What makes a case reportable?
ICLR still uses the same four criteria to assess reportability that were first introduced in 1865.
They are called the Lindley criteria, named after the leading founder of ICLR, Nathaniel Lindley, who later went on to be the Master of the Rolls.
The four criteria are as follows, defining reportable cases as those that:
01.
Introduce, or appear to introduce, a new principle or a new rule
02.
Materially modify an existing principle or rule
03.
Settle, or materially tend to settle, a question upon which the law is doubtful
04.
Are peculiarly instructive for any reason
The citation of law reports is enshrined in law, Practice Direction (Citation of Authorities) [2001] 1 WLR 1001.
Law reports must be produced in a reasonable time and at an affordable price. This objective has remained the same for 160 years and will continue to drive ICLR into the future.
