header-logo header-logo

21 June 2012 / Andrew Otchie
Issue: 7519 / Categories: Features , Constitutional law , Commercial
printer mail-detail

State of play

Andrew Otchie discusses the technicalities & legal aspects of enforcing a judgment from a Commonwealth jurisdiction

The conclusion of the Second World War brought about the beginning of the end for the Empire of Great Britain, with India declaring independence in 1947, followed by the Gold Coast, which was the first African country to do so, then becoming known thereafter as Ghana, in 1957. Thus, with the number of countries which then followed suit, a political community was born in 1952, being known as the British Commonwealth, and referring to the 54 states, almost a third of the world’s population, which wished to continue their common traditions and shared cultural heritage. Significantly, the legal systems that had been implemented and adhered to throughout the Empire, were firmly based on English law, and now at the 60th anniversary year of the formation of the Commonwealth, largely continue to be so. 


Enforcing a judgment from a Commonwealth jurisdiction 

The historical context is relevant because, at the time the Administration of Justice Act was passed
If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Osbornes Law—Alex McMahon, Andrew Middlehurst & Harriet McMorrin

Osbornes Law—Alex McMahon, Andrew Middlehurst & Harriet McMorrin

Homegrown hat-trick: Osbornes Law promotes three former trainees to partner

mfg Solicitors—Sarah Bradford

mfg Solicitors—Sarah Bradford

Partner arrival boosts law firm’s growing real estate team

Freeths—David Smith

Freeths—David Smith

Freeths secures major tax hire with appointment of David Smith

NEWS
The Court of Appeal's decision in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has lifted months of uncertainty for Chartered Legal Executives while prompting a rethink of regulation and supervision
The assisted dying debate returns to Westminster as Lauren Edwards MP reintroduces legislation that stalled in the House of Lords last session despite clearing the Commons
A little-noticed provision of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 has fundamentally expanded corporate criminal liability
Artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice, but careless reliance on it is creating growing professional risks
The law offers cohabiting couples surprisingly greater protection after one partner dies than when they separate during life
back-to-top-scroll