Defences to Rylands v Fletcher (OCR A-Level Law): Flashcards

Act of stranger, Act of God, Statutory authority, Consent/benefit

Escape by stranger D had no control over & not reasonably foreseeable

Defence succeeded - boys' actions uncontrollable & unforeseeable

D could prohibit smoking so had means to control 3rd party actions

Natural forces that couldn't be foreseen or prevented by humans

Act of God succeeded - rat + heavy rain were unforeseeable events

D's actions specifically authorised by Act of Parliament/statute

Defence succeeded - D under statutory duty to maintain high pressure

C benefits from accumulated thing, deemed to consent to risks

Defence succeeded - sprinkler system benefited both parties equally