Scheibner v National Bank

In *Scheibner v National Bank*, the High Court of Australia considered a dispute between the appellant, Scheibner, and the respondent, National Bank. The core of the disagreement concerned the Bank's alleged breach of its duty of care to Scheibner in relation to certain financial advice and transactions.

The High Court was required to determine whether the Bank owed Scheibner a duty of care in the circumstances, and if so, whether that duty had been breached. A further issue was the extent to which any such breach caused loss to Scheibner, and whether there were any defences available to the Bank.

The Court analysed the nature of the relationship between the parties, particularly the extent of the Bank's involvement in Scheibner's financial affairs and the reliance Scheibner placed on the Bank's advice. Applying established principles of negligence, the Court considered whether the Bank's conduct fell below the standard of care expected of a reasonable financial institution in similar circumstances. The Court also examined the principles of causation and contributory negligence in the context of financial advice.