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National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality and Another v Minister of Justice and Others: 9 Oct 1998

(South African Constitutional Court) Application was made to have declared constitutionally invalid laws against homosexuality. Sachs J held: ‘ There is no good reason why the concept of privacy should, as was suggested, be restricted simply to sealing off from State control what happens in the bedroom, with the doleful subtext that you may behave … Continue reading National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality and Another v Minister of Justice and Others: 9 Oct 1998

Hussain, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Health and Social Care: Admn 18 Jan 2022

whether the 26 March 2020 Covid-19 prohibition on collective worship (‘PCW’), as maintained from 13 May 2020, with its prohibiting consequences inter alia for communal prayers at a Bradford Mosque, breached the Human Rights Act 1998 (‘the HRA’) as an unjustified interference with freedom of religion Judges: Mr Justice Fordham Citations: [2022] EWHC 82 (Admin) … Continue reading Hussain, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Health and Social Care: Admn 18 Jan 2022

Shepherd v The Information Commissioner: CACD 18 Jan 2019

The defendant had been part of an organisation subject to an investigation of child sex abuse. He was cleared of involvement, but had disseminated the confidential reports containing sensitive personal data to support his contention that the process was being misused. He appealed from his conviction under the 1998 Act, saying that the burden of … Continue reading Shepherd v The Information Commissioner: CACD 18 Jan 2019

Watts v Stewart and Others: CA 8 Dec 2016

The court considered the status of residents of almshouses, and in particular whether they were licensees or tenants with associated security. Held: The occupier’s appeal failed: ‘We do not accept the proposition that, if and insofar as Mrs Watts was a beneficiary of the Charity, her occupation was that of tenant at will of the … Continue reading Watts v Stewart and Others: CA 8 Dec 2016

Bosher v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 8 Oct 2012

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SCHEME – fixed and month 13 penalties – late filing of returns – no reasonable excuse – proportionality of penalties – whether within wide margin of appreciation – interpretation of s100B Taxes Management Act 1970 – Human Rights Act 1998 – appeal allowed in part [2012] UKFTT 631 (TC) Bailii Taxes Management Act … Continue reading Bosher v Revenue and Customs: FTTTx 8 Oct 2012

Smith v Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Another: QBD 8 Sep 2016

The claimant had cohabited with the deceased: ‘The claimant seeks a declaration in one of two alternative forms: i) Pursuant to s.3 of the Human Rights Act 1998 . . that s.1A(2)(a) of the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 . . is to be read as including cohabitees who were living with the deceased in the … Continue reading Smith v Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Another: QBD 8 Sep 2016

London Borough of Wandsworth v Vining and Others (Unfair Dismissal: Exclusions Including Worker/Jurisdiction): EAT 18 Dec 2015

REDUNDANCY – Collective consultation and information HUMAN RIGHTS The Court of Appeal in Redbridge London Borough Council v Dhinsa and McKinnon [2014] ICR 834 held that the Council’s Parks Constables were in service as a ‘member of a constabulary maintained by virtue of an enactment’ within the meaning of Employment Rights Act 1996 section 200(2) … Continue reading London Borough of Wandsworth v Vining and Others (Unfair Dismissal: Exclusions Including Worker/Jurisdiction): EAT 18 Dec 2015

Fessal v Revenue and Customs (Income Tax/Corporation Tax : Human Rights): FTTTx 26 Apr 2016

FTTTx INCOME TAX – self-assessment – barrister – move from cash to true and fair basis – overpayment tax year between two underpayment tax years – tax paid twice on same profits – application of European Convention on Human Rights and Human Rights Act 1998 – held Section 29 of the Taxes Management Act 1970 … Continue reading Fessal v Revenue and Customs (Income Tax/Corporation Tax : Human Rights): FTTTx 26 Apr 2016

Cakabay v Secretary of State for Home Department: CA 30 Jun 1998

[1998] EWCA Civ 1116, [1999] Imm AR 176 Bailii England and Wales Cited by: Cited – BA (Nigeria) v Secretary of State for The Home Department and Others SC 26-Nov-2009 The court was asked whether the expression ‘an asylum claim, or a human rights claim’ in section 92(4)(a) of the 2002 Act includes any second … Continue reading Cakabay v Secretary of State for Home Department: CA 30 Jun 1998

Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department Ex Parte Onibiyo: CA 28 Mar 1996

More than one asylum claim may be made, but they must be sufficiently different to justify a second claim. The court considered when an application could be treated as having been finally determined and when it was necessary for the Secretary of State to consider afresh further representations that the applicant was entitled to refugee … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department Ex Parte Onibiyo: CA 28 Mar 1996

McCaughey and Another, Re Application forJudicial Review: SC 18 May 2011

The claimants sought a fuller inquest into deaths at the hands of the British Army in 1990 in Northern Ireland. On opening the inquest, the coroner had declined to undertake to hold a hearing compliant with article 2, and it had not made progress. The applicants believed this would require a further investigation of the … Continue reading McCaughey and Another, Re Application forJudicial Review: SC 18 May 2011

Regina (Reprotech (Pebsham) Ltd) v East Sussex County Council Reprotech (Pebsham) Ltd v Same: HL 28 Feb 2002

The respondent company had asserted that the local authority had made a determination of the issue of whether electricity could be generated on a waste treatment site without further planning permission. The council said that without a formal planning application, no determination had been made. Held: The procedure of making a determination had important consequences. … Continue reading Regina (Reprotech (Pebsham) Ltd) v East Sussex County Council Reprotech (Pebsham) Ltd v Same: HL 28 Feb 2002

Mosley v News Group Newspapers Ltd: QBD 24 Jul 2008

The defendant published a film showing the claimant involved in sex acts with prostitutes. It characterised them as ‘Nazi’ style. He was the son of a fascist leader, and a chairman of an international sporting body. He denied any nazi element, and claimed in breach of confidence. Held: ‘The law [of confidence] now affords protection … Continue reading Mosley v News Group Newspapers Ltd: QBD 24 Jul 2008

K v Central and North West London Mental Health NHS Trust and Another: QBD 30 May 2008

The claimant appealed against an order striking out his claim in negligence. He had leaped from a window in a suicide attempt. The accommodation was provided by the defendant whilst caring for him under the 1983 Act. Held: The case should be allowed to go ahead. Though the common law tort of negligence is still … Continue reading K v Central and North West London Mental Health NHS Trust and Another: QBD 30 May 2008

Kopp v Switzerland: ECHR 25 Mar 1998

WCHR Switzerland – monitoring of a law firm’s telephone lines on orders of the Federal Public Prosecutor (sections 66(1 bis) and 77 of the Federal Criminal Procedure Act – ‘the FCPA’)A lawyer’s home telephone was tapped in an investigation of whether his wife was disclosing confidential information from the Department of Justice where she worked … Continue reading Kopp v Switzerland: ECHR 25 Mar 1998

Mott, Regina (on The Application of) v Environment Agency: SC 14 Feb 2018

The Court considered the legality under the European Convention on Human Rights of licensing conditions imposed by the Environment Agency restricting certain forms of salmon-fishing in the Severn Estuary. The claimant operated a licensed putcher rank salmon fishing business. Held: The Agency’s appeal failed. The judge’s reasoning was correct. He had not find it necessary … Continue reading Mott, Regina (on The Application of) v Environment Agency: SC 14 Feb 2018

Regina v Bedwellty Justices Ex Parte Williams: HL 18 Sep 1996

A decision at committal to return an accused for trial is susceptible to judicial review where committal was based solely on inadmissible evidence or was based on evidence not reasonably capable of supporting it. The committal was quashed.The ‘Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court has normally in judicial review proceedings jurisdiction to quash a … Continue reading Regina v Bedwellty Justices Ex Parte Williams: HL 18 Sep 1996

Re Z (A Child : Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act : Parental Order): FC 7 Sep 2015

The court was asked whether, in the light of the 1998 Act, section 54(1) of the 2008 Act should be read down so as to allow parental orders to be made in favour of just one person. Held: It could not. Sir James Munby P FD [2015] EWFC 73 Bailii Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act … Continue reading Re Z (A Child : Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act : Parental Order): FC 7 Sep 2015

Gillan, Regina (on the Application of) v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis and Another: HL 8 Mar 2006

The defendants said that the stop and search powers granted under the 2000 Act were too wide, and infringed their human rights. Each had been stopped when innocently attending demonstrations in London, and had been effectively detained for about twenty minutes or more before being allowed to continue. An authorisation had been granted by an … Continue reading Gillan, Regina (on the Application of) v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis and Another: HL 8 Mar 2006

von Colson and Kamann v Land Nordrhein-Westfalen: ECJ 10 Apr 1984

LMA Art.177[Art.234] EC proceedings – Ms Van Colson had applied for a job with the prison service and Ms Harz had applied for a job with a private company Deutsche Tradex GmbH. Both had been rejected. The German court found that they had been rejected on grounds of sex and that the rejection had not … Continue reading von Colson and Kamann v Land Nordrhein-Westfalen: ECJ 10 Apr 1984

T and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Home Department and Another: SC 18 Jun 2014

T and JB, asserted that the reference in certificates issued by the state to cautions given to them violated their right to respect for their private life under article 8 of the Convention. T further claims that the obligation cast upon him to disclose the warnings given to him violated the same right. Held: The … Continue reading T and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Home Department and Another: SC 18 Jun 2014

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

AXA General Insurance Ltd and Others v Lord Advocate and Others: SCS 8 Jan 2010

The claimant sought to challenge the validity of the 2009 Act by judicial review. The Act would make their insured and themselves liable to very substantial unanticipated claims for damages for pleural plaques which would not previousl or otherwise have amounted to personal injury. Pleural plaques are physical changes in the pleura, detectable radiologically as … Continue reading AXA General Insurance Ltd and Others v Lord Advocate and Others: SCS 8 Jan 2010

Regina v Secretary of State for The Home Department Ex Parte Simms: HL 8 Jul 1999

Ban on Prisoners talking to Journalists unlawful The two prisoners, serving life sentences for murder, had had their appeals rejected. They continued to protest innocence, and sought to bring their campaigns to public attention through the press, having oral interviews with journalists without undertakings from the journalists not to publish any element of the interview. … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for The Home Department Ex Parte Simms: HL 8 Jul 1999

A, K, M, Q and G v HM Treasury: Admn 24 Apr 2008

The applicants were suspected of terrorist associations. Their bank accounts and similar had been frozen. They challenged the Order in Council under which the orders had been made without an opportunity for parliamentary challenge or approval. Held: The Orders must be set aside. ‘It is I think obvious that this procedure does not begin to … Continue reading A, K, M, Q and G v HM Treasury: Admn 24 Apr 2008

Reclaiming Motion In Petition of Scott Davidson for Judicial Review of A Decision To Continue To Detain the Prisoner In Inhuman and Degrading Prison C: SCS 18 Dec 2001

A prisoner sought an order for his removal from a prison found to have a regime which breached his human rights. The Crown replied that an order could not be made under s21 of the 1947 Act. Held: The prisoner had followed through his rights to petition the governor. Had he done so and failed, … Continue reading Reclaiming Motion In Petition of Scott Davidson for Judicial Review of A Decision To Continue To Detain the Prisoner In Inhuman and Degrading Prison C: SCS 18 Dec 2001

Austin and Another v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis: HL 28 Jan 2009

Movement retsriction was not Liberty Deprivation The claimants had been present during a demonstration policed by the respondent. They appealed against dismissal of their claims for false imprisonment having been prevented from leaving Oxford Circus for over seven hours. The claimants appealed against rejection of their claims on human rights law. Held: The appeal failed. … Continue reading Austin and Another v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis: HL 28 Jan 2009

Quietlynn Ltd v Plymouth City Council: QBD 1987

A company operated sex shops in Plymouth under transitional provisions which allowed them to do so until their application for a licence under the scheme introduced by the Act had been ‘determined.’ The local authority refused the application. The company was then prosecuted for trading without a licence. It sought to allege that the local … Continue reading Quietlynn Ltd v Plymouth City Council: QBD 1987

Contrada v Italy: ECHR 24 Aug 1998

Judgment – Article 5-1(c): alleged unlawfulness of detention – ground declared inadmissible by Commission. Article 3: conditions of detention (solitary confinement in military prisons): although applicant had complained from outset that he had been detained for an unreasonable period (Article 5-3), complaint under Article 3 concerned actual conditions of detention, not its length. Court had … Continue reading Contrada v Italy: ECHR 24 Aug 1998

Regina v Chief Constable of North Wales Police and Others Ex Parte Thorpe and Another; Regina v Chief Constable for North Wales Police Area and others ex parte AB and CB: CA 18 Mar 1998

Public Identification of Pedophiles by Police AB and CB had been released from prison after serving sentences for sexual assaults on children. They were thought still to be dangerous. They moved about the country to escape identification, and came to be staying on a campsite. The police sought to co-operate in the resettlement of the … Continue reading Regina v Chief Constable of North Wales Police and Others Ex Parte Thorpe and Another; Regina v Chief Constable for North Wales Police Area and others ex parte AB and CB: CA 18 Mar 1998

Lynch And Whelan v Ireland (Dec): ECHR 8 Jul 2014

ECHR Article 5-1 Lawful arrest or detention Continued imprisonment without review under ‘wholly punitive’ life sentence: inadmissible Facts – The applicants were serving mandatory life sentences for murder. Mr Lynch was convicted of murder in 1997 and given the sentence of life imprisonment that is mandatory in Irish law. His detention was reviewed on a … Continue reading Lynch And Whelan v Ireland (Dec): ECHR 8 Jul 2014

Tinnelly and Sons Ltd and Others and McElduff and Others v United Kingdom: ECHR 10 Jul 1998

Legislation which disallowed claimants who asserted that they had been discriminated against, on the grounds of their religious background, from appealing through the courts system, was a clear breach of their human rights. A limitation will not be compatible with Article 6(1) if it does not pursue a legitimate aim and if there is not … Continue reading Tinnelly and Sons Ltd and Others and McElduff and Others v United Kingdom: ECHR 10 Jul 1998

Loizidou v Turkey: ECHR 28 Jul 1998

Grand Chamber – Turkey – claims for just satisfaction in respect of Court’s finding, in principal judgment, of violation of Article 1 of Protocol No.1 to the Convention I. Entitlement to just satisfaction Court’s finding in principal judgment that denial of access to property in northern Cyprus was imputable to Turkey is res judicata – … Continue reading Loizidou v Turkey: ECHR 28 Jul 1998

Practice Direction (Family Proceedings: Human Rights): FD 12 Oct 2000

Those seeking to present to the court arguments under the Human Rights Act must produce to the court full and authoritative texts of the cases they relied upon (including texts downloaded from the ECHR Internet site), and cases involving a possible application for a declaration of incompatibility should be allocated to a High Court judge. … Continue reading Practice Direction (Family Proceedings: Human Rights): FD 12 Oct 2000

Adath Yisroel Burial Society and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v HM Senior Coroner for Inner North London: Admn 27 Apr 2018

The Society challenged the refusal of the coroner to expedite of deaths for religious reasons, alleging discrimination against Jewish and Muslim families in breach of Convention or statutory rights. Held: Allowed in part. Singh LJ, Whipple J [2018] EWHC 969 (Admin), [2019] QB 251, [2018] WLR(D) 273, (2018) 162 BMLR 217, [2018] HRLR 15, [2018] … Continue reading Adath Yisroel Burial Society and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v HM Senior Coroner for Inner North London: Admn 27 Apr 2018

Hatton and Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 8 Jul 2003

More Night Flights No Infringement of Family Life The claimants complained that the respondent had acted to infringe their rights. They were residents living locally to Heathrow Airport. They claimed the respondent had increased the number of night flights, causing increased noise, but without allowing them an opportunity to challenge the increase. Held: The claimants … Continue reading Hatton and Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 8 Jul 2003

The Office for Gas and Electricity Markets v Pytel: EAT 10 Dec 2018

The Employment Tribunal (‘the ET’) held that (1) section 105 of the Utilities Act 2000 was incompatible with the Convention Rights of the Claimant. The ET held (2) that it was ‘possible’, in accordance with section 3 of the Human Rights Act 1998 , to read section 105 so as to be compatible with the … Continue reading The Office for Gas and Electricity Markets v Pytel: EAT 10 Dec 2018

JR 38, Re Judicial Review: QBNI 21 Mar 2013

Application for judicial review of a decision by the PSNI to release to local newspapers for publication images of persons suspected of being involved in sectarian rioting and violent offending at an interface area at Fountain Street/Bishop Street Londonderry in May, June and July 2010. The applicant, a child who was born in July 1996, … Continue reading JR 38, Re Judicial Review: QBNI 21 Mar 2013

Fitzpatrick v Sterling Housing Association Ltd: HL 28 Oct 1999

Same Sex Paartner to Inherit as Family Member The claimant had lived with the original tenant in a stable and long standing homosexual relationship at the deceased’s flat. After the tenant’s death he sought a statutory tenancy as a spouse of the deceased. The Act had been extended to include as a spouse someone living … Continue reading Fitzpatrick v Sterling Housing Association Ltd: HL 28 Oct 1999

GC v The Commissioner of Police of The Metropolis: SC 18 May 2011

The court was asked to decide from whom DNA samples could lawfully be taken by the Police,and for how long they should be kept. The first respondent now said that a declaration of incompatibility of section 64(1A) could not be avoided. Held: (Majority: Lord Dyson, Lord Phillips, Lady Hale, Lord Judge and Lord Kerr. Dissenting: … Continue reading GC v The Commissioner of Police of The Metropolis: SC 18 May 2011

Roberts, Regina (on the Application of) v The Parole Board: Admn 7 Nov 2008

The prisoner was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of three police officers in 1966. He served a longer time than the recommended minimum and had been transferred to an open prison anticipating release on licence. He now complained of having been returned to a closed prison, but that not all the material on … Continue reading Roberts, Regina (on the Application of) v The Parole Board: Admn 7 Nov 2008

Regina on the Application of B and others v Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office: CA 18 Oct 2004

The applicant children had been detained in immigration camps in Australia. They escaped and sought refuge in the British High Commission in Melbourne and claimed diplomatic asylum. They claimed in damages after being returned to the authorities in Australia. Held: Any threat to their safety was not sufficient to justify not returning them to the … Continue reading Regina on the Application of B and others v Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office: CA 18 Oct 2004

Derbyshire County Council v Times Newspapers Ltd and Others: HL 18 Feb 1993

Local Council may not Sue in Defamation Local Authorities must be open to criticism as political and administrative bodies, and so cannot be allowed to sue in defamation. Such a right would operate as ‘a chill factor’ on free speech. Freedom of speech was the underlying value which supported the decision to lay down the … Continue reading Derbyshire County Council v Times Newspapers Ltd and Others: HL 18 Feb 1993

Ruddy v Chief Constable, Strathclyde Police and Another: SC 28 Nov 2012

The pursuer said that he had been assaulted whilst in the custody of the responder’s officers. He began civil actions after his complaint was rejected. He repeated the allegation of the assault, and complained also as to the conduct of the investigation, saying that it had infringed his Artricle 3 human rights. The Sheriff rejected … Continue reading Ruddy v Chief Constable, Strathclyde Police and Another: SC 28 Nov 2012

The Republic of Ireland v The United Kingdom: ECHR 18 Jan 1978

The UK lodged a derogation with the Court as regards its human rights obligations in Northern Ireland because of the need to control terroist activity. The Government of Ireland intervened. From August 1971 until December 1975 the UK authorities exercised a series of ‘extrajudicial’ powers of arrest, detention and internment in Northern Ireland. The case … Continue reading The Republic of Ireland v The United Kingdom: ECHR 18 Jan 1978

Doctor A and Others v Ward and Another: FD 8 Jan 2010

Parents wished to publicise the way care proceedings had been handled, naming the doctors, social workers and experts some of whom had been criticised. Their names had been shown as initials so far, and interim contra mundum orders had been made restricting further identification. The professionals feared that their readiness to act as experts would … Continue reading Doctor A and Others v Ward and Another: FD 8 Jan 2010

London Borough of Lewisham v Malcolm and Disability Rights Commission: CA 25 Jul 2007

The court was asked, whether asked to grant possession against a disabled tenant where the grounds for possession were mandatory. The defendant was a secure tenant with a history of psychiatric disability. He had set out to buy his flat, but the council sought possession when it discovered that he had sublet. Held: Section 23(3)(c) … Continue reading London Borough of Lewisham v Malcolm and Disability Rights Commission: CA 25 Jul 2007

Council of Civil Service Unions v Minister for the Civil Service: HL 22 Nov 1984

Exercise of Prerogative Power is Reviewable The House considered an executive decision made pursuant to powers conferred by a prerogative order. The Minister had ordered employees at GCHQ not to be members of trades unions. Held: The exercise of a prerogative power of a public nature may be, subject to constraints of national security and … Continue reading Council of Civil Service Unions v Minister for the Civil Service: HL 22 Nov 1984

Mulosmani v Albania: ECHR 8 Oct 2013

ECHR Article 6 Presumption of innocence Public accusation of murder made by chairman of independent political party in immediate aftermath of shooting: inadmissible Facts – In September 1998 a Member of Parliament and his bodyguards were shot and fatally wounded as they came out of the Democratic Party headquarters in Tirana. Immediately afterwards, the Party … Continue reading Mulosmani v Albania: ECHR 8 Oct 2013

Regina v Secretary of State for Home Department ex parte Mahmood: CA 8 Dec 2000

A Pakistani citizen entered the UK illegally and claimed asylum. A week before his claim was refused and he was served with removal directions, he married a British citizen of Pakistani origin. Two children were later born. Held: Only exceptionally should an applicant for leave to remain be able to escape the requirement under the … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for Home Department ex parte Mahmood: CA 8 Dec 2000

Antaios Compania Naviera SA v Salen Rederierna AB (‘the Antaios’): HL 1984

A ship charterer discovered that the bills of lading were incorrect, but delayed withdrawal from the charter for 13 days. They now sought leave to appeal the arbitration award against them. Held: Though he deprecated extending the use of the expression ‘purposive construction’ from the interpretation of statutes to the interpretation of private contracts, Lord … Continue reading Antaios Compania Naviera SA v Salen Rederierna AB (‘the Antaios’): HL 1984

RB (Algeria) and Another v Secretary of State for the Home Department; OO (Jordan) v Same; MT (Algeria) v Same: HL 18 Feb 2009

Fairness of SIAC procedures Each defendant was to be deported for fear of involvement in terrorist activities, but feared that if returned to their home countries, they would be tortured. The respondent had obtained re-assurances from the destination governments that this would not happen. Held: Though in each case, SIAC had considered special materials, the … Continue reading RB (Algeria) and Another v Secretary of State for the Home Department; OO (Jordan) v Same; MT (Algeria) v Same: HL 18 Feb 2009

Savage v South Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MIND intervening): HL 10 Dec 2008

The deceased had committed suicide on escaping from a mental hospital. The Trust appealed against a refusal to strike out the claim that that they had been negligent in having inadequate security. Held: The Trust’s appeal failed. The fact that she was detained for her own protection rather than to protect others required different standards … Continue reading Savage v South Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MIND intervening): HL 10 Dec 2008

O’Reilly v Mackman: HL 1982

Remission of Sentence is a Privilege not a Right The plaintiffs had begun their action, to challenge their loss of remission as prisoners, by means of a writ, rather than by an action for judicial review, and so had sidestepped the requirement for the action to be brought within strict time limits. Held: The forfeiture … Continue reading O’Reilly v Mackman: HL 1982

Grant v South West Trains Ltd: ECJ 17 Feb 1998

A company’s ban on the provision of travel perks to same sex partners of employees did not constitute breach of European sex discrimination law. An employer’s policy was not necessarily to be incorporated into the contract of employment. The court said that since the rule applied equally to male and female employees it was not … Continue reading Grant v South West Trains Ltd: ECJ 17 Feb 1998

Corporate Officer of the House of Commons v The Information Commissioner and others: Admn 16 May 2008

Applicants had sought disclosure of information supplied by members of Parliament in support of expenses claims. The Office appealed against an order from the Commissioner to produce that information, saying that the actions of Parliament are not subject to judicial control or review. Held: The appeal was dismissed. The tribunal had made no error of … Continue reading Corporate Officer of the House of Commons v The Information Commissioner and others: Admn 16 May 2008

Animal Defenders International, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport: HL 12 Mar 2008

The applicant, a non-profit company who campaigned against animal cruelty, sought a declaration of incompatibility for section 321(2) of the 2003 Act, which prevented adverts with political purposes, as an unjustified restraint on the right of political expression. Held: Though the regulation was an interference in the claimant’s right of free expression, it was prescribed … Continue reading Animal Defenders International, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport: HL 12 Mar 2008

Regina v Chief Constable of Sussex, ex Parte International Trader’s Ferry Limited: HL 2 Apr 1998

Chief Constable has a Wide Discretion on Resources Protesters sought to prevent the appellant’s lawful trade exporting live animals. The police provided assistance, but then restricted it, pleading lack of resources. The appellants complained that this infringed their freedom of exports under community law. Held: Police do not have an absolute duty to prevent breaches … Continue reading Regina v Chief Constable of Sussex, ex Parte International Trader’s Ferry Limited: HL 2 Apr 1998

Pickstone v Freemans Plc: HL 30 Jun 1988

The claimant sought equal pay with other, male, warehouse operatives who were doing work of equal value but for more money. The Court of Appeal had held that since other men were also employed on the same terms both as to pay and work, her claim failed. Held: The claim was not disbarred in this … Continue reading Pickstone v Freemans Plc: HL 30 Jun 1988

Curistan v Times Newspapers Ltd: CA 30 Apr 2008

The court considered the availability of qualified privilege for reporting of statements made in parliament and the actionable meaning of the article, which comprised in part those statements and in part other factual material representing the newspaper’s own investigative findings. Challenge to the so-called ‘repetition rule’ which generally applies to reported speech in defamation proceedings. … Continue reading Curistan v Times Newspapers Ltd: CA 30 Apr 2008

Times Newspapers Ltd v Secretary of State for the Home Department and AY: Admn 17 Oct 2008

The newspaper applied to challenge the protection of the identity of the defendant subject to a control order under the 2005 Act. It said that there was no basis for the making of the order without first considering the Human Rights need for open justice. Held: The general purpose of the control order related to … Continue reading Times Newspapers Ltd v Secretary of State for the Home Department and AY: Admn 17 Oct 2008

Douglas and others v Hello! Ltd and others (No 3): CA 18 May 2005

The principal claimants sold the rights to take photographs of their wedding to a co-claimant magazine (OK). Persons acting on behalf of the defendants took unauthorised photographs which the defendants published. The claimants had retained joint copyright over the photographs and reserved a right to control publication of any particular photographs. In return they made … Continue reading Douglas and others v Hello! Ltd and others (No 3): CA 18 May 2005

MGN Limited v United Kingdom: ECHR 18 Jan 2011

The applicant publisher said that the finding against it of breach of confidence and the system of success fees infringed it Article 10 rights to freedom of speech. It had published an article about a model’s attendance at Narcotics anonymous meetings. Held: The finding of a breach of confidence against the applicant amounted to an … Continue reading MGN Limited v United Kingdom: ECHR 18 Jan 2011

A v P (Surrogacy: Parental Order: Death of Applicant): FD 8 Jul 2011

M applied for a parental order under the 2008 Act. The child had been born through a surrogacy arrangement in India, which was lawful there, but would have been unlawful here. The clinic could not guarantee a biological relationship with the child. The father had since died of liver cancer. The court considered whether the … Continue reading A v P (Surrogacy: Parental Order: Death of Applicant): FD 8 Jul 2011

Litster and Others v Forth Dry Dock and Engineering Co Ltd: HL 16 Mar 1989

The twelve applicants had been unfairly dismissed by the transferor immediately before the transfer, and for a reason connected with the transfer under section 8(1). The question was whether the liability for unfair dismissal compensation transferred to the transferee. Held: It is the duty of a UK court to construe a statute, so far as … Continue reading Litster and Others v Forth Dry Dock and Engineering Co Ltd: HL 16 Mar 1989

Purdy, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions and Another: Admn 29 Oct 2008

The applicant said that the defendant had unlawfully failed to provide detailed guidance under section 10 of the 1985 Act, on the circumstances under which a prosecution might lie of a person performing acts which might assist another to commit suicide. The claimant suffered a severe degenerative illness and anticipated that she would want to … Continue reading Purdy, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions and Another: Admn 29 Oct 2008

Smith, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Defence and Oxfordshire Assistant Deputy Coroner (Equality and Human Rights Commission intervening): SC 30 Jun 2010

The deceased soldier died of heat exhaustion whilst on active service in Iraq. It was said that he was owed a duty under human rights laws, and that any coroner’s inquest should be a fuller one to satisfy the state’s duty under Article 2. Held: The SSD’s appeal succeeded. ‘jurisdiction’ within the meaning of Article … Continue reading Smith, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Defence and Oxfordshire Assistant Deputy Coroner (Equality and Human Rights Commission intervening): SC 30 Jun 2010

Alcock and Others v Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police: HL 28 Nov 1991

The plaintiffs sought damages for nervous shock. They had watched on television, as their relatives and friends, 96 in all, died at a football match, for the safety of which the defendants were responsible. The defendant police service had not defended a claim of negligence in their management of safety at the match at Hillsborough … Continue reading Alcock and Others v Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police: HL 28 Nov 1991

Marper v United Kingdom; S v United Kingdom: ECHR 4 Dec 2008

(Grand Chamber) The applicants complained that on being arrested on suspicion of offences, samples of their DNA had been taken, but then despite being released without conviction, the samples had retained on the Police database. Held: (Unanimous) The retention was unlawful. Though other member states retained some DNA samples in certain conditions, the UK was … Continue reading Marper v United Kingdom; S v United Kingdom: ECHR 4 Dec 2008

X v Y (Employment: Sex Offender): CA 28 May 2004

The claimant had been dismissed after it was discovered he had been cautioned for a public homosexual act. He appealed dismissal of his claim saying that the standard of fairness applied was inappropriate with regard to the Human Rights Act, and that the state had a duty to protect him from private acts which breached … Continue reading X v Y (Employment: Sex Offender): CA 28 May 2004

Farley v Child Support Agency and Another; Farley v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (No. 2): HL 28 Jun 2006

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

British Home Stores Ltd v Burchell: EAT 1978

B had been dismissed for allegedly being involved with a number of other employees in acts of dishonesty relating to staff purchases. She had denied the abuse. The tribunal had found the dismissal unfair in the methods used to decide to dismiss her. Held: The company’s appeal was allowed. The store had reasonable grounds for … Continue reading British Home Stores Ltd v Burchell: EAT 1978

Purdy, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions and Another: QBD 29 Oct 2008

The applicant suffered mutiple sclerosis and considered that she might wish to go abroad to end her life. She asked the court to make more clear the guidance provided by the Director as to whether her partner might be prosecuted under section 2(1) if he accompanied her to Switzerland. She said that the failure to … Continue reading Purdy, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions and Another: QBD 29 Oct 2008

Venables and Thompson v News Group Newspapers and others: QBD 8 Jan 2001

Where it was necessary to protect life, an order could be made to protect the privacy of individuals, by disallowing publication of any material which might identify them. Two youths had been convicted of a notorious murder when they were ten, and now faced release into a world which remained severely hostile. The law of … Continue reading Venables and Thompson v News Group Newspapers and others: QBD 8 Jan 2001

Barclay and Others, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice and others: CA 2 Dec 2008

The claimant appealed against refusal of his challenge to the new constitutional law for Sark, and sought a declaration of incompatibility under the 1998 Act. He said that by restricting the people who could stand for election, a free democracy had been denied to them, and that the constitution did not achieve a sufficient separation … Continue reading Barclay and Others, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice and others: CA 2 Dec 2008

Office of Government Commerce v Information Commissioner and Another: Admn 11 Apr 2008

The Office appealed against decisions ordering it to release information about the gateway reviews for the proposed identity card system, claiming a qualified exemption from disclosure under the 2000 Act. Held: The decision was set aside for breaching the rule against impugning an action of Parliament. The minister had made a statement as to the … Continue reading Office of Government Commerce v Information Commissioner and Another: Admn 11 Apr 2008

In re Lambeth Cemetery: ConC 28 Jul 2020

Resolution of Conflicts in Court decisions. The petitioner sought the exhumation of his still born son so that he could be buried alongside his wife who had died several years later. Held: There had been conflicting decisions as to what amounted to a good and proper reason for an exhumation. The faculty was granted. Five … Continue reading In re Lambeth Cemetery: ConC 28 Jul 2020

PJS v News Group Newspapers Ltd: CA 18 Apr 2016

The claimant celebrity had obtained an injunction restraining the defendant newspaper from publishing details of his extra marital activities. The newspaper appealed, saying that the information had already been printed abroad, and had been widely distributed on the Internet and on social media. Held: The Court of Appeal set aside the interim injunction. The protected … Continue reading PJS v News Group Newspapers Ltd: CA 18 Apr 2016

Weaver, Regina (on the Application of) v London and Quadrant Housing Trust: Admn 24 Jun 2008

An assured tenant sought to challenge a possession order made for rent arrears. He said that as a public body the landlord had a duty under human rights law to pursue all posssible alternate solutions before seeking possession. Held: The property was one taken over by the Association as former local authority housing stock and … Continue reading Weaver, Regina (on the Application of) v London and Quadrant Housing Trust: Admn 24 Jun 2008

Green v Eadie and Others: ChD 18 Nov 2011

The claimant as PR of her husband’s estate sought damages for misrepresentation and, against his former solicitiors for negligence in regards to the boundaries of a property he had bought from the first defendants using the second defendants as his solicitors. The first defendant said the claim was time barred. The six year period had … Continue reading Green v Eadie and Others: ChD 18 Nov 2011

Secretary of State for the Home Department v AF AM and AN etc: CA 17 Oct 2008

The claimants were subject to non-derogating control orders, being non EU nationals suspected of terrorism. They now said that they had not had a compatible hearing as to the issue of whether they were in fact involved in terrorist activity. Held: Applying MB, ‘it is wrong to say that a hearing of the critical issue … Continue reading Secretary of State for the Home Department v AF AM and AN etc: CA 17 Oct 2008

Norris v United States of America and others: HL 12 Mar 2008

The detainee appealed an order for extradition to the USA, saying that the offence (price-fixing) was not one known to English common law. The USA sought his extradition under the provisions of the Sherman Act. Held: It was not, and it would be wrong in principle to decide that it was: ‘The common law recognised … Continue reading Norris v United States of America and others: HL 12 Mar 2008

Soderback v Sweden: ECHR 28 Oct 1998

ECHR Sweden – adoption of a child granted to mother’s husband, without the consent of the natural father (Chapter 4, section 6, of the Parental Code) ARTICLE 8 OF THE CONVENTION Not disputed that there existed certain ties between the applicant father and his daughter M. – in the light of this, and bearing in … Continue reading Soderback v Sweden: ECHR 28 Oct 1998

Interfoto Picture Library Ltd v Stiletto Visual Programmes Ltd: CA 12 Nov 1987

Incorporation of Onerous Terms Requires More Care Photographic transparencies were hired out to the advertising agency defendant. The contract clauses on the delivery note included a fee which was exorbitant for the retention of transparencies beyond the set date. Held: The plaintiff had not managed to include the terms in the contract, which was only … Continue reading Interfoto Picture Library Ltd v Stiletto Visual Programmes Ltd: CA 12 Nov 1987

Corner House Research and Others, Regina (on the Application of) v The Serious Fraud Office: HL 30 Jul 2008

SFO Director’s decisions reviewable The director succeeded on his appeal against an order declaring unlawful his decision to discontinue investigations into allegations of bribery. The Attorney-General had supervisory duties as to the exercise of the duties by the Director. It had become clear that a continued investigation would threaten co-operation between the UK and Saudi … Continue reading Corner House Research and Others, Regina (on the Application of) v The Serious Fraud Office: HL 30 Jul 2008

Toogood v Spyring: 1834

Qualified Privilege of Bona Fide Words Under Duty The defence of qualified privilege arises where the statement in question was bona fide and without malicious intent to injure: ‘In general, an action lies for the malicious publication of statements which are false in fact, and injurious to the character of another (within the well-known limits … Continue reading Toogood v Spyring: 1834

Albert v Lavin: HL 3 Dec 1981

An off duty and out of uniform police officer attempted to restrain the defendant jumping ahead of a bus queue. The defendant struggled, and continued to do so even after being told that of the officer’s status. He said he had not believed that he was a police officer. Held: The issue was not whether … Continue reading Albert v Lavin: HL 3 Dec 1981

Regina v Legal Aid Board ex parte Kaim Todner (a Firm of Solicitors): CA 10 Jun 1998

Limitation on Making of Anonymity Orders A firm of solicitors sought an order for anonymity in their proceedings against the LAB, saying that being named would damage their interests irrespective of the outcome. Held: The legal professions have no special part in the law as a party to entitle a court to allow a solicitors … Continue reading Regina v Legal Aid Board ex parte Kaim Todner (a Firm of Solicitors): CA 10 Jun 1998

Tovey and Others v Ministry of Justice: QBD 18 Feb 2011

The claimants, serving prisoners, sought damages saying that the refusal to allow them to vote was in infringement of their human rights. The large numbers of claims had been consolidated in London. The claimant sought to withdraw his claim. Held: The claims failed and were struck out: ‘there are no reasonable grounds in domestic law … Continue reading Tovey and Others v Ministry of Justice: QBD 18 Feb 2011