Tag: Landmark Cases

R. v Dudley and Stephens R. v Dudley and Stephens, November 7, 1884; December 10; 1884 This was one of the most famous and gruesome cases in English law. Can necessity ever be recognised as a reason for killing someone? The defendants, Thomas Dudley and Edward Stephens, were shipwrecked 1600 miles from the Cape of…

Robinson v Kilvert Robinson v Kilvert, March 16, 1889 This case decided an essential point of law about what happens when, in an action for nuisance, it is clear that the claimant has only suffered because he or his goods are unusually sensitive. There is no nuisance if the claim has more to do with…

R v Tolson R v Tolson, May 13, 1889 General Overview An exemplary instance of an appeal court using the common law inventively to prevent a manifest injustice. Martha Tolson received word that her husband, who had deserted her, had been lost at sea during a voyage to America. Five years after she last saw…