Facts
The claimant paid a penny to enter a wharf to catch a ferry, changed his mind, and was not allowed out unless he paid another penny as the posted notice required.
Issue
Is it to insist on a reasonable condition before letting someone leave?
Held
There was no false imprisonment.
Principle
Where a person's liberty is subject to a reasonable condition he has accepted, restraining him until it is met is not false imprisonment.
Why it matters
Key authority on conditional exit.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Robinson v Balmain New Ferry Co Ltd [1910] AC 295 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/robinson-v-balmain-new-ferry> 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.