In Home Office v Dorset Yacht Co Ltd (1970), young offenders under the supervision of prison officers escaped and caused damage to a yacht. It was established that public authorities owe a duty of care when negligence in controlling individuals leads to foreseeable harm to private property.
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🏛️ Court: House of Lords 🗓️ Judgment Date: 6 May 1970 🗂️ Where Reported: [1970] A.C. 1004; [1970] 2 W.L.R. 1140; [1970] 2 All E.R. 294 📍 Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
Duty of Care of Public Authorities: The court established that public authorities, like the Home Office, owe a duty of care when supervising individuals under their control. If negligence leads to foreseeable harm, they can be held liable for damages caused by those individuals.
