of the South Wales Police: CA 23 Jul 2003

The claimant sought damages for malicious prosecution, and sought to adduce similar fact evidence. The defendant appealed an order admitting the evidence. Held: Comparisons between admission of similar fact evidence in civil and criminal proceedings were made. In general, the greater the putative force of the evidence the less ready a court should be to … Continue reading O’Brien v Chief Constable of the South Wales Police: CA 23 Jul 2003

Arrow Nominees Inc and Another v Blackledge and Others: CA 22 Jun 2000

A petition had been lodged alleging unfair prejudice in the conduct of the company’s affairs. The defendants alleged that when applying for relief under section 459, the claimants had attempted to pervert the course of justice by producing forged or falsified documentation in discovery. The forgery was admitted. Held: If a party to litigation behaved … Continue reading Arrow Nominees Inc and Another v Blackledge and Others: CA 22 Jun 2000

XXX v Camden London Borough Council: CA 11 Nov 2020

Anonymity in Court Proceedings – No two stage test XXX appealed against the refusal to make orders anonymising her name and redacting certain details from published judgments. The appeal raised a point about the proper approach to applications for anonymisation under CPR 39.2. She brought proceedings for judicial review of the Council’s housing allocation policy, … Continue reading XXX v Camden London Borough Council: CA 11 Nov 2020

Chartwell Estate Agents Ltd v Fergies Properties Sa and Another: CA 16 Apr 2014

Appeal from a decision relating to relief from sanction under CPR 3.9. The context is failure to serve witness statements within the time specified by a prior court order. Laws, Sullivan, Davis LJJ [2014] EWCA Civ 506, [2014] 3 Costs LR 588, [2014] CILL 3513 Bailii Civil Procedure Rules 3.9 England and Wales Costs Updated: … Continue reading Chartwell Estate Agents Ltd v Fergies Properties Sa and Another: CA 16 Apr 2014

Kaneria v Kaneria and Others: ChD 15 Apr 2014

The parties were embroiled in a company dispute with allegations of conduct prejudicial to minority shareholders. An application was now made for sanctions for a failure to comply with court directions. Held: Unless and until a higher Court has said that the approach in Robert is no longer to be followed, it was binding and … Continue reading Kaneria v Kaneria and Others: ChD 15 Apr 2014

Stott (Procurator Fiscal, Dunfermline) and Another v Brown: PC 5 Dec 2000

The system under which the registered keeper of a vehicle was obliged to identify herself as the driver, and such admission was to be used subsequently as evidence against her on a charge of driving with excess alcohol, was not a breach of her right to a fair trial. The right not to give evidence … Continue reading Stott (Procurator Fiscal, Dunfermline) and Another v Brown: PC 5 Dec 2000

St Albans Girls School and Another v Neary: CA 12 Nov 2009

The claimant’s case had been struck out after non-compliance with an order to file further particulars. His appeal was allowed by the EAT, and the School now itself appealed, saying that the employment judge had wrongly had felt obliged to have regard to the Civil Procedure Rules on striking cases out. Held: The school’s appeal … Continue reading St Albans Girls School and Another v Neary: CA 12 Nov 2009

Gora and others v Commissioners of Customs and Excise and others: CA 11 Apr 2003

The appellants challenged decisions of the VAT and Duties Tribunal after seizure of their goods, and in particular whether the cases had been criminal or civil cases and following Roth, whether the respondent’s policy had been lawful and proportionate. Held: The present procedure does not involve the criminal courts and the absence of any criminal … Continue reading Gora and others v Commissioners of Customs and Excise and others: CA 11 Apr 2003

Huang v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 21 Mar 2007

Appellate Roles – Human Rights – Families Split The House considered the decision making role of immigration appellate authorities when deciding appeals on Human Rights grounds, against refusal of leave to enter or remain, under section 65. In each case the asylum applicant had had his own request refused but that of his family had … Continue reading Huang v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 21 Mar 2007

Kojima v HSBC Bank Plc: ChD 22 Mar 2011

The defendant had been found to owe money to the bank. In order to avoid damaging his career he agreed to execute a charge to secure the judgment. He now sought release from that order, and to withdraw his admission of the debt. He had acted in person, but had since been advised that he … Continue reading Kojima v HSBC Bank Plc: ChD 22 Mar 2011

Sugar v The British Broadcasting Commission and Another (No 2): CA 23 Jun 2010

The respondent had had prepared a report as to the balance of its reporting of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Earlier proceedings had established that the purposes of the holding of the reporting included jurnalism. The claimant now appealed against an order by the Information Tribunal saying that if the purposes included journalism, then other purposes for … Continue reading Sugar v The British Broadcasting Commission and Another (No 2): CA 23 Jun 2010

Daltel Europe Ltd and others v Makki and others: ChD 3 May 2005

Application was made for leave to bring proceedings for contempt of court. David Richards J said that: ‘Allegations that statements of case and witness statements contain deliberately false statements are by no means uncommon and, in a fair number of cases, the allegations are well-founded. If parties thought that they could gain an advantage by … Continue reading Daltel Europe Ltd and others v Makki and others: ChD 3 May 2005