Banks, lenders & the doctrine of purview

• The doctrine of purview, a nuanced legal principle in the law of guarantees, plays a critical role in enforcement attempts against debtors, particularly guarantors, under a mortgage.
• This article examines key decisions by the English courts, the doctrine’s limits, and its practical implications for lenders.
• It explores the doctrine’s potential as a line of defence in summary judgment applications and bankruptcy proceedings, and offers strategies for lenders to mitigate risks.

There is a legal principle known as the ‘doctrine of the purview’ in the law of guarantees, and it can have an effect on enforcement attempts against debtors (principally any guarantors) under a mortgage. Therefore, for banks and other lenders, and their advisors, it is a doctrine that they should at least be aware of—and in certain circumstances should consider carefully.

While there are several key decisions by the English courts in which the doctrine has