Transparency in official decision-making is the litmus test of a free democracy. The point was powerfully made by the case of a town clerk who became the first person to be successfully prosecuted under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The clerk bore responsibility for
Contracts often require payments for services to be made in advance in order to get the ball rolling and provide liquidity, but this gives rise to obvious risks. An instructive High Court ruling, however, showed how effective bank guarantees are in ensuring that such payments
Those who organise adrenaline-fuelled and potentially dangerous sporting events are under a duty to keep participants reasonably safe. However, as a High Court case showed, that does not extend to warning them against obvious risks. The case concerned an off-road motorcycling event which promised participants
Despite the drive towards achieving economic equality between the sexes, it remains common for women to give up their promising careers to support their husbands and devote themselves to child rearing and home-making. An important High Court ruling addressed the burning issue of how such
Managing or controlling an unlicensed house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a crime punishable by an unlimited fine. In a case which should make every residential landlord sit up and take notice, the High Court has ruled that such an offence involves no mental element
Delaying payment of your quarterly VAT bills is no way to relieve pressure on your cash flow and usually results in heavy financial penalties. However, as a First-tier Tribunal (FTT) ruling showed, there is such a thing as a reasonable excuse for late payment. A
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a very serious matter and employers should think long and hard before making such an allegation. In a case where that signally failed to happen, a wrongly accused executive succeeded in an unfair dismissal claim and was awarded more
Public share offerings are heavily regulated to guard against sharp practice and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) tends to come down like a ton of bricks on those who break the rules. In one case, a businessman who was knowingly concerned in misleading investors was
Finding love again following a failed marriage or the death of your spouse is a happy event but it can also have major legal implications. A High Court case illustrated the difficulties in respect of inheritance that can arise in so-called ‘blended’ families which include
Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to develop and the passage of time can present particular difficulties to victims seeking compensation. A High Court ruling showed, however, that specialist personal injury solicitors have all the skills and determination required to rise to the challenge. The case
