This week: Affidavit formalities; ancillary relief conduct; waiting place for witnesses; bankruptcy for unliquidated claims; small claim expenses.
AFFIDAVITS: SOURCE OF INFORMATION AND BELIEF
In In re J L Young Manufacturing Company Limited [1900] 2 Ch 753, the Court of Appeal held that an affidavit of evidence given on information and belief without indicating the source, was inadmissible as evidence whether on an interlocutory or final application. CPR 32PD4.2 (2) still requires an affidavit to indicate the source of any matters of information and belief and 18.2(2) provides the same in relation to witness statements. Is Re J L Young still good law or has something in the CPR or the civil evidence legislation eroded its effect?
We regard Re J L Young as still good law although more honoured in the breach than the observance. The requirement has been carried through into CPR PD32 and in respect of both affidavits and witness statements. An objection to an affidavit on the ground that there has been non-compliance with this requirement is a perfectly proper one.
