Gillies & Ors v. Lynch & Ors [2004] ScotCS 224 (05 October 2004)

Gillies & Ors v. Lynch & Ors [2004] ScotCS 224 (05 October 2004)

The medical questions introduced by amendment are not so complex as to render the case unsuitable for jury trial; the issues can be adequately addressed by a jury with proper directions from the trial judge.

Citation
[2004] ScotCS 224
Parties
Pursuers: Duncan Gillies and Others; Defenders: David Herd Lynch and Others
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Judgment Date
05 October 2004
Procedural Posture
Damages Action Under Section 1 of the Damages (scotland) Act 1976 / Procedure Roll Hearing on Pleas in Law and Suitability for Jury Trial
Outcome
Defenders' pleas-in-law repelled; case allowed to proceed to jury trial.
Legal Topics
Damages for Grief and Sorrow, Jury Trial Suitability, Psychiatric Injury Causation

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Duncan Gillies and Others

Pursuers

David Herd Lynch and Others

Defenders

Procedural Posture

Damages Action Under Section 1 of the Damages (scotland) Act 1976 / Procedure Roll Hearing on Pleas in Law and Suitability for Jury Trial

  1. 1 Whether complexity of medical facts constitutes special cause to withhold case from jury trial
  2. 2 Whether pursuer's psychiatric history renders assessment of damages for grief and sorrow too complex for jury

Ratio Decidendi

The medical questions introduced by amendment are not so complex as to render the case unsuitable for jury trial; the issues can be adequately addressed by a jury with proper directions from the trial judge.

Court Disposition

Defenders' pleas-in-law repelled; case allowed to proceed to jury trial.

Orders

  • Repel defenders' first and second pleas-in-law
  • Allow issues for trial by jury