Public Law

Articles

Court ruling in oil spill case paves way for extended 'producer pays' principle

The ruling earlier this week that seaside towns affected by the Erika oil spill can claim compensation from the oil company that had chartered the tanker is the latest in a line of judgments placing increasing responsibility on producers as polluters.

Update: company and insolvency

Michael Twomey and Eamonn McNamara analyse the recent House of Lords' decision in McGrath v Riddell and how it will affect international insolvency rulings

Update: licensing

Roy Light reviews the latest practice and recent cases under the Licensing Act 2003

Life in crime

Beware unmeritorious appeals, says Lucy Corrin as she warns that poor legal advice will result in court orders that time served in custody will not count

Choosing the best

Do not treat your firm's website like a second-rate flyer, says Russell Conway

Untraced driver claims to rise after Court of Appeal strikes down MIB agreement

The Motor Insurance Bureau could face thousands of claims for compensation in cases involving untraced drivers after a Court of Appeal ruling that children victim of hit-and-run drivers should be able to bring late claims for compensation in the same way as personal injury claimants in cases involving uninsured drivers (Byrne v Motor Insurance Bureau [2008] EWCA Civ 574).

Clearer view emerges on the rights of light

A recent appeal court decision should lighten fears by developers that construction stands no chance if there are light obstruction issues, say Tim Foley and Simon Pulley

Pays to be reasonable

Simply agreeing to mediation is no guarantee of protection against costs. Parties must ensure they do not make unrealistic claims, says Tom Collins