Butler v Simmonds Crowley & Galvin

[1999] QCA 475

Queensland Court of Appeal

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Interrogate

Catchwords

1. Torts
2. › Malicious Prosecution
3. › Elements of cause of action
4. › Whether tort extends to civil proceedings
5. › Requirement that proceedings terminate in plaintiff's favour
1. Torts
2. › Abuse of Process
3. › Collateral abuse of process
4. › Elements of cause of action
5. › Whether overt act in prosecution of process is essential element
6. › Whether improper motive alone sufficient
7. › Williams v Spautz (1992) 174 CLR 509 considered
1. Practice and Procedure
2. › Striking out
3. › Statement of claim
4. › Failure to disclose cause of action
5. › Whether statement of claim capable of amendment to sustain claim

Quick Take

In Queensland, an overt act in the prosecution of the process (such as a demand, threat, or act of coercion) is a necessary element of the tort of collateral abuse of process; proof of a predominant improper purpose alone is insufficient. The tort of malicious prosecution does not extend to civil proceedings.