Reviewed case brief

Smith v. Baker

[1891] AC 325

[1891] AC 325 · House of Lords (UK)

volenti-non-fit-injuriascienti-non-fit-injuriaemploymentdefences
Court
House of Lords (UK)
Year
1891
Subjects
Law of Torts
Reviewed
2026-08-02

Rule established

Mere continued work with knowledge of a risk, absent genuine free choice to accept it given economic necessity, does not establish volenti non fit injuria. Scienti (knowledge) is not volenti (consent).

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        [1891] AC 325

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