WAITING FOR LEGAL AID IS NOT A GOOD REASON FOR DELAY: COURT OF APPEAL DECISION
In R (Kigen) -v- Secretary of State for the Home Department [2015] EWCA Civ 1286 the Court of Appeal stated that delay caused by waiting for the Legal Aid Agency may no longer be accepted as a good reason for…
WHEN THE COURT FAILS TO SERVE: AN IRREGULAR JUDGMENT MUST BE SET ASIDE
In Tanir -v- Tanir [2015] EWHC 3363 (QB) Mr Justice Garnham found that the court had failed to serve the claim form and, consequently, a judgment had to be set aside. The court had no discretion to act otherwise. “The…
SENDING THE FEE WITH THE APPLICATION: FAILURE CAN BE FATAL
I am grateful to barrister Matthew White for sending me details and a copy of the decision of His Honour Judge Lopez in Price -v- Egbert H Taylor Limited (Birmingham County Court 2nd October 2015). “… there [are] numerous authorities…
IS THIS A CLAIMANT'S OR DEFENDANT'S OFFER? ANOTHER IMPORTANT HIGH COURT DECISION ON PART 36
In Van Orrd Uk Limited -v- Allseas UK Limited [2015] EWHC 3385 (TCC) Mr Justice Coulson considered the appropriate consequences when the defendant had beaten its own Part 36 offer. These were unusual circumstances in that the court had to…
DEFENDANT NOT ALLOWED TO WITHDRAW FROM ADMISSION AND DEBARRED FROM RELYING ON FURTHER EVIDENCE: PLEADINGS ARE STILL IMPORTANT
In Clark -v- Braintree Clinical Services Limited [2015] EWHC 3181 HH Judge Burrell QC (sitting as a High Court judge) refused a defendant’s application to resile from an admission. He also granted the claimant’s application to debar the defendant from…
STRIKING OUT FOR DELAY: SOLLAND UPHELD ON APPEAL
We have looked before at the decision of Master Bowles in Solland International Ltd -v- Clifford Harris & Co [2015] EWHC 2018 (Ch) where the claimant’s action was struck out because of their failure to progress the action for 31…
THE ALDI PRINCIPLE AND SECOND ACTIONS: A STING IN THE TAIL
In Chamonix Private Equity LLP -v- Caledonia Investments plc [2015] EWHC 3290 (Comm) Mr Justice Knowles noted that, in the absence of prior notification, it was going to be difficult for a claimant to bring a second action against different…
ISSUING WITHOUT AUTHORITY: THE DANGERS OF SOLICITORS SIGNING STATEMENTS OF TRUTH: ACTION STRUCK OUT AS AN ABUSE OF PROCESS
This blog has looked, several times, at the dangers of solicitors signing documents which contain a statement of truth. The risks are clearly set out in the decision of Mrs Justice Rose today in Bao Xiang International Garment Centre -v-…
ADJOURNMENTS AND DISCRETION: DECISION NOT TO ADJOURN BANKRUPTCY PETITION UPHELD BY THE COURT OF APPEAL
In Edginton -v- Sekhon [2015] EWCA Civ 816 the Court of Appeal refused to overturn the judge’s decision not to adjourn a bankruptcy petition. “Delay is inimical to all forms of litigation and especially so in a collective enforcement process…
REFUSAL TO REALLOCATE: DISTRICT JUDGES WILL NOT ACT AS THE "COURT OF APPEAL" IN ALLOCATION DECISIONS
In Williams -v- Santander UK PLC [2015] EW Misc B37(CC) District Judge Stamenkovich considered an application to re-allocate a case from the small claims track. “I can see no reason to sit as a Court of Appeal from my fellow…
EVIDENCE, THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA: FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE EXPOSE DEFENDANT
The judgment of Judge Seymour in Cirencester Friendly Society -v- Parkin [2015] EWHC 1750(QB) provides another example of how the social media and the internet provides ammunition in litigation. Here we have a case of a defendant helpfully providing telling…
HOW THE BANKS GOT AWAY WITHOUT PAYING COURT FEES (FOR A WHILE)
The judgment of Master Matthews in Santander UK plc -v- The Royal Bank of Scotland plc [2015] EWHC 2560 (Ch) is an important review of the Norwich Pharmacal principles. However that is not what catches the eye. For a while…
DELAY AND STRIKING OUT FOR ABUSE OF PROCESS: SOME INTERESTING LESSONS
The judgment of Master Bowles in Solland International Ltd -v- Clifford Harris & Co [2015] EWHC 2018 (Ch) contains several matters of interest to litigators. Not only the fact that the action was struck out but some of the allegations…
THE STATEMENT OF TRUTH: DOES IT NEED "BEEFING UP": THE POLICE SAY WITNESSES DON'T UNDERSTAND IT'S SIGNIFICANCE!
The statement of truth is central to modern litigation, and at every stage of the litigation. However it is worthwhile considering whether, in its current form, it is effective. THE ACCIDENT EXCHANGE CASE It is worthwhile reading the judgment in…
A FAILURE TO DISCLOSE CAN BE JUST AS TELLING AS DISCLOSURE ITSELF: EVIDENCE, INFERENCES AND THE BLUE ANGEL CASE
The decision of Mr Robin Hollington QC (Sitting as a Deputy Judge of the Chancery Division) in Davy -v- Croxen [2015] EWHC 2372 (Ch) (“The Blue Angel case”) contains some illuminating observations about the practicalities and costs of disclosure and…
BANKRUPTCY AND THE PERSONAL INJURY LITIGANT: 10 KEY POINTS
The post about Eatons -v- Mitchells & Butler PLC led to some interesting discussions and raises some important issues. The claimant had been made bankrupt after he was injured. His lawyers overlooked this, issued proceedings, succeeded in a trial on…
BANKRUPTCY OF CLAIMANT DID NOT RENDER ACTION INVALID OR AN ABUSE OF PROCESS
In Eaton -v- Mitchells & Butler PLC (30th April 2015) (reported today on Bailli) His Honour Judge Keyser QC had to consider the effect of bankruptcy upon the validity of a claim. “It is remarkable that the case had proceeded…
ALDI; "SUBSEQUENT ACTIONS" AND ABUSE OF PROCESS: CLAIMANTS ALLOWED TO SHOP AROUND?
The judgment of Mr Justice Knowles DEB in Otkritie Capital International Ltd -v- Threadneedle Asset Management Ltd [2015] EWHC 2329 (Comm) contains some important observations for all those involved in litigation, particularly commercial litigation. It also provides a reminder that…
THAT "PARTIAL" ADMISSION: IT IS STILL BINDING AND YOU MAY NOT BE ALLOWED TO RESILE FROM IT
The judgment of Mr Justice William Davis in Cavell -v- Transport for London [2015] EWCA 2283 (QB) has some important observations in relation to admissions and attempts to resile from admissions. “It cannot be in those interests to permit the…
COMMITTAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST "EXPERT WITNESSES" ARE NOT AN ABUSE OF PROCESS
The decision of the Divisional Court in Accident Exchange Ltd -v- Nathan John George-Broom & Ors [2015] EWHC 2205 (Admin) is certainly a development in the practice relating to dismissal. THE CASE The claimants applied to commit a number of…
NEW RULES RELATING TO "NEUTRAL EVALUATION" ; LITIGANTS IN PERSON; ASSESSMENT; SPECIALIST FINANCIAL LIST (AND MORE…)
New rules have been introduced which (for the most part) come into force on the 1st October 2015. Here we look at the key changes. THE RULES The Civil Procedure (Amendment No.4) Rules 2014 were laid before Parliament on the…
STRIKING OUT WITNESS STATEMENTS BECAUSE OF IRRELEVANT MATERIAL AND "SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS" IN RELATION TO CHANGES OF COSTS BUDGETS
The Mitchell libel case led to a number of interlocutory hearings and applications, some of which had a profound effect on civil procedure (for a while at least). The case of Yeo -v- Times Newspapers Ltd is also leading to…
IS A FALSE AFFIDAVIT WORSE THAN A FALSE WITNESS STATEMENT? THE HIGH COURT CONSIDERS THE POINT
In International Sports Tours -v- Shorey [2015] EWHC 2040 (QB) Mr Justice Green considered some interesting issues relating to committal for contempt, witness statements and affidavits. THE ACTION The claimant brought an action against a former employee and others claiming breach…
RELIEF FROM SANCTIONS REFUSED FOLLOWING INADEQUATE E-DISCLOSURE:
The case of Smailes -v- McNally [2015] EWHC 1755 (Ch) has appeared in the reports before. In his judgment today His Honour Judge Pelling QC refused relief from sanctions after the claimant had failed to give adequate disclosure in compliance…
SETTING ASIDE AN EARLIER ORDER: A WIDE AND UNFETTERED DISCRETION?
In Cole -v- Howlett [2015] EWHC 1697 (Ch) Mr Justice Peter Smith conducted detailed consideration of the power, and discretion, to review and set aside orders already made. The judge agreed to set aside his earlier order striking out the…
APPEALING DECISIONS IN RELATION TO EXPERTS: SOME USEFUL EXAMPLES
An earlier post commented on how rare it was for appeals to take place in relation to the instruction of experts. John McQuater of Atherton Godfrey has kindly sent me two examples of appeals on the issue of experts. (Both…
AMENDING PLEADINGS: WELL I'M JUST GOING TO ISSUE SEPARATE PROCEEDINGS – IS THAT RELEVANT?
The earlier post looked at the general principles in relation to late amendment of pleadings. There was one further point considered in CIP Properties -v- Galliford Try [2015] EWHC 135 (TCC). The claimant argued that the amendments should be allowed…
AMENDING PLEADINGS : A REVIEW OF THE PRINCIPLES: WHAT IS MEANT BY "LATE"?
We have looked at the case of CIP Properties -v- Galliford Try twice before in the context of costs budgeting. The case came before Mr Justice Coulson again [2015] EWHC 1345 (TCC) on the topic of amendment of pleadings. It is…
INDEMNITY COSTS AGAINST RESPONDENT IN RELIEF FROM SANCTIONS APPLICATION: WHAT A WASTE?
There is a brief report on Lawtel* of the decision of Popplewell J in Viridor Waste Management Ltd -v- Veolia Es Ltd (QBD (Comm) 22/05/2015. THE CASE The claimant was bringing an action for £27 million unjust enrichment. The claim…
LATE APPLICATION FOR DISCLOSURE AND EXPERT EVIDENCE REFUSED: STOPPED AT THE DOCK
The judgment of His Honour Judge Stephen Davies in (sitting as a judge of the High Court) in William Clark Partnership Limited -v- Dock St PCT Limited [2015] EWHC B5 (TCC) illustrates the problems caused when applications are made late….
"TOUCH SENSITIVE" WITNESS STATEMENTS AND OTHER FORMS OF EVIDENCE: WHEN THE CLAIMANTS COLLECT THE EVIDENCE THEMSELVES
The decision of Recorder Amanda Michaels (sitting as a Deputy Enterprise Judge) in Minder Music Ltd -v- Sharples [2015] EWHC 1454 (IPEC) raises some interesting issues in relation to witness statements and evidence. In particular the problems when a party…
HELL IT WAS IN "THAT FEBRILE TIME": OSTRICHES, MITCHELL, DENTON AND THE "BRILLIANT READJUSTMENT"
There are some interesting observations made by Lord Dyson MR in The English Experience of Access to Justice Reform. In particular the look back at the “febrile” atmosphere that Mitchell created and the rationale of the subsequent “revision” in Denton….
DEFAULT JUDGMENT CAN BE OBTAINED WHEN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SERVICE IS SERVED LATE
NB THIS DECISION HAS SINCE BEEN OVERTURNED BY A CHANGE IN THE RULES, SEE THE POST HERE. A claimant can enter judgment in default of acknowledgement of service. What is the position if the acknowledgment of service is served late….
"TAKING THE STATEMENT OF TRUTH LIGHTLY": CONTEMPT OF COURT WHEN DOCUMENTS WERE "CREATED" LONG AFTER THE EVENT
In GB Holdings Ltd -v- Short [2015] EWHC 1378 (TCC) Mr Justice Coulson reviewed the authorities and principles relating to applications for contempt of court when it is alleged that a witness has forged documents in relation to the action….
PERMISSION TO CALL EXPERT WITNESS OVERTURNED ON APPEAL
I cannot recall the last time an appeal took place in relation to the question of permission to call an expert witness. The post yesterday discussed a case where permission to call an expert was upheld. Hot on its heels…
FAILURE TO COMPLETE PRE-TRIAL REVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE FULLY LEADS TO DEFENCE AND COUNTERCLAIM BEING STRUCK OUT
In Waterman Transport Ltd -v- Torchwood Properties Ltd [2015] EWHC 1446 (TCC) Mr Justice Akenhead entered judgment for a claimant and struck out a counterclaim after the defendant failed to file a completed pre-trial review questionnaire properly. THE CASE The…
CIVIL COMMITTAL PROCEEDINGS IN THE COUNTY COURT: THE RISK OF INJUSTICE RUNNING RIFE
Committal proceedings in the civil courts are a serious business. Respondents can, and often do, go to prison. The legal costs incurred by the applicant are often extremely high. However those responding have real and fundamental difficulties in obtaining representation….
WASTED COSTS HEARING: NOT JUSTIFIED BECAUSE OF LIKELY COSTS INVOLVED: CAVEAT LITIGATOR
In Kagalovsky -v- Balmore Invest Limited [2015] EWEHC 1337 (QB) Mr Justice Turner turned down a wasted costs application at the first stage. “A cigarette packet carries the warning that smoking can kill you. Solicitors’ standard terms of business should…
COURT OF APPEAL UPHOLDS ORDER STRIKING OUT CLAIM FOR FAILURE TO SERVE EXPERT REPORT: DON'T PARK THE LORRY WHEN THE TIDE IS AGAINST YOU
In Elliott -v- Stobart Group Ltd [2015] EWCA Civ 449 the Court of Appeal upheld a decision to strike out an application for damages because of a failure to serve a medical report. “In my judgment Judge Platts was correct…
"FUNDAMENTAL DISHONESTY" A ROUND UP OF CASES & COMMENTARY
The earlier post on the procedural aspects of “fundamental” dishonesty led to the most visitors to the blog in a weekend ever. Here we look at posts, articles, comments and cases in relation to the concept of fundamental dishonesty. REPORTED…
"FUNDAMENTAL DISHONESTY" AND STRIKING OUT IN PERSONAL INJURY CASES: TEN KEY PROCEDURAL POINTS
The rule as to “fundamental” dishonesty has attracted a lot of attraction (and a lot of heated debate). However there has been very little examination of the details of the Act and the consequent procedural implications. There are 10 key…
PERMISSION TO APPEAL NOT NEEDED FROM JUDGE AT FIRST INSTANCE (BUT YOU SHOULD STILL ASK).
In P -v- P [2-15] EWCA Civ 447 the Court of Appeal held that it is not mandatory for a party who wishes to appeal to seek permission from the judge at first instance. THE CASE The Court of Appeal…
APPLICATION TO SET ASIDE JUDGMENT MADE LATE IN THE DAY: APPEAL AGAINST REFUSAL TO SET JUDGMENT ASIDE ALLOWED
In Priestley -v- Dunbar [2015] EWHC 987 (Ch) H.H.Judge Behrens (sitting as a judge of the High Court) overturned an earlier decision refusing to set judgment aside on the grounds of delay. THE CASE The claimant had obtained default judgment…
AMENDING PLEADINGS LATE 1: WANI LLP -v- RBS: A MATTER OF INTEREST?
There have been a few cases recently relating to fairly last minute attempts to amend pleadings. The principles governing applications were considered by Mr Justice Henderson in Wani LLP -v- The Royal Bank of Scotland [2015] EWHC 1181 (Ch). It…
YET MORE ON BUNDLES : BREACH OF ORDER MADE ON "MITCHELL" GROUNDS UPHELD ON "DENTON" GROUNDS
The case of Patel -v- Mussa [2015] EWCA Civ 434 is, in essence, another sorry story about bundles. It is also an example of the Court of Appeal upholding a case management decision made by a judge who applied “Mitchell”…
ADJOURNMENTS ON THE GROUNDS OF ILL HEALTH: A DETAILED CONSIDERATION
In Decker -v- Hopcraft [2015] EWHC 1170(QB)Mr Justice Warby set out the principles to be considered when a litigant seeks an adjournment of a hearing on the grounds of ill health. The judge held that there were five main factors…
COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE CLIENT AFTER PROCTOR: A NEW TYPE OF LEGAL DRAFTING REQUIRING PARTICULAR SKILLS
In the Proctor -v- Raleys case the standard forms and letters written by the insurers came under close scrutiny at the trial and in the Court of Appeal. Professor Richard Moorhead provides an interesting angle on this issue in his…
AMENDED PLEADING FILED LATE: RELIEF FROM SANCTIONS REFUSED: THE NEED TO PLEAD THE CASE PROPERLY
In Cockell -v- Holton (No 2) [2015] EWHC 1117 (TCC) the defendant made a mistake in typing an e mail address so that an amended Defence and Counterclaim was served late. The application for relief from sanctions was refused. The…
JUDGES MUST "CONTEND WITH THE CHANGING FASHIONS OF APPELLATE COURTS": ANOTHER LATE WITNESS STATEMENT; ANOTHER CASE WHERE RELIEF FROM SANCTIONS REFUSED
“This is yet another appeal concerning the proper application of CPR 3.9 as to relief from sanctions.” The opening words of the judgment of Mr Justice Cranston in Fouda -v- The Mayor & Burgesses of the London Borough of Southwark…
ADVISING CLIENTS PROPERLY AND THE ECONOMICS OF PRACTICE: WHEN DRAWINGS ARE AT £9.9 MILLION
The earlier post on Procter -v- Raley’s solicitors contained a submission on behalf of the defendant that it was necessary “in modern conditions” for solicitors to “commoditise” their advice to clients. The Court of Appeal were doubtful on that point because there…
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