Graham v Hall & 1 Or [2006] NSWCA 208

Reported Decision : 67 NSWLR 135 (2006) Aust Torts Reports 81-857

New South Wales Court of Appeal

CITATION: Graham v Hall & 1 Or [2006] NSWCA 208

HEARING DATE(S): 02/08/06

JUDGMENT DATE: 13 September 2006

JUDGMENT OF: Giles JA at 1; Ipp JA at 2; McColl JA at 117

DECISION: (1) Appeal by Mr Graham is dismissed. (2) Mr Graham to pay Mr Gelin's costs of the appeal. (3) Both cross-appeals are dismissed with no order as to costs.

CATCHWORDS: NEGLIGENCE - respondent was a joint owner of a home - respondent's signature forged on a registered mortgage - liability of witness who attested the forged signature - witness was a justice of the peace - whether witness owed a duty of care to the respondent - Hill v Van Erp (1997) 188 CLR 159 applied - whether duty of care was breached - causation under s 5D of the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) - whether witness immune from action under s 135 of the Justices Act 1902 (NSW) - whether attesting the forged signature was an act done "maliciously and without reasonable and probable cause" within the meaning of s 135 - apportionment of liability. D

Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW), s 5D Justices Act 1902 (NSW), s 135 LEGISLATION CITED: Justices of the Peace Act 2002 (NSW), s 8 Legal Profession Act 1987 (NSW) Oaths Act 1900 (NSW), ss 18, 26(1) Real Property Act 1900 (NSW), ss 36(1D), 42(1)

Grgic v Australian and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (1994) 33 NSWLR 202 Hawkins v Clayton (1988) 164 CLR 539 Hill v Van Erp (1997) 188 CLR 159 Jones v Dunkel (1959) 101 CLR 298 Manly Council v Byrne & Anor [2004] NSWCA 123 Modbury Triangle Shopping Centre Pty Limited v Anzil (2000) 205 CLR 254 CASES CITED: Perre v Apand Pty Limited (1999) 198 CLR 180 Port Stephens Shire Council v Tellamist Pty Limited [2004] NSWCA 353 San Sebastian Pty Limited v The Minister (1986) 162 CLR 341 Spautz v Butterworth (1996) 41 NSWLR 1 Sullivan v Moody (2001) 207 CLR 562 Westpac Banking Corporation v Samson (1994) 6 BPR 13,790 Wickham v Marquis of Bath (1865) LR 1 Eq 17