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High Court shouldn't have made award not sought in pleadings

Summary

In 2016 the Supreme Court allowed Blanchfield's appeal against a High Court award of €75,000 to Reynolds. The High Court had awarded the sum on a quantum meruit basis, but neither Blanchfield nor Reynolds had pleaded for such relief, and there was insufficient evidence to value the services. Reynolds had sought €200,000 for services related to a failed joint‑venture property development in France. The High Court judge, after a full hearing, found no express agreement for payment and, despite Blanchfield's objections, awarded €75,000. Blanchfield appealed, arguing that the trial judge had introduced a quantum meruit issue not pleaded by either side. The Supreme Court held that parties may not raise materially different claims than those pleaded, and reversed the High Court order. The case remains at the appellate level.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: High Court shouldn't have made award not sought in pleadings. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• October 2008 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 2008 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
• April 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-02-09 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

Read the original CNI report