Cases

What is the "Case Name & Citation" in a case brief?

The title of the case (usually “Claimant v Defendant”) and where/when it was reported.

Why does "Case Name & Citation" matter?

It serves as the reference for citing in essays or exams.

What are the "Facts" in a case brief?

A summary of what happened — who did what

Why do the "Facts" matter?

They give enough context to understand the dispute but should focus only on what relates to the legal issue.

What is the "Issue" in a case brief?

The legal question the court had to answer

Why does the "Issue" matter?

It is the core of the case and shows why the case is relevant.

What is the "Decision (Holding)" in a case brief?

The court’s answer to the issue — the ruling or outcome.

Why does the "Decision (Holding)" matter?

It shows the outcome that lawyers and students later cite.

What is "Reasoning (Ratio decidendi)" in a case brief?

The reasoning and legal principle judges used to reach their decision.

Why does "Reasoning (Ratio decidendi)" matter?

It is the precedent (teaching point) that future courts follow.

What is the "Rule of Law" in a case brief?

The legal principle established by the case

Why does the "Rule of Law" matter?

It is the key takeaway to apply to other problems in exams or essays.

What are "Notes/Comments" in a case brief?

Your own reflections

Why do "Notes/Comments" matter?

They help you actively process the case instead of copying passively.

What is the difference between Facts

Issue

What were the facts of Smith v Hughes?

Farmer Smith sold new oats to Hughes

What was the issue in Smith v Hughes?

Could Hughes escape the contract because he mistakenly thought he was buying old oats

What did the court decide in Smith v Hughes?

A binding contract existed; Hughes was bound even though he made a mistake.

What was the reasoning in Smith v Hughes?

The objective test of agreement: a reasonable person would see the contract was for new oats matching the sample.

What rule of law was established in Smith v Hughes?

A unilateral mistake does not void a contract if the agreement is clear by objective standards and there is no misrepresentation.

Why is Smith v Hughes significant?

It established objective agreement in contracts and illustrates caveat emptor (buyer beware).

What were the facts of Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co?

Company advertised £100 reward for anyone who got influenza after using their product; Carlill used it correctly but still got influenza and claimed.

What was the issue in Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co?

Was the advertisement a binding offer

What did the court decide in Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co?

The advertisement was a valid offer; Carlill accepted by performance; consideration existed.

What rule of law was established in Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co?

Advertisements can be unilateral offers if definite; acceptance can be by performance; consideration exists if there is detriment or expense.

Why is Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co significant?

It recognised unilateral contracts and showed that advertisements can create binding obligations.

What were the facts of Fisher v Bell?

A shopkeeper displayed a flick knife in his shop window with a price tag; prosecuted under the Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959.

What was the issue in Fisher v Bell?

Does displaying goods with a price tag amount to an “offer for sale” under the Act?

What did the court decide in Fisher v Bell?

The display was only an invitation to treat

What rule of law was established in Fisher v Bell?

Shop window displays are invitations to treat

Why is Fisher v Bell significant?

It reinforced invitation to treat

What were the facts of Pharmaceutical Society v Boots?

Boots used self-service; poisons regulated under the Act were available on shelves; pharmacists supervised at the till

What was the issue in Pharmaceutical Society v Boots?

Was the sale concluded at the shelf or at the till (before/after pharmacist supervision)?

What did the court decide in Pharmaceutical Society v Boots?

Goods on shelves are an invitation to treat; the offer occurs at the till

What rule of law was established in Pharmaceutical Society v Boots?

In self-service shops

Why is Pharmaceutical Society v Boots significant?

It confirmed the principle of invitation to treat and adapted it to self-service stores; still relevant for modern retail/online shopping.