McCollum v. Sister Murray & Ors [2004] ScotCS 208 (20 August 2004)

McCollum v. Sister Murray & Ors [2004] ScotCS 208 (20 August 2004)

The pursuer's claim is barred by the long negative prescription as defined by statute. The plea of non valens agere cum effectu does not apply to personal injury actions absent a legal incapacity, and the pursuer's pleadings do not establish such incapacity. Human rights arguments do not override the operation of prescription in this context.

Citation
[2004] ScotCS 208
Parties
Pursuer: Elizabeth Mary McCollum or Abernethy; Defenders: Sister Bernard Mary Murray and Others
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Judgment Date
20 August 2004
Procedural Posture
Civil Action for Damages / Procedure Roll; Preliminary Determination on Prescription
Outcome
action dismissed; decree of absolvitor granted
Legal Topics
Prescription, Limitation, Non Valens Agere Cum Effectu, Human Rights, Solatium
Tort Personal Injury Civil Procedure Prescription Limitation Non Valens Agere Cum Effectu Human Rights Solatium

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Parties

Elizabeth Mary McCollum or Abernethy

Pursuer

Sister Bernard Mary Murray and Others

Defenders

Procedural Posture

Civil Action for Damages / Procedure Roll; Preliminary Determination on Prescription

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the pursuer's claim for personal injury and solatium is barred by the long negative prescription
  2. 2 Whether the plea of non valens agere cum effectu can prevent prescription in this context
  3. 3 Whether human rights arguments override prescription

Ratio Decidendi

The pursuer's claim is barred by the long negative prescription as defined by statute. The plea of non valens agere cum effectu does not apply to personal injury actions absent a legal incapacity, and the pursuer's pleadings do not establish such incapacity. Human rights arguments do not override the operation of prescription in this context.

Court Disposition

action dismissed; decree of absolvitor granted

Orders

  • Sustain defenders' pleas to prescription
  • Repel pursuer's sixth and ninth pleas-in-law