So-called urban explorers risk their lives for the thrill of scaling tall buildings, but they are also trespassers who expose landowners to substantial liability risks. In a case on point, five teenagers who climbed a skyscraper which was under construction narrowly avoided being jailed for
Fabled diamonds company De Beers sells rough diamonds into the jewellery trade at so called ‘sights’ that were once held 10 times annually in London. However, in a guideline case of interest to anyone engaged in commerce, the Court of Appeal has ruled that its
Farmers tend to resist residential developments close to their land due to concerns that new residents may complain about the noise or smells that agriculture inevitably generates. However, in a High Court case on point, a farmer failed to block plans for a residential barn
Architects, surveyors and other property professionals often refer to the ‘elevations’ of buildings – but what exactly does the word mean? In a guideline ruling, the Upper Tribunal (UT) has resolved that question in the context of a landlord and tenant dispute. The case concerned
The High Court has ruled in a guideline case that a group of food and drink delivery drivers who can substitute others to perform their roles are not ‘workers’. The decision spelt defeat for a trade union which had sought recognition in order to represent
What happens to the property of a company that is dissolved and then subsequently restored to the register? In providing an authoritative answer to that question, the High Court delved into arcane and complex doctrines of medieval property law. A company which owned the freehold
There are few thornier subjects than inheritance and failing to sign a professionally drafted will can leave those who live on after you with a burning sense of grievance. In an extreme example, a couple were jailed after resorting to fraud in a bid to
Money, once parted with, can be very hard to recover and sensible people seek legal advice before handing over cash even to their loved ones. The point was powerfully made by a case in which a woman lent six-figure sums to a boyfriend who turned
When it comes to major infrastructure projects, a difficult balance frequently has to be struck between economic benefits and environmental protection. A High Court case on point concerned proposals to build a dual carriageway across parkland in order to improve traffic flow to an expanding
The annual Christmas party gives employers the opportunity to thank members of staff for their contribution over the past year and is a chance for everyone to relax and enjoy the holiday season. However, it is easy to forget that an employer owes its employees
