There is a risk that well-meaning or light-hearted marketing or advertising campaigns may inadvertently stray into the realms of discrimination. A brewery fell into that trap when it marketed a cut-price beer only to those who identified as women in a satirical attempt to highlight
Professionally drafted restrictive covenants in employment contracts are a legitimate means of protecting businesses from unfair competition – but only insofar as they do not amount to an unreasonable restraint on an individual’s freedom to work. In an important test case, the Supreme Court considered
So-called squatters’ rights are a constant bone of contention because they can result in property being wrested from the ownership of those who have paper title to it. That was certainly so in an unusual case concerning a burial vault in which members of a
Discrimination in favour of one section of society over others can in some cases be justified as a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. In a guideline ruling, the Court of Appeal found that that exception applied to a social housing charity that preferred
Those intent on changing jobs can easily have their heads turned by glittering offers of remuneration and benefits made over lunch and a handshake. However, as one case strikingly showed, it is written terms of engagement that really matter, and taking expert advice is the
Many large country houses are equipped with stables and other leisure facilities, but if their use is more than merely domestic there could be potential tax consequences. Just that issue arose in a case concerning international-standard equestrian facilities built by a leading dressage rider in
The principle of sovereign immunity means that commercial dealings with foreign powers can be particularly hazardous. However, in a guideline decision, the High Court opened the way for a bank to seek enforcement of a $250 million debt against an African state and its government.
If you are facing court proceedings, burying your head in the sand is the worst option you can take and you should consult a lawyer straight away. In a case on point, a pair of businesspeople who failed to take that sensible step were stripped
Many long leaseholders mistakenly believe that they have much the same rights as freeholders and can do pretty much what they like with their properties. As one case strikingly showed, however, ignoring the terms of your lease can put both your home and your investment
Helping friends in financial trouble is one thing, but assisting them to defraud their creditors is quite another. In a case on point, a woman who came to the dishonest aid of a businessman facing bankruptcy was herself hit hard in the pocket. The woman
