K had been convicted of two counts of obtaining property by deception contrary to section 15 of the Theft Act 1968. He was also convicted of two counts under the Insolvency Act 1986, namely that being a bankrupt (a) he removed property which he was required to deliver up to the Official Receiver or his … Continue reading Regina v Kansal: CACD 24 Jun 1992
Where the Court of Appeal had refused permission to apply for judicial review after a similar refusal by a judge, that decision was also, by implication, a refusal to grant permission to appeal against the judge’s decision, and there was no scope for a further appeal to the House of Lords. It is not the … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Ex Parte Eastaway: HL 8 Nov 2000
K, aged 16, had left home to join what was said to be a religious sect. His whereabouts were unknown. He had been made a ward of court and the Official Solicitor was appointed to represent his interests. He had sent messages to say that he was well and did not wish to return. The … Continue reading Kelly (A Minor) v British Broadcasting Corporation: FD 25 Jul 2000
A losing candidate at a local election alleged corrupt and illegal practices relating to the entry of non-existent people on the electoral roll and using postal votes. The Election Commissioner found this proved and the election void, and awarded costs against him. He was unable to meet the sum awarded and became bankrupt. The candidate … Continue reading The Conservative and Unionist Party v The Election Commissioner: CA 23 Nov 2010
The claimant appealed dismissal of his claim for wrongful imprisonment having been detained in 1997 on being found unfit to plead to an offence of violence. Held: Parliament had a legitimate concern for the protection of the public, and defendants themselves, from persons whom it would be unfair to try because they have insufficient understanding … Continue reading Juncal, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department and others: CA 25 Jul 2008
The parties had lived together in a house owned in the defendant’s name and in which she claimed an interest. The claimant’s solicitors notified NCIS that they thought the defendant had acted illegally in setting off against his VAT liability the VAT on works carried out on his own property. Because of the delay which … Continue reading Bowman v Fels (Bar Council and Others intervening): CA 8 Mar 2005
The claimants challenged the instruction that they must squat whilst undergoing a strip search in prison. A dog search had given cause to supect the presence of explosives in the wing, and the officers understood that such explosives might be hidden anally. Held: The common thread in all the cases has been the search to … Continue reading Regina v Carroll and Al-Hasan and Secretary of State for Home Department: Admn 16 Feb 2001
(Jamaica) The constitution provided that no person tried for a criminal offence and either convicted or acquitted should again be tried for that offence. It was asked whether this was to be treated as declaring the common law or as expressing the law on the subject differently. Held: ‘All the judges below have treated [section … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Nasralla: PC 1967
A solicitor had acted for both purchaser and lender in a purchase transaction. The purchaser later sought to recover from the defendant for a negligent valuation. The solicitor had however discussed the issue with the plaintiff before the purchase, and he disclosed his note of the attendance on the plaintiff to the defendant. The note … Continue reading Goddard v Nationwide Building Society: CA 1986
At the trial of a substantive claim for declarations of property rights in the context of confiscation proceedings under the 1986 Act, two interested parties sought to dismissal or stay of the claims dismissed for delay. The proceedings went back to arrests and orders in 1993. Reliance was placed upon Article 6 of the ECHR. … Continue reading Crown Prosecution Service v Bentham: Admn 2003
The parties disputed the validity of a clause in a car hire contract relating to the consequences of a breach. Held: (Majority) The agreement had been terminated by breach rather than by the exercise of an option, so that the stipulated payment could be, and in fact was, a penalty. Lord Morton said that had … Continue reading Campbell Discount Company Ltd v Bridge: HL 1962
(Grenada) The petitioner sought to appeal to the Board from Grenada. The powers conferred on the Board by the Acts of 1833 and 1844, and other later instruments, have superceded the old prerogative power formerly exercised by the King in Council. The 1967 Order was made under powers conferred by the Judicial Committee Act 1844 … Continue reading Mitchell v Director of Public Prosecutions of Grenada: PC 1986
The defendant director had resigned from the plaintiff company from dissatisfaction with its progress. He later received an order from the company’s former customer. The court considered the continuing duties of a company director after the termination of his appointment. Hutchinson J said: ‘It would, it seems to me, be surprising to find that directors … Continue reading Island Export Finance v Umunna: ChD 1986
The court heard an application for a new trial of a civil action which had been tried before a jury on the ground that the verdict as delivered by the foreman was not the verdict of the jury. Held: A jury’s deliberations cannot be questioned. ‘I desire to make it clear that the court will … Continue reading Ellis v Deheer: 1922
The plaintiffs complained of the whole of one article and parts of two other articles published about them in The Observer. The defamatory sting was that Mr Asil Nadir (the fourth plaintiff) had deceived or negligently misled shareholders, investors, and members of the general public as to the operation of the first three plaintiffs, which … Continue reading Polly Peck PLC v Trelford: CA 1986
21 people protested peacefully on the verge of the A344, next to the perimeter fence at Stonehenge. Some carried banners saying ‘Never Again,’ ‘Stonehenge Campaign 10 years of Criminal Injustice’ and ‘Free Stonehenge.’ The officer in charge concluded that they constituted a ‘trespassory assembly’ and told them so. When asked to move off, many did, … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Jones and Lloyd: HL 4 Mar 1999
A company director who was resident overseas may be subject to disqualification proceedings. Citations: Ind Summary 03-May-1993 Statutes: Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 6 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – In Re Seagull Manufacturing Co Ltd (In Liquidation); Tucker CA 22-Feb-1993 The court has jurisdiction to order the public examination of a company … Continue reading Re Seagull Manufacturing Co Ltd: ChD 3 May 1993
There was a fracas on the landing in a council block of flats. Access to the landing was gained by an entry phone system controlled by the, occupants of the individual self contained flats. The question for the Divisional Court was whether the communal landing fell within the definition of a dwelling under section 8. … Continue reading Rukwira v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 1993
The appellant’s land was to be taken under compulsory purchase by the Council who wished to use it to assist Tesco in the construction of a new supermarket. Tesco promised to help fund restoration of a local listed building. Sainsbury objected an now appealed against the Court of Appeal’s overturning of the orer in its … Continue reading Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, Regina (on The Application of) v Wolverhampton City Council and Another: SC 12 May 2010
The court was asked: ‘whether East Sussex County Council . . was wrong in law to decide to register an area . . known as West Beach at Newhaven . . as a village green pursuant to the provisions of the Commons Act 2006. The points of principle raised by the appeal are, potentially at … Continue reading Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd, Regina (on The Application of) v East Sussex County Council and Another: SC 25 Feb 2015
The defendant had when at the police station refused to leave his cell to attend for interview. At trial, the judge said that the jury could take account of this as a failure to mention when questioned, something which he now wished to rely upon. Held: No questioning had taken place, and the inference could … Continue reading Regina v Johnson; Regina v Hind: CACD 11 Apr 2005
R appealed his conviction for unlawfully supplying a controlled drug. Officers claimed to have seen him, but the court agreed not to order disclosure of their observation location. Held: The appeal failed. It was important not to discourage members of the public from co-operating with the police. In the same way that an officer cannot … Continue reading Regina v Rankine: CACD 1986
The defendants appealed convictions after rejection of their defence of duress. They had hijacked an aeroplane in Afghanistan, and surrendered eventually at Stansted. They said they were acting under duress, believing they had no other way of escaping death or serious injury at the hands of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Held: There had been … Continue reading Regina v Safi (Ali Ahmed); Regina v Ghayur; Regina v Shah; Regina v Showaib; Regina v Mohammidy; Regina v Shohab; Regina v Ahmadi; Regina v Safi (Mahammad Nasir); Regina v Kazin: CACD 6 Jun 2003
The Rules of the Supreme Court indicate that save when permitted under the rules, documents on the court file are not intended to be inspected or copied. There is no common law right to obtain access to a document filed in proceedings and held as part of a court record. The Rules of the Supreme … Continue reading Dobson v Hastings: 1992
The court was asked whether section 139 precluded a mental patient from applying for leave to move for judicial review. Held: A restriction on the bringing of civil or criminal proceedings imposed by the section 139 did not apply to proceedings for judicial review. Ackner LJ concluded that Parliament had not intended to bar the … Continue reading Ex parte Waldron: CA 1986
Acquisition of Habitual Residence Habitual residence can in principle be lost and another habitual residence acquired on the same day. Held: The provisions giving the courts of a member state jurisdiction also apply where there is an alternative jurisdiction in a non-member state such as the United States. The Regulation also deals with how child … Continue reading A v A and another (Children) (Children: Habitual Residence) (Reunite International Child Abduction Centre intervening): SC 9 Sep 2013
The applicants had been successful in their appeal against a refusal of planning permission. The Secretary of State had awarded himself and the applicants their costs against the Council. The Council asked the House to give guidance on the principles which should underly such awards. Held: A losing party is not usually to pay all … Continue reading Bolton Metropolitan District Council and Others v Secretary of State for the Environment and Others No 2: HL 17 Jul 1995
The claimant appealed against a costs order. She had previously appealed against an order of the High Court on her application for judicial review of the inquest held by the respondent. Held: The coroner, and others in a similar position should not generally be expected to pay the costs of an appeal against an order … Continue reading Regina on the Application of Davies (No 2) v HM Deputy Coroner for Birmingham: CA 27 Feb 2004
The court considered the power of an English court over a foreign resident under section 133. Held: In contrast with the private examination provisions, on its true construction section 133 applies to those who are within the class of persons specified in subsection (1), namely those who have voluntarily participated in the affairs of the … Continue reading In re Seagull Manufacturing Co Ltd: ChD 1992
The police were not under any duty to protect someone who had been arrested from injuring himself in an attempt to escape. The claimant had a history of seeking to avoid capture by jumping from his flat window. On this occasion he injured himself in the fall. The doctrine of ex turpi no oritur actio … Continue reading Vellino v Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police: CA 31 Jul 2001
The claimant suffered psychiatric injury in a rail crash caused by the defendant’s negligence. Under this condition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, the claimant had later gone on to kill another person, and he had been detained under section 41. He now sought damages for his loss of earnings through detention in prison and mental hospital. … Continue reading Gray v Thames Trains and Others: HL 17 Jun 2009
Ex turpi causa explained The parties had disputed the validity a patent and the production of infringing preparations. The english patent had failed and damages were to be awarded, but a Canadian patent remained the defendant now challenged the calculation of damages for what it said would have been an infringing trade, and pleaded ex … Continue reading Les Laboratoires Servier and Another v Apotex Inc and Others: SC 29 Oct 2014
The appellants had audited the books of the respondent company, but had failed to identify substantial frauds by an employee of the respondent. The auditors appealed a finding of professional negligence, relying on the maxim ex turpi causa non oritur actio. Held: (Mance and Scott LL dissenting) The appeal succeeded. The company could not bring … Continue reading Moore Stephens (A Firm) v Stone Rolls Ltd (in liquidation): HL 30 Jul 2009
The defendant, aged 11, appealed against his conviction of an offence under the Public Order Act 1986, on evidence that he had thrown bricks at a police vehicle. He had then fled the scene. Held: The conviction was quashed. The fact that the defendant had run away might have indicated no more than that he … Continue reading A v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 1992
Towards the end of a substantial May Day demonstration on the streets of London, police surrounded about 3,000 people in Oxford Circus and did not allow them to leave for seven hours. The claimant who was present, but not involved in any of the organisation sought damages. Held: Police have powers to act out of … Continue reading Austin and Saxby v Commissioner of the Police for the Metropolis: QBD 23 Mar 2005
F who was 16 years old when he appeared before the juvenile court charged with robbery and possession of an imitation firearm. The justices decided to proceed summarily. No plea was taken. After being released on bail, he later appeared before a different bench, facing additional charges. The justices purported to reverse the previous decision. … Continue reading Regina v Newham Juvenile Court ex parte F (A Minor): QBD 1986
In its judgment in the case concerning Nuclear Tests (Australia v. France), the Court, by 9 votes to 6, has found that the claim of Australia no longer had any object and that the Court was therefore not called upon to give a decision thereon. In the reasoning of its Judgment, the Court adduces inter … Continue reading Nuclear Tests Case (Australia v France): ICJ 20 Dec 1974
The court gave general guidance on criminal practice. As to voluntary bills of indictment, to protect defendants: ‘save where there are good grounds for doing otherwise – (1) They must receive notice of an application for a Voluntary Bill with copies of all documents relied upon to support the application: (2) They must have an … Continue reading Consolidated Practice Direction: LCJ 2002
Several police officers obtained an order directing a new inquest in a case in which the coroner was held to have misdirected the jury in relation to a possible verdict of unlawful killing. The misdirection was severe, but the issues and law were complex. Notwithstanding that the coroner had been represented: ‘If an order for … Continue reading Regina v Hammersmith Coroner ex parte Gray: CA 1986
The appellant, of Nigerian origin had been brought here at the age of 14 with false identity papers, and was put to work caring for the respondent’s children. In 2008 she was dismissed and ejected from the house. She brought proceedings alleging racial discrimination, but the only element of her claim which succeeded was of … Continue reading Hounga v Allen and Another: SC 30 Jul 2014
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
Communal landings outside flats in a block do not form part of a home. Citations: Times 09-Jun-1993 Statutes: Public Order Act 1986 4-2 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Crime Updated: 28 April 2022; Ref: scu.88912
Applications were made to strike down regulations governing the use of the herbal product kava-kava. Held: The omission of any transtitional provisions had not affected anyone. Nor was the failure to consult as to the possibility of dealing with the issue by use of a warning label fatal to the regulations. The Minister’s own personal … Continue reading National Association of Health Stores and Another, Regina (on the Application of) v Department of Health: CA 22 Feb 2005
The claimant appealed after her claim for sex discrimination had failed. She had been dismissed from her position an associate minister of the church. The court had found that it had no jurisdiction, saying that her appointment was not an employment. However the jurisdiction in sex discrimination cases was wider, extending to those who ‘contract … Continue reading Percy v Church of Scotland Board of National Mission: HL 15 Dec 2005
The claimant’s son had been stabbed to death. She challenged the refusal of the coroner to continue with the inquest with a view to examining the responsibility of any of the police in having failed to protect him. Held: The question amounted to asking whether the coroner’s decision on the resumption should have been affected … Continue reading Hurst, Regina (on the Application of) v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v London Northern District Coroner: HL 28 Mar 2007
The claimants sought damages for defamation. The claimed that the article had caused very substantial losses (andpound;230 million) to them by affecting their market capitalisation value. The defendant sought to strike out that part of the claim. Held: The possible market capitalisation of the claimants was far too uncertain a basis for calculating damages. The … Continue reading Collins Stewart Ltd and Another v The Financial Times Ltd: QBD 20 Oct 2004
The relationship of banker and customer is that of agent and principal: ‘Primarily, the relationship between a banker and customer is that of debtor and creditor. But quoad the drawing and payment of the customer’s cheques as against the money of the customer’s in the banker’s hands the relationship is that of principal and agent.’ … Continue reading Barclays Bank plc v Quincecare Ltd: QBD 1992
A shareholder applied under section 4 of the 1986 Act for disqualification orders against the liquidators of a hopelessly insolvent company. Held: The application was refused on two grounds: first, that the applicant had no standing to bring the application and, secondly, that the application anyway had no merit.As regards the applicant’s standing, Jacob J … Continue reading In Re Adbury Park Estates Ltd: ChD 2003
The defendant appealed by case stated from his conviction for using a motor vehicle fitted with a siren. When stopped various items suggesting that driver might be providing an ambulance service were found. The siren was not used. Held: The test was: ‘is the vehicle concerned used (or primarily used) for conveying the sick, the … Continue reading Lord-Castle v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 23 Jan 2009
(St. Christopher and Nevis) The government of Canada requested the extradition of the respondent. The Attorney General sought special leave to appeal against the order for his discharge from custody, which had been on the grounds of the prejudice through long delay. The Board was concerned as to its jurisdiction. Held: No appeal lay against … Continue reading The Attorney General for St Christopher and Nevis v Rodionov: PC 20 Jul 2004
A preacher repeatedly displayed posters such as ‘Stop Homosexuality’ and ‘Stop Lesbianism’. He had been convicted of displaying a sign which was threatening abusive or insulting within the sight of a person likely to be caused harrassment alarm on distress. On one occasion a crowd of 30 or more had gathered outside his house. Held: … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Hammond: QBD 13 Jan 2004
Citations: [1997] EWHC Admin 319 Statutes: Public Order Act 1986 4 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Regina v Constanza CACD 6-Mar-1997 An assault committed if there was fear of violence created even though it might not ne an immediate threat. . . Lists of cited by and citing cases may be incomplete. Crime … Continue reading Valentine v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 24 Mar 1997
The court has jurisdiction to order the public examination of a company director in in a compulsory liquidation about the affairs of the company, even though he might not be within the jurisdiction. The court found no reasons of comity which would prevent those who voluntarily were officers or otherwise participated in the formation or … Continue reading In Re Seagull Manufacturing Co Ltd (In Liquidation); Tucker: CA 22 Feb 1993
The appellant had applied for and been refused disability living allowance on the basis of being able to carry out certain cooking tasks. Held: The purpose of the ‘cooking test’ is not to ascertain whether the applicant can survive, or enjoy a reasonable diet, without assistance. It is a notional test, a thought-experiment, to calibrate … Continue reading Moyna v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: HL 31 Jul 2003
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
In 1995 the defendant was sentenced to twelve years for rapes committed in 1983. He complained that the consequences of the later sentence were adverse because of the 1991 Act. He would now serve three quarters of the sentence rather than two thirds. Held: Article 7.1 prohibits the imposition of a penalty which is heavier … Continue reading Uttley, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 30 Jul 2004
The essentials of the basic section 5 offence require the court to be satisfied as to the accused’s subjective state of mind, namely that he intended that the representation should be, or was aware that it might be, threatening, abusive or insulting. Judges: Nolan LJ Citations: Times 18-Sep-1991 Statutes: Public Order Act 1986 5(1)(b) Jurisdiction: … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Clarke and Others: QBD 30 Jul 1991
The court reconsidered the law relating to penalty clauses in contracts. The first appeal, Cavendish Square Holding BV v Talal El Makdessi, raised the issue in relation to two clauses in a substantial commercial contract. The second appeal, ParkingEye Ltd v Beavis, raised the issue at a consumer level, with a separate issue under the … Continue reading Cavendish Square Holding Bv v Talal El Makdessi; ParkingEye Ltd v Beavis: SC 4 Nov 2015
Application by the Crown Prosecution Service for judicial review seeking an order quashing a costs order made against it and made under section 19 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 (the 1985 Act) and the Costs in Criminal Cases (General) Regulation 1986 (the Regulations). Judges: Sharp LJ, Julian Knowles j Citations: [2017] EWHC 2987 … Continue reading Regina (Director of Public Prosecutions) v Aylesbury Crown Court and Another: Admn 24 Nov 2017
Appeal from conviction of stirring up racial hatred by publishing written material, contrary to section 19(1) of the Public Order Act 1986 Judges: Davis LJ, Phillips, Garnham JJ Citations: [2017] EWCA Crim 1466 Links: Bailii Statutes: Public Order Act 1986 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Crime Updated: 31 March 2022; Ref: scu.598329
The defendant challenged the obligatory requirement that evidence given by a person under 17 in sex or violent offence cases must normally be given by video link. Held: The purpose of the section was to improve the quality of the evidence presented to a court. There was no absolute right for a defendant to be … Continue reading D (A Minor), Regina (on the Application of) v Camberwell Green Youth Court: HL 27 Jan 2005
The claimant had entered into the ‘The Royal Albert’ public house under a tenancy management agreement. They later negotiated for a contracted out business tenancy. They sought now to appeal a strike out of their claim for a secure tenancy. Held: Nothing had been said to create any reason for the claimant to believe any … Continue reading Taylor v Inntrepreneur Estates Limited: QBD 30 Jan 2001
The appellants had been peacefully protesting at Stonehenge. They were among others who refused to leave when ordered to do so under an order made by the police officer in charge declaring it to be a trespassory assembly under the 1986 Act. They appealed saying that the assemply had been on a public highway, and … Continue reading Jones and Lloyd v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 23 Jan 1997
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
An horrific rape had taken place. The defendant was arrested on a separate matter, tried and acquitted. He was tried under a false ID. His DNA sample should have been destroyed but wasn’t. Had his identity been known, his DNA could have been kept because of other convictions. He was arrested for the rape after … Continue reading Attorney General’s Reference No. 3 of 1999: HL 14 Dec 2000
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
The applicant sought assistance from the local authority. He suffered from spinal myeloma, was destitute and an asylum seeker. Held: Although the Act had withdrawn the obligation to provide assistance for many asylum seekers, those who were infirm and whose infirmity was not a consequence of their destitution, had not been excluded. Only able bodied … Continue reading Westminster City Council v National Asylum Support Service: HL 17 Oct 2002
The applicants sought to oblige the local authority, in compliance with its duties under the 1989 Act, to provide a home for children, and where necessary an accompanying adult. Held: There were four hurdles for the applicants to cross. They must show that their children are children in need within the meaning of section 17(10). … Continue reading Regina v London Borough of Barnet ex parte G; Regina v London Borough of Lambeth ex parte W; Regina v London Borough of Lambeth ex parte A: HL 23 Oct 2003
The plaintiff bought her apartment, but discovered later that the foundations were defective. The local authority had supervised the compliance with Building Regulations whilst it was being built, but had failed to spot the fault. The authority appealed a finding that it was liable, arguing that the claims were time barred and that it had … Continue reading Anns and Others v Merton London Borough Council: HL 12 May 1977
The 1987 Regulations provided additional benefits for disabled persons, but excluded from benefit those who had nowhere to sleep. The claimant said this was irrational. He had been receiving the disability premium to his benefits, but this was cancelled when he lost his home. Held: The appeal was dismissed. The disabilty premium, as part of … Continue reading RJM, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: HL 22 Oct 2008
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
The court was asked whether the Bill was within the competence of the Welsh Assembly. The Bill purported to impose NHS charges on those from whom asbestos related damages were recovered. Held: The Bill fell outside the legislative competence of the Welsh Assembly, in that it did not relate to any of the subjects listed … Continue reading Recovery of Medical Costs for Asbestos Diseases (Wales) Bill (Reference By The Counsel General for Wales): SC 9 Feb 2015
Widowers claimed that, in denying them benefits which would have been payable to widows, the Secretary of State had acted incompatibly with their rights under article 14 read with article 1 of Protocol 1 and article 8 of the ECHR. Held: The Secretary’s appeal succeeded. Section 6 of the 1998 Act permitted the discrimination as … Continue reading Hooper and Others, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: HL 5 May 2005
Several lone parents challenged the benefits cap, saying that it was discriminatory. Held: (Hale, Kerr LL dissenting) The parents’ appeals failed. The legislation had a clear impact on lone parents and their children. The intention was to encourage claimants back into work. It was said that thus contradicted the other policy of providing no free … Continue reading DA and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: SC 15 May 2019
After increasing university fees, the student loan system was part funded by the government. They introduced limits to the availability of such loans, and a student must have been lawfully ordinarily resident in the UK for three years before the day the academic year begins. The claimant came as a child with her mother some … Continue reading Tigere, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills: SC 29 Jul 2015
The claimants challenged the 1967 Act, saying that it deprived them of their property rights when lessees were given the power to purchase the freehold reversion. Held: Article 1 (P1-1) in substance guarantees the right of property. Allowing a mechanism for the compulsory transfer of the freehold interest in the house and the land to … Continue reading James and Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 21 Feb 1986
Whether offence was racially aggravated – charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress which was religiously aggravated in accordance with section 28 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, contrary to section 5(1) of the Public … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions, Regina (on the Application of) v Humphrey: Admn 20 Apr 2005
The applicant wished to demonstrate outside Marks and Spencer in Manchester, saying that the store supported the Israeli government against the Palestinians. He sought review of an order from the respondent refusing him permission over the Christmas period when the pavements would be especially busy, and requiring any demonstration to be held on open land … Continue reading Regina (Brehony) v Chief Constable of Manchester Police: QBD 23 Mar 2005
The prosecutor had appealed immediately against the judge’s withdrawal of a charge of racially aggravated use of insulting words or behaviour. The judge then ignored his obligation to continue the trial without mentioning the issue to the jury. He said in terms that the charge should not have been brought to the Crown Court. The … Continue reading Regina v SH: CACD 3 Aug 2010
The court was asked: ‘Does a commercial building which is in the course of redevelopment have to be valued for the purposes of rating as if it were still a useable office? ‘ Held: Appeal from decision of CA granted. On the facts found by the UT, the premises were undergoing reconstruction on the material … Continue reading Newbigin (Valuation Officer) v SJ and J Monk (A Firm): SC 1 Mar 2017
Appeal by case stated from conviction of affray Judges: Lord Justice Pill Mrs Justice Rafferty Citations: [2010] EWHC 994 (Admin), (2010) 174 JP 367 Links: Bailii Statutes: Public Order Act 1986 3 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Crime Updated: 03 February 2022; Ref: scu.416114
Mens Rea essential element of statutory Offence The appellant had been convicted under the Act 1965 of having been concerned in the management of premises used for smoking cannabis. This was a farmhouse which she visited infrequently. The prosecutor had conceded that she was unaware that the premises were used for that purpose. Held: The … Continue reading Sweet v Parsley: HL 23 Jan 1969
The applicant was a solicitor employed by a company in Belgium. He later resigned claiming unfair dismissal, saying he had been pressed to become involved in unlawful activities. The defendants sought to challenge the jurisdiction of the English Tribunal system. The defendants had begun procedures in Spain for conciliation. The claimant had obtained an injunction … Continue reading Turner v Grovit and others: HL 13 Dec 2001
Forum Non Conveniens Restated The House reviewed the authorities on the principle of forum non conveniens and restated how to apply the principle where the defendant seeks a stay of proceedings on the ground that there is another more appropriate forum. Held: ‘In the result, it seems to me that the solution of disputes about … Continue reading Spiliada Maritime Corporation v Cansulex Ltd, The Spiliada: HL 1986
The deceased was shot by police officers raiding his flat in 1998. The claimants sought damages for his estate. They had succeeded in claiming damages for false imprisonment, but now appealed dismissal of their claim for damages for assault and misfeasance. The judge below had accepted that the officer had acted in self-defence, and entered … Continue reading Ashley and Another v Sussex Police: CA 27 Jul 2006
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
Abuse of Process and Re-litigation The court set down the principles to be applied in abuse of process cases, where a matter was raised again which should have been dealt with in earlier proceedings. Sir James Wigram VC said: ‘In trying this question I believe I state the rule of the Court correctly when I … Continue reading Henderson v Henderson: 20 Jul 1843
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
Appeal from a decision dismissing an application by Hugh Jordan for judicial review of the ‘continuing decision’ of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland refusing to give reasons other than in the most general terms for his decision not to prosecute the police officer who caused the death of Pearse Jordan, the son … Continue reading Jordan, Re Application for Judicial Review: CANI 12 Dec 2003
The deceased had been shot by soldiers of the British Army whilst in a car in Northern Ireland. The car was alleged to have ‘run’ a checkpoint. The claimants said the investigation, now 20 years ago, had been inadequate. The claim was brought under human rights law, but predated by many years the incorporation of … Continue reading In re McKerr (Northern Ireland): HL 11 Mar 2004
The claimants challenged the 2004 Order which prevented their return to their homes on the Chagos Islands. The islanders had been taken off the island to leave it for use as a US airbase. In 2004, the island was no longer needed, and payment had been made (ineffectively) to assist the dispossessed islanders, but an … Continue reading Bancoult, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (No 2): HL 22 Oct 2008
The landlord hoped to redevelop a site. The defendant was in possession as a business tenant pursuant to three successive leases for which orders had been made under section 38(4) of the 1954 Act excluding the operation of sections 24 to 28 of the Act. The last of the three leases expired on October 31 … Continue reading Cardiothoracic Institute v Shrewdcrest Ltd: ChD 1986
The claimant sought damages from the first defendant for breach of copyright. An ex parte search order had been executed, with the defendant asserting his privilege against self-incrimination. As computer disks were examined, potentially unlawful images of children were found. The searching officer asked the court for directions as to what to do. Held: The … Continue reading C Plc and W v P and Secretary of State for the Home Office and the Attorney General: ChD 26 May 2006
The parties had gone through a ceremony of marriage in Columbia, being both women. After the relationship failed, the claimant sought a declaration that the witholding of the recognition of same-sex marriages recoginised in a foreign jurisdiction was an infringement of her human rights. Held: Such a relationship is recognised in England as a civil … Continue reading Wilkinson v Kitzinger and others: FD 31 Jul 2006
Transgender Male to Female not to marry as Female The parties had gone through a form of marriage, but Mrs B had previously undergone gender re-assignment surgery. Section 11(c) of the 1973 Act required a marriage to be between a male and a female. It was argued that the section was incompatible with the claimant’s … Continue reading Bellinger v Bellinger: HL 10 Apr 2003
Appeal by way of Case Stated from the decision convicting him for three offences of harassment contrary to s.4A of the Public Order Act 1986 on 1 May 2015. These convictions followed the Appellant’s convictions on 10 April 2015 for three offences of racially aggravated harassment contrary to s.31(1)(b) of Crime and Disorder Act 1998. … Continue reading Henderson v Crown Prosecution Service: Admn 9 Mar 2016
Application was made by the claimant for orders discharging an order made in 1991 to protect the identity of children and social workers embroiled in allegations of satanic sex abuse. The defendant opposed disclosure of the names of two social workers. Held: The names of the social workers had been withheld originally to protect the … Continue reading British Broadcasting Company v Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council and X and Y: FD 24 Nov 2005
Tucker J [1998] EWHC Admin 1009 Public Order Act 1986 England and Wales Crime Updated: 07 January 2022; Ref: scu.139130
The appellant challenged her conviction for failing to comply with conditions imposed on a public demonstration. Her demonstration outside the Royal Courts of Justice had brought traffic to a standstill. At trial she had been refused permission to raise a fresh issue at trial, namely the proportionality of the condition. Held: The appeal was dismissed. … Continue reading James v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 13 Nov 2015
The defendant was convicted of causing actual bodily harm, mainly on the basis of statements which his wife and daughter had given to the police. His wife and daughter took advantage of their right not to give evidence at his trial and so could not be cross-examined on their statements. Held: Where a conviction is … Continue reading Unterpertinger v Austria: ECHR 24 Nov 1986