THERE is one sure way to halt the modern obsession of suing for silly little things that in the not-so-distant past would have been considered just a bit of bad luck.
Some 50 odd years ago, marriage meant commitment, not just an excuse for a good knees-up, and couples went through a period beforehand known as an engagement.
During the engagement, if the chap got cold feet and dumped his fiancee, then she often sued him for breach of promise and won substantial damages if she succeeded.
When these cases started to escalate in number, judges became rather circumspect and wise, and started awarding damages of one farthing; this soon stopped the fashion of suing.
This should be tried again. The coinage would have to be one penny, of course, as farthings don't exist any more.
Bernard Lyne, Usher Park Road, Haxby, York.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article