Thoughts on the Abrahart appeal judgment

Our briefing note sets out some initial thoughts on last week’s High Court ruling in the appeal brought by the University of Bristol, and the cross-appeal by Natasha Abrahart’s father as the administrator of her estate. 

The ruling mainly focuses on analysis of the Equality Act aspects to the sad circumstances.  In broad terms, the appeal ruling upheld the County Court decision that the University was liable under three different provisions in the Equality Act. 

For various reasons, the court considered it inappropriate to consider the appeal by Natasha’s father contending that the University owed a common law duty of care.