SRJ v Person(s) Unknown (Author And Commenters of Internet Blogs) [2014] EWHC 2293 (QB) (10 July 2014)

The identity of the Defendant was communicated to the solicitor in confidence for the purpose of obtaining legal advice and is protected by legal professional privilege; even if privilege did not apply, powerful reasons of confidence and settled practice preclude disclosure. The application for disclosure is refused.

Citation: [2014] EWHC 2293 (QB)
Parties: Claimant: SRJ; Defendant(s): Person(s) Unknown; Respondents: D & Co.
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 10 July 2014
Procedural Posture: Application for Disclosure Order / Judgment on Application
Outcome: Application dismissed
Legal Topics: Disclosure of Client Identity, Solicitor's Duty of Confidence, Legal Professional Privilege, Enforcement of Court Orders

Civil Procedure Confidentiality Legal Professional Privilege Disclosure of Client Identity Solicitor's Duty of Confidence Enforcement of Court Orders

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Parties

SRJ

Claimant

Person(s) Unknown

Defendant(s)

D & Co.

Respondents

Procedural Posture

Application for Disclosure Order / Judgment on Application

Legal Issues

1 Whether the court should order solicitors to disclose the identity of a client given in confidence for the purpose of legal advice
2 Whether the identity of a client is protected by legal professional privilege
3 Whether public interest and enforcement concerns override privilege/confidence

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Application dismissed