Reviewed case brief

Rex v Kylsant

[1932] 1 KB 442

The Court of Criminal Appeal upheld the conviction of Lord Kylsant for issuing a prospectus containing a statement that, while literally true, was misleading by reason of what it omitted. A half-truth that creates a false impression is treated as an untrue statement.

prospectusmisstatementhalf-truthmisleading-omissioncriminal-liability
Court
Court of Criminal Appeal
Year
1932
Subjects
Company Law
Reviewed
2026-06-30

Rule established

A half-truth that creates a false impression is as much an untrue statement as a direct lie; misleading omission in a prospectus amounts to misstatement

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        King's Bench Reports

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