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United Kingdom Leading Case rylands v fletcher

Rylands v Fletcher

(1868) LR 3 HL 330
JurisdictionUnited Kingdom
CourtHouse of Lords
Year1868
StatusBinding authority

Summary

A person who brings onto land something likely to do mischief if it escapes must keep it at their peril and is strictly liable for damage caused by its escape.

Key Principle

strict liability; escape of dangerous thing from land; non-natural use; independent cause of action

Area of Law

tort

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