LAW

Published on
KembaraXtra-Case Law-Collins v Wilcock (1984)
Case Summary:
  • The defendant (D) refused to speak with the plaintiff (P), a policewoman. P took hold of D's arm to restrain her, and D scratched P's arm in response.
  • Held: D was not guilty of assaulting a police officer in the execution of their duty.
Key Principles (Per Goff LJ):
  1. Assault vs. Battery:
    • Assault: An act that causes another person to apprehend the infliction of immediate, unlawful force. (Focus on apprehension of contact).
    • Battery: The actual infliction of unlawful force on another person. (Any touching, however slight, can constitute battery).
  2. Consent as a Defence:
    • Consent is a valid defence to battery.
    • Many physical contacts in ordinary life are not actionable because they are impliedly consented to by those who participate in society and expose themselves to the risk of contact.
  3. "Everyday Jostling" Exception:
    • "Everyday jostling" (physical contact generally acceptable in daily life) falls within a general exception to battery.
Points for Discussion/Analysis:
  • Nature of Holding (2) - Consent: Is the statement about implied consent a legal finding (de jure) or simply an observation about how cases are typically prosecuted (de facto)? Is it both?
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