Daniels v Griffiths [1997] EWCA Civ 2836 (27th November, 1997)

Daniels v Griffiths [1997] EWCA Civ 2836 (27th November, 1997)

The claim should not be struck out at this stage as the facts are not sufficiently clear to justify such a course; there is an issue to be tried regarding the context and immunity of Defendant's statements, and the Plaintiff's assertion of purpose cannot be rejected as unfounded.

Citation
[1997] EWCA Civ 2836
Parties
Appellant/plaintiff: David Anthony Daniels; Respondent/defendant: Mrs. Griffiths
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Appeal From High Court (queen's Bench Division) to Court of Appeal
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Slander, Libel, Qualified Privilege, Absolute Privilege, Abuse of Process, Public Policy Immunity

Case Brief

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 12 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 1
Sign in to unlock

Parties

David Anthony Daniels

Appellant/plaintiff

Mrs. Griffiths

Respondent/defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Appeal From High Court (queen's Bench Division) to Court of Appeal

  1. 1 Whether the claim for slander/libel should be struck out as abuse of process
  2. 2 Whether statements made to police and parole board are immune from suit on grounds of public policy
  3. 3 Whether the claim is bound to fail

Ratio Decidendi

The claim should not be struck out at this stage as the facts are not sufficiently clear to justify such a course; there is an issue to be tried regarding the context and immunity of Defendant's statements, and the Plaintiff's assertion of purpose cannot be rejected as unfounded.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • amended statement of claim to be served within 21 days
  • costs awarded to appellant