Murphy v Culhane [1977] QB 94

Plaintiff showed that Defendant had beaten and killed her husband by manslaughter (from Defendant’s guilty plea at trial), whereas Defendant said this came about from the husband’s and other’s joint criminal intent to assault Defendant, so that ex turpi causa non oritur actio and/or volenti non fit injuria applied.

Plaintiff had been given, at first instance, permission to proceed straight to damages without regard for the defences, but CA overturned this, saying that if Defendant’s husband had been killed by taking part in a criminal affray the defences of ex turpi causa non oritur actio and volenti non fit injuria may apply and the facts should be investigated.

Also contributory negligence may apply, so that the facts need investigation.