The Practical Lawyer

You contract to buy a new house in 1991. The contract says the seller will complete the work in an efficient and workman like manner, but it will not be responsible for any defect outside the scope of the NHBC certificate (nor for any loss or damage arising from such a defect). It then takes 13 years for it to become apparent that the chimney flues have not been built correctly. Do you have any remedy? 


Do you know the limitation period of a defamation claim? It seems that surprisingly few people do – in fact, it is one year (only).

A recent professional negligence claim illustrates the importance of reminding clients of key dates.

Internet service providers (ISPs) get some protection from defamation claims by s1 Defamation Act 1996. The intention was to give ISPs protection that was similar to the common law defence of ‘innocent dissemination’ given to newsagents and libraries who innocently publish defamatory material.

Most of the focus on ‘privacy’ has been on the litigation involving Max Mosley (and his sexual preferences). As everyone will know, Article 8, which guarantees the right to respect for private and family life, prevailed over Article 10, which protects the right to freedom of expression.