Reviewed case brief

Rookes v. Barnard

[1964] AC 1129

[1964] AC 1129 · House of Lords (UK)

exemplary-damagespunitive-damagesremedies
Court
House of Lords (UK)
Year
1964
Subjects
Law of Torts
Reviewed
2026-08-02

Rule established

Exemplary damages should be confined to specific categories: conduct calculated to profit the defendant beyond mere compensation, statutorily authorised awards, or oppressive, arbitrary, or unconstitutional conduct by government servants.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        [1964] AC 1129

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