Watson v Durham University

Watson v Durham University

There was a real prospect of success in Professor Watson’s claim for breach of contract due to unreasonable suspension, damages were not an adequate remedy, and the balance of convenience favoured granting an injunction. The judge below erred by not considering the claim on the correct legal basis despite poor...

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Appellant: Professor Robert Watson; Respondent: Durham University
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
24 October 2008
Procedural Posture
Civil / Appeal From Refusal of Injunction
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Suspension From Employment, Injunctions, Breach of Contract, Implied Term of Trust and Confidence
Employment Law Contract Law Suspension From Employment Injunctions Breach of Contract Implied Term of Trust and Confidence

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 4 Authorities cited 5 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Professor Robert Watson

Appellant

Durham University

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil / Appeal From Refusal of Injunction

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the suspension of Professor Watson was a breach of contract
  2. 2 Whether the court had jurisdiction to grant an injunction
  3. 3 Whether damages were an adequate remedy

Ratio Decidendi

There was a real prospect of success in Professor Watson’s claim for breach of contract due to unreasonable suspension, damages were not an adequate remedy, and the balance of convenience favoured granting an injunction. The judge below erred by not considering the claim on the correct legal basis despite poor presentation.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • permission to appeal granted
  • appeal allowed