Reviewed case brief

London and North Eastern Railway Co. v. Berriman

[1946] AC 278

## Summary

literal-rulerelaying-repairingmaintenancerailwaycompensation-denied
Court
House of Lords
Year
1946
Subjects
Interpretation of Statutes
Reviewed
2026-06-18

Rule established

Relaying or repairing" a railway line does not include routine maintenance (oiling). Literal Rule applied strictly to deny compensation for worker killed during maintenance work.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        [1946] AC 278; standard textbook authority

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