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The scales of justice on a plain background

Meering v Grahame-White Aviation Co Ltd

1919

Posted By lanbuk.com

Please note: Decided in 1919.

Facts

The claimant, suspected of theft, was asked to wait in a room while works police stood outside without his knowledge.

Issue

Must a person know he is confined for ?

Held

He was falsely imprisoned even though he did not know of the restraint.

Principle

Knowledge of the restraint is not required; it goes only to damages (Atkin LJ).

Why it matters

The modern rule on awareness in false imprisonment.

Cited in these chapters

Cite this page

Meering v Grahame-White Aviation Co Ltd (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/meering-v-grahame-white-aviation> accessed 31 October 2026

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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.