Archer v Williams

Archer v Williams

The defendant breached her contractual and equitable duty of confidence by disclosing confidential information to third parties and the press. The claimant is entitled to an injunction restraining future breaches, delivery up of confidential material including the working diaries, and general damages for distress caused by disclosure of confidential information.

Parties
Claimant: Lady Archer; Defendant: Jane Williams
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
03 July 2003
Procedural Posture
Civil / Final Judgment
Outcome
Judgment for the claimant
Legal Topics
Breach of Confidence, Injunctions, Damages, Privacy, Employment Termination
Employment Law Confidentiality Human Rights Breach of Confidence Injunctions Damages Privacy Employment Termination

Case Brief

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Parties

Lady Archer

Claimant

Jane Williams

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the defendant breached her duty of confidence to the claimant
  2. 2 Whether the claimant is entitled to an injunction restraining future breaches of confidence
  3. 3 Ownership of the working diaries

Ratio Decidendi

The defendant breached her contractual and equitable duty of confidence by disclosing confidential information to third parties and the press. The claimant is entitled to an injunction restraining future breaches, delivery up of confidential material including the working diaries, and general damages for distress caused by disclosure of confidential information.

Court Disposition

Judgment for the claimant

Orders

  • Defendant to deliver up working diaries and any other confidential material to claimant
  • Injunction granted restraining defendant from disclosing confidential information as specified