Summary
The Civil Liability (Contribution) Act 1978 allows a person liable for damage to recover a contribution from any other person liable for the same damage. It replaced the Law Reform (Married Women and Tortfeasors) Act 1935 provisions on contribution.
Key Points
- Any person liable for damage may recover contribution from any other person liable for the same damage (s.1)
- Amount of contribution is what the court finds just and equitable (s.2)
- Contribution may be 100% — complete indemnity
- Applies regardless of whether liability is in tort, contract, breach of trust, or otherwise
- Two-year limitation period for contribution claims from date of judgment or settlement