Taylor v Caldwell established the doctrine of frustration in English contract law when a music hall burned down before contracted performances could take place. The court held that where performance becomes impossible due to circumstances beyond either party's control, the contract is automatically discharged without fault.

Leading case on anticipatory breach establishing that a party may retract an anticipatory repudiation before the contract performance date if the other party has not accepted the repudiation. The case demonstrates the elective nature of treating anticipatory breach as ending the contract.

Negligent hospital escapes liability due to lack of causation

Directors must exercise reasonable care but may receive statutory relief for honest mistakes.

Loss of chance must be substantial to ground contractual damages claim

Duty of care extends to pure economic loss for defective flooring where special relationship exists

House of Lords clarifies causation test in medical negligence claims

Concurrent liability in contract and tort possible; Hedley Byrne extends to services.

No liability for damage to property already damaged by another tortfeasor.

Contracting parties can recover substantial damages for third party property damage

Mental distress damages require physical inconvenience and must be modest in amount.

Professional's disclaimer of liability for negligent advice held unreasonable under UCTA.

House of Lords establishes three-stage test for duty of care in negligence

Court distinguishes fiduciary duties from professional negligence in landmark ruling

House of Lords establishes liability for negligent misstatement in special relationships

Mitigation duty requires reasonable steps but not complex litigation against third parties.

Court establishes landmark test for recoverable damages in contract breach

Defendants liable if type of harm foreseeable, even if manner unforeseeable

Breach of condition goes to contract's root, justifying termination and damages.

Unforeseeable chemical reaction made explosion damages too remote despite negligence.

House of Lords revolutionizes trust law by requiring causation for breach claims

House of Lords establishes neighbour principle and modern negligence law

Occupiers liable for continuing third-party nuisances they know about.

Divisible injury: damages apportioned where only part of harm attributable to defendant's breach

Tortfeasor not liable for losses from unrelated supervening illness

Breach of warranty gives right to damages only; breach of condition justifies termination.