The National Case Law Archive provides summaries of landmark cases across English and Welsh, Scottish, and Northern Irish jurisdictions, reflecting the distinct legal systems within the United Kingdom, to support your studies and research. We also offer analysis, guides and definitions covering the seven foundations of law. Contact us for corrections and enquiries.
October 5, 2025
Wilsons & Clyde Co Ltd v English [1937] UKHL 2
October 5, 2025
Willers v Joyce (Re: Gubay deceased) [2016] UKSC 43
October 5, 2025
Wilkinson v Downton [1897] EWHC 1
October 5, 2025
Wildtree Hotels Ltd v Harrow LBC [2001] 2 AC 1
October 5, 2025
Whitehead v Searle [2008] EWCA Civ 1093
October 5, 2025
White v Withers LLP [2009] EWCA Civ 1122
October 5, 2025
White v Jones [1995] UKHL 5
October 5, 2025
Wheat v E Lacon & Co Ltd [1966] UKHL 1
October 5, 2025
Welsh Water v Barratt Homes Ltd [2013] EWCA Civ 233
October 5, 2025
Watt v Hertfordshire CC [1954] EWCA Civ 6
October 5, 2025
Ship charterers negligently spilled oil in Sydney Harbour. Welding sparks ignited cotton debris floating on the oil, causing a fire that damaged the claimant’s ships. The court found that although the risk of fire was slight, it was a real and foreseeable risk, making the charterers liable. Facts The appellants … Read more
Negligence, Nuisance, Reasonable foreseeability, Remoteness of Damage
October 5, 2025
Zurich Insurance plc v International Energy Group Ltd [2015] UKSC 33
National Case Law Archive
An employer's liability insurer, Zurich, paid a mesothelioma claim and sought contribution from a previous insurer, IEG. The employee's asbestos exposure spanned both policy periods. The Supreme Court held that liability should be apportioned between the insurers based on 'time on risk'. Facts An employee, Mr Carré, was negligently exposed … Read more
Contribution between insurers, Employer’s liability insurance, Long-tail disease, Mesothelioma, Time on risk apportionment
October 5, 2025
X (minors) v Bedfordshire CC [1995] UKHL 9
National Case Law Archive
In conjoined appeals, children who suffered parental abuse or educational neglect sued local authorities for damages. The House of Lords held that authorities did not owe a common law duty of care in exercising their statutory child protection and education functions, primarily for public policy reasons. Facts This case comprised … Read more
Duty of Care, Fair, Just and Reasonable, Public Authority Liability, Vicarious Liability
October 5, 2025
Wooldridge v Sumner [1962] EWCA Civ 3
National Case Law Archive
A photographer at a horse show was injured when a competitor's horse veered off course. The court held that participants in sports owe a duty to spectators, but will only be liable for conduct showing reckless disregard for their safety. Facts The plaintiff, Mr. Wooldridge, was a photographer attending a … Read more
Duty of Care, Negligence, Reckless Disregard, Sporting Events, Volenti Non Fit Injuria
October 5, 2025
Woodland v Essex CC [2013] UKSC 66
National Case Law Archive
A ten-year-old pupil suffered a severe brain injury during a swimming lesson arranged by her school but provided by independent contractors. The Supreme Court established the school owed the pupil a non-delegable duty to ensure her safety, making it potentially liable. Facts The claimant, Annie Woodland, was a 10-year-old pupil … Read more
Duty of Care, Independent contractor, Negligence, Non-delegable duty, School’s liability
October 5, 2025
Wainwright v Home Office [2003] UKHL 53
A mother and son, improperly strip-searched during a prison visit, suffered psychiatric injury. The House of Lords rejected their claim for invasion of privacy, stating no such general tort existed in English law, and clarified the tort of intentional infliction of harm. Facts In December 1996, Mrs Carol Wainwright and … Read more
October 5, 2025
W v Essex CC [2000] UKHL 17
Foster parents were assured they would not receive a known child abuser, but the council placed one who then sexually abused their own children. The parents suffered psychiatric injury and sued. The House of Lords held their claim was arguable. Facts The plaintiffs, Mr and Mrs W, were experienced foster … Read more
October 5, 2025
Vowles v Evans [2003] EWCA Civ 318
A rugby player was paralysed after a scrum collapsed. He sued the referee for allowing an inexperienced substitute into the front row. The court held that referees owe a duty of care to players to enforce safety rules, establishing referee liability for negligence. Facts The claimant, Mr Richard Vowles, was … Read more