R V F Flashcards
What is the significance of the case Rylands v Fletcher?
It established liability for the escape of things brought onto land under certain conditions.
The case set a legal precedent for strict liability in tort law.
Who was the defendant in the case Rylands v Fletcher?
D, Rylands, a mill owner.
Rylands hired contractors to create a water reservoir for his mill.
What negligence did the contractors exhibit in Rylands v Fletcher?
They failed to block off disused mineshafts during excavations.
This negligence led to flooding of neighboring mines owned by C, Fletcher.
List the four key elements that must be established for liability in Rylands v Fletcher.
- A ‘thing’ is brought onto the land and accumulated
- The ‘thing’ is likely to cause mischief if it escapes
- The storage amounts to a non-natural use of the land
- The ‘thing’ escapes and causes foreseeable damage.
These elements outline the conditions under which strict liability applies.
What was the outcome of the case Rylands v Fletcher?
D was held liable for the flooding caused by the reservoir.
The case reinforced the principle of liability for harm caused by things brought onto one’s land.
What was the main issue in the case Hunter v Canary Wharf?
Interference with TV reception during the construction of Canary Wharf.
Residents in Docklands raised complaints regarding this interference.
What rule was established in Hunter v Canary Wharf regarding nuisance claims?
Only those with an interest in the land can bring an action in nuisance.
Loss of recreational facilities is not enough for a nuisance claim.
True or False: In Hunter v Canary Wharf, family members of landowners have the right to bring a nuisance claim.
False.
Only individuals with a legal interest in the land can bring such claims.
Fill in the blank: In Rylands v Fletcher, a ‘thing’ must be likely to cause _______ if it escapes.
mischief.
This condition is crucial for establishing liability.
What incident occurred in V Lyon’s case?
An inspector and workers were injured when a shell exploded in a munitions factory.
What does the term ‘escape’ mean in the context of R v F as explained by Viscount Simon?
An escape from a place where D has occupation or control over the land to a place outside his occupation or control.
What was the ruling in Giles v Walker regarding liability for weeds?
No liability where weeds spread onto neighbouring land as they were growing naturally.
What was the outcome of Ellison v MOD concerning rainwater accumulation?
Rainwater that accumulated naturally did not lead to liability when it escaped and caused flooding.
What incident led to liability in Hale v Jennings?
A ‘chair-o-plane’ car became detached and injured a stallholder.
What was the ruling in Bachelor v Tunbridge Wells regarding gas?
Gas is something that is likely to cause mischief.
