The Queen v. M. Sathasivam [1953] 55 NLR 255 Introduction The Sathasivam Murder Case, formally reported as The Queen v. M. Sathasivam [1953] 55 NLR 255, stands as one of the most significant and controversial criminal cases in Sri Lankan legal history. The Queen v. M. Sathasivam remains one of the most discussed criminal cases
How AI Pazz Helps You Master Legal Research (and Save Time) For most law students, legal research feels like a never-ending struggle. Many law students ask the same question: what are the best AI tools for Law Students, to make legal research easier? Finding recent and relevant Sri Lankan case law, reading long judgments, checking
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A Critical Analysis of Nawalage Manel Mahendra Dias & Another v. Premalatha & Others The Supreme Court’s judgment in Nawalage Manel Mahendra Dias & Another v. Premalatha & Others(SC Appeal No. 77/2019), delivered on 5 December 2025, stands out as a meticulously reasoned reaffirmation of several foundational principles of property law- particularly rei vindicatio, prescriptive title, and the
Reaffirming the Foundations of Rei Vindicatio and Prescription Read More »
Title: Punchihewage Sampath Kumara alias Bindu v Hon. Attorney GeneralCase number: S.C.APPEAL 16/2021Decided on: 05/12/2025Before: A.H.M.D. NAWAZ, J. ACHALA WENGAPPULI, J. ARJUNA OBEYESEKERE, J. Consent in rape cases – Either she consented or she did not, no middle ground In a landmark 2025 judgment, the Supreme Court firmly rejected the use of stereotypes and so-called
Determining consent in rape cases: Supreme Court Rejects ‘Rape Myths’ Read More »
Servitude and Prescription – The Supreme Court decision in W. Arthur Deepal Peiris and Others v. Ranil Perera (SC Appeal 37/2014) has reinforced critical principles of property law, particularly concerning servitudes and prescription, natural water flow rights. The case, which arose from a dispute over rainwater drainage, delves into foundational legal doctrines, including ius fluminis, servitudes by prescription,
An Analysis of SC Appeal No. 211/2012: Bigamy & Void Marriages. The Integrity of Matrimonial Law. Case Title: Udagepolage Gunasiri Seneviratne vs Pattiya Widanage Carmen PremalathaCourt : Supreme Court of Sri Lanka | SC APPEAL 211/2012Before: Priyasath Dep P.C., J., Priyantha Jayawardena P.C., J & Anil Gooneratne J. Introduction The decision of the Supreme Court of Sri
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Associated with the doctrines of law pertaining to estoppel and res judicata, is another doctrine referred to as ‘issue estoppel’. Spencer Bower and Handley on “Res Judicata” states that, “ a decision (a reference to the final judicial decision contained in a previous case) will create an issue estoppel, if it is determined as an issue in a cause of
Understanding Issue Estoppel in Evidence Law | Application – Criminal Law – Civil Law Read More »
This important Court of Appeal decision explores the legal parameters of actions for the definition of boundaries – actio finium regundorum – under Sri Lankan law, elucidating the rights of co-owners, the nature of proof required, and the limitations of such actions. It is frequently cited for its comprehensive synthesis of principle and its distinction
Child custody & guardianship in Sri Lanka is one of the most emotionally charged and legally complex aspects of family law. In Sri Lanka, the law around these issues has undergone a gradual transformation – moving away from rigid patriarchal traditions toward a more child-centered approach. But how does Sri Lanka’s system compare to other
Child Custody & Guardianship in Sri Lanka: Explore a comparative perspective Read More »
Title: Sri Lanka Telecom PLC v Right to Information Commission and C. J. WijayawardhanaCase number: CA/RTI/0002/2023Decided on: 2025-07-03Before: Dr. Sumudu Premachandra J.; R. Gurusinghe J. Introduction In another important decision strengthening Sri Lanka’s Right to Information regime, the Court of Appeal ruled that legal expenses incurred by public institutions cannot be hidden from public scrutiny
