Reviewed case brief

Hammersmith Railway Co. v. Brand

(1869) LR 4 HL 171

(1869) LR 4 HL 171 · House of Lords (UK)

statutory-authoritydefencesrailwayconditional-authority
Court
House of Lords (UK)
Year
1869
Subjects
Law of Torts
Reviewed
2026-08-02

Rule established

Statutory authorisation for a general activity does not provide blanket immunity for every aspect of how that activity is conducted, particularly regarding matters within the defendant's genuine discretion.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        (1869) LR 4 HL 171

        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.