Legal eagles learn all about landmark case

Published date29 June 2022
Publication titleAirdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
The youngsters were among more than 50 schoolchildren involved in recreating Donoghue v Stevenson, more commonly known as the "snail in the bottle" case

The case itself in 1932 shaped modern consumer law as we know it today.

It all began when May Donoghue's friend bought her a ginger beer ice cream float at Paisley's Wellmeadow Cafe, located on the corner of Well Street and Lady Lane - just metres away from the now University of the West of Scotland's (UWS) Paisley campus, where the anniversary event was held.

Inside the bottle of ginger beer was the decomposing remains of a snail, something Mrs Donoghue was unaware of until the final drops of the fizzy drink were poured into her glass.

Although the lawsuit was eventually resolved out of court, the debate surrounding the case had a seismic impact, laying the groundwork for the modern law of negligence.

Susannah Paul, a lecturer in Law at UWS, said: "This is one of the best known, and most significant, cases in Scottish legal history, and its impact is felt right around the world.

"Given the milestone anniversary, it felt appropriate to hold this minitrial, and I'm delighted that we were able to do so with enthusiastic pupils and members of the legal profession, including the Sheriff Principal of Paisley Sheriff Court.

"I'd like to thank everyone...

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