2025-08-14
Martin Geddes reports on a case brought by Northumbrian Water for non-payment of a water bill.
This case may go some way to illustrate the difference between the law of the sea, the law of the land, and the law of nature.
Many are familiar with the concept of the "legal fiction" based upon the birth certificate, but do not appreciate where the differentiation can be drawn. After all, it's meant to be obscure!
This case however shows one avenue by which the line can be drawn - the living man (or woman in this case) is not liable for the debts of the legal fiction unless he/she has consented to be so liable, for example by signing a form addressed to the legal fiction (or to the living man or woman him/herself?).
Whilst a positive sign and much appreciated, I wouldn't bet on utility companies being unable to find ways around this judgement (although it may be harder than they think!).
Time will tell.
