Bozic v Bozic

The Full Federal Court heard an appeal in *Bozic v Bozic*. The dispute concerned the interpretation and application of a deed of settlement entered into between the parties, which sought to resolve a long-standing family dispute. The primary issue on appeal was whether the deed, which contained a release of all claims, effectively extinguished the appellant's right to pursue certain claims against the respondent.

The court was required to determine whether the language of the release clause in the deed was sufficiently broad to encompass the claims that the appellant sought to advance. Specifically, the court had to consider whether the claims, which arose after the execution of the deed, were captured by the general wording of the release, or if the release was limited to claims existing at the time of its execution.

The Full Federal Court held that the release clause, by its plain language, extended to all claims, whether known or unknown, arising out of or in any way connected with the matters referred to in the deed. Their Honours applied the principle that clear and unambiguous language in a deed of settlement will be given its ordinary meaning, and that a general release will generally be effective to bar all claims within its scope, even those that arise subsequently, provided the language clearly indicates such an intention. The appeal was dismissed.