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The Principle Of The Common Law Legal System

Decent Essays

“Omission” is a phrase that is only used correctly when there is a failure to commit an act, or do a minimal act to which a reasonable person may be expected to do. This essay will show that the exceptions added to the “checklist” of omissions should exist, and argue that having no liability for omissions is defensible.

Firstly, the core principle of the common law legal system involves the principle of legality, also known as the Rule of Law. Ensuring that no one is superior to law, and establishing that no person can be punished retroactively by the state; expressed by Lord Bingham “No one should be punished for any act which was not clearly and ascertainably punishable when the act was done”. This principle is set within the English legal system in order to assert fairness and justice. The exceptions are set in place in order to ensure this principle is upheld, by asserting a duty of care for certain situations.

One of these exceptions includes the duty of a parent to a child. Section 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, created a liability for parents who neglect their child which leads to harm or death. Gibbins and Proctor, is the leading legal authority on this exception, where Gibbins and his second wife (Proctor) had failed to feed Gibbin’s daughter. Although, Gibbins was the provider for the family, and gave money to his wife in order to feed her; Proctor hated his daughter and at trial this was seen as motive for not feeding her. Darling J declared

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