corporate law
McDonald's Corporation v Steel & Morris (1997)
This case, commonly known as the McLibel case, is the longest running libel case in English history and has even spawned a documentary. Helen Steel and David Morris distributed leaflets accusing fast food giant McDonald’s of mistreating their staff, animal cruelty, environmental harm and more. In 1990 the corporation brought libel charges against the pair. Steel and Morris were denied legal aid, policy for libel cases at the time, though they did get significant pro bono support, including from current prime minister Keir Starmer.
Mr Justice Rodger Bell presided over the case without a jury, ruling Steel and Morris had indeed libelled McDonald’s and ordered them to pay damages. The pair never paid, and McDonald’s never pursued the money.
In 2005 The European Court of Human Rights criticised the lack of legal aid offered to Steel and Morris in the original case, ruling the pair had been denied the right to a fair trial and freedom of expression. Now, the case is often used to discuss defamation, corporate law and access to justice.
Donoghue v Stevenson (1932)
Mr Justice Rodger Bell presided over the case without a jury, ruling Steel and Morris had indeed libelled McDonald’s and ordered them to pay damages. The pair never paid, and McDonald’s never pursued the money.
In 2005 The European Court of Human Rights criticised the lack of legal aid offered to Steel and Morris in the original case, ruling the pair had been denied the right to a fair trial and freedom of expression. Now, the case is often used to discuss defamation, corporate law and access to justice.
Donoghue v Stevenson (1932)