Oxford University v Webb [2006] EWHC 2490 (QB) (13 October 2006)

Oxford University v Webb [2006] EWHC 2490 (QB) (13 October 2006)

The ALF, ALF Supporters Group, Arkangel, and the press office constitute a sufficiently coherent unincorporated association with a core group united in aims and methods, justifying representative proceedings under CPR 19.6. Robin Webb, as press officer, is an appropriate representative defendant. The ALF can be sued via a representative and is subject to injunctive relief. The application to strike out the claim against Robin Webb as representative is refused.

Citation
[2006] EWHC 2490
Parties
Claimant: Oxford University; Defendant: Mr Robin Webb (10th Defendant)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
13 October 2006
Procedural Posture
Civil / Interlocutory Application to Strike Out Claim and Determine Representative Status Under CPR 19.6
Outcome
Application to strike out refused; ALF remains as defendant via representative; Robin Webb remains as representative defendant; injunction continues.
Legal Topics
Representative Actions, Unincorporated Associations, Interim Injunctions, Animal Rights Protests, Liability for Unlawful Acts
Civil Procedure Injunctions Tort Representative Actions Unincorporated Associations Interim Injunctions Animal Rights Protests Liability for Unlawful Acts

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Parties

Oxford University

Claimant

Mr Robin Webb (10th Defendant)

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Interlocutory Application to Strike Out Claim and Determine Representative Status Under CPR 19.6

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) can be sued as an unincorporated association via a representative defendant under CPR 19.6
  2. 2 Whether Robin Webb should continue as a defendant in a representative or personal capacity
  3. 3 Whether the ALF can be a party to proceedings other than through CPR 19.6

Ratio Decidendi

The ALF, ALF Supporters Group, Arkangel, and the press office constitute a sufficiently coherent unincorporated association with a core group united in aims and methods, justifying representative proceedings under CPR 19.6. Robin Webb, as press officer, is an appropriate representative defendant. The ALF can be sued via a representative and is subject to injunctive relief. The application to strike out the claim against Robin Webb as representative is refused.

Court Disposition

Application to strike out refused; ALF remains as defendant via representative; Robin Webb remains as representative defendant; injunction continues.

Orders

  • ALF to remain a defendant to the action via representative proceedings under CPR 19.6
  • Robin Webb to continue as a defendant in a representative capacity