Re Koeppler's Will Trusts
A trust to fund conferences for the exchange of views on political and other matters was charitable as being for education, because it did not promote any particular political view.
Facts
Sir Heinz Koeppler founded Wilton Park, a series of conferences at which politicians, academics, civil servants and others from different countries discussed political, economic and social issues, with the aim of promoting greater international understanding. He left part of his estate for the work of Wilton Park. The question was whether the gift was charitable, or whether it was political.
Legal principle
The Court of Appeal held that the gift was charitable, as being for the advancement of education. Slade LJ said that the conferences were genuinely educational, because they aimed to increase the understanding of participants, and they did not seek to promote any particular political view or party. The fact that the subjects discussed were political did not make the trust political in the sense that would prevent it from being charitable.
Related cases on charitable trusts
- Chichester Diocesan Fund and Board of Finance Inc v Simpson [1944] AC 341
- Re Compton [1945] Ch 123
- Dingle v Turner [1972] AC 601
- Re Finger's Will Trusts [1972] Ch 286
- Gilmour v Coats [1949] AC 426
- Re Harwood [1936] Ch 285
- Re Hetherington [1990] Ch 1
- Income Tax Special Purposes Commissioners v Pemsel [1891] AC 531
Studying equity and trusts? Our tutors help you understand and apply cases like this in essays, problem questions and exams. Request a quote or browse our law notes.
This summary is for study and revision and is not legal advice. Although our case summaries are checked for accuracy, we do not guarantee that they are free from errors or omissions. Always read the full judgment for the court's reasoning.
