Stovin v Wise (1996) examines the scope of duty of care in negligence, addressing whether public bodies are liable for omissions. The case scrutinised a council's failure to remove a visibility obstruction, affirming that liability arises from statutory obligations or exceptional circumstances.
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🏛️ Court: House of Lords 🗓️ Judgment Date: 24 July 1996 🗂️ Where Reported: [1996] A.C. 923; [1996] 3 W.L.R. 388; [1996] 3 All E.R. 801 📍 Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
Duty of Care for Omissions: The case distinguishes between acts and omissions, stating that liability for inaction arises only when there's a specific duty to act. Public authorities aren’t generally liable for failing to exercise statutory powers unless exceptional conditions exist.
