Breach of Confidence: Social Origins and Modern Developments

This concise yet detailed book explores the historical foundations and modern developments of the ancient doctrine of breach of confidence.

The authors show that despite its humble beginnings, stilted development and air of quaintness the doctrine has modern relevance and influence, its sense of 'trust and confidence' still resonating with the information society of today. Topical chapters include, 'Inventing an equitable doctrine', 'Privacy and publicity in early Victorian Britain', 'Searching for balance in the employment relationship', as well as many others.

Breach of Confidence will make insightful reading for all those interested in issues of privacy and information, and will appeal strongly to practicing lawyers and judges as well as academic researchers and postgraduate law students.