Facts
Vibration and noise from an electricity company's works damaged a pub and disturbed its tenant.
Issue
When should damages be awarded instead of an ?
Held
Injunction granted.
Principle
Damages in lieu of an injunction may be given where the harm is small, can be valued in money, can be adequately compensated by a small payment, and an injunction would be oppressive.
Why it matters
Classic test. Applied more flexibly since Coventry v Lawrence.
Cited in these chapters
Topics
Cite this page
Shelfer v City of London Electric Lighting Co [1895] 1 Ch 287 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/shelfer-v-city-of-london-electric> 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.