The liability of local authorities for escapes

Abstract

To some extent the style adopted in a legal exposition is determined by the object of the work and the nature of the subject matter. I have here attempted a critical restatement of the law relating to the liability of local authorities for escapes, as explained in the Introduction. Several of the leading cases discussed have been particularly troublesome, largely due to the number and complexity of the issues raised, and I have been obliged to devote much time to analysis of judgments not notable for accuracy, clarity or perception. For these reasons also, I have been driven to rely on more extracts from judgments and more detailed descriptions of facts than would otherwise have been necessary.

In discussing the theory of enterprise liability I have purloined the ideas of others and converted them to my own use, without acknowledgment. In this respect, I make no claim either to originality or to have accurately presented or interpreted the views of anyone. (…) [Extract from Preface]