This chapter discusses the law on performance and breach of contact. It covers the order of performance; excuses for non-performance; whether a party who does not perform perfectly can claim payment or performance from the other party; whether an innocent party who has paid in advance can recover his payment in the event of a failure of perfect performance; whether the innocent party can terminate the contract; the effect of a repudiation or a fundamental breach; the effect of discharging the contract for a bad reason, when a good reason also exists; contractual provisions for termination; stipulations as to time; and tender of performance.
Chapter
18. Performance and Breach
M P Furmston
Chapter
5. Performance – the basics
This chapter discusses the various performance aspects of mooting. It provides answers to the following questions: Why can't points outside the grounds of appeal be argued? Can there be any discussion with colleague during the moot? How can pronunciation of English words generally be improved upon? How can the pronunciation of English (and Welsh) names be improved upon? Do the facts of the moot problem need to be outlined to the moot judge? Is it ever possible to put an interpretation on the facts in order to favour a hypothetical client? Should the law be expressly applied to the facts of the moot problem? Is not being able to act a problem? How should the submission be introduced and concluded?
Chapter
10. Fundamental changes
Frustration and common mistake
This chapter examines the doctrines of frustration and common mistake that deal with situations where fundamental changes have occurred. Frustration and common mistake apply to situations where the parties find themselves in uncharted territory. The doctrines ask courts to determine the limits of a contract, the point where the contractual framework runs out and the contract no longer holds. This chapter first considers the impact of ‘unknown unknowns’ on the contract and the distinction between frustration and common mistake before discussing frustrating events and the consequences of frustration. It also describes three types of common mistake that render the contract void: mistakes as to the existence of the subject matter, mistakes as to the possibility of performance, and certain types of mistakes as to the quality of the subject matter. Finally, it looks at the legal consequences of common mistake and remedies for common mistake.
Book
John Snape and Gary Watt
How to Moot provides guidance and pointers towards all aspects of successful mooting. Topics covered include the nature and attraction of mooting, producing a persuasive presentation, performance, style, and judgements. The text is suitable for use by mooters at all levels: those just starting out will find all the basics set out, and there are advanced tips for the more experienced mooter. The text is divided into short chapters which include chapter summaries and diagrams. The text also includes example moot problems and a transcript of a moot. The approach adopted here is a Q&A one, which provides detailed answers to commonly asked questions.
Chapter
18. Performance and breach
This chapter covers the two contractual situations of performance and breach. First, it recognizes that most contracts are performed and completed, with the consequence that liability ceases and the obligations under the contract are discharged by performance. Some obligations may be classed as conditions precedent, or as conditions subsequent, and the order for performance may be provided for by contingent conditions. The relevance of the entire contracts rule is noted. Second, the chapter explores the injured party’s right to terminate for breach. The right to terminate for repudiatory breach and the right to terminate for anticipatory breach of contract, are both illustrated through the relevant case law which highlight the possible options available to an injured party and the consequences which may follow.
Chapter
18. Privity and third parties
Protecting the rights of non-parties
This chapter examines how English law, through a doctrine known as privity of contract, deals with the problem posed by contracts whose performance involves third parties. According to the doctrine of privity, a contract ordinarily only affects persons who are party to it. Third parties are neither bound by the contract nor entitled to claim rights under the contract. However, the courts and Parliament developed a number of exceptions to the strict rule of privity, each of which gives third parties a right to sue under the contract in a certain type of situation. For example, the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 gives third party beneficiaries a right to enforce contract terms. This chapter first considers the problem of third party rights in contracting before discussing the effects of privity and the provisions of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 in more detail.
Chapter
15. Breach of contract
Repudiation and the right to terminate
This chapter examines how English law defines breach of contract and what the immediate effect of breach is on the validity of the contract, along with the obligations of the parties under the contract. It first considers the core principles underlying the law’s approach to defining breach before explaining how the courts assess performance and the consequences of breach, with particular emphasis on cases involving repudiation. It then discusses three types or classes of contractual terms: conditions, warranties, and innominate terms. It also looks at how the law deals with situations of anticipatory breach and concludes with an analysis of the scope and limits of the right of a party to terminate the contract following a repudiatory breach by the other party.
Chapter
12. Additional Remedies
The Concentrate Questions and Answers series offers the best preparation for tackling exam questions. Each book includes typical questions, answer plans and suggested answers, author commentary, and other features. The standard common law remedy of damages will not always prove adequate for the victim of a breach of contract. Equity therefore developed a number of additional remedies, discretionary in nature, aimed at ensuring that a claimant was not unreasonably confined to an award of damages; in particular, specific performance and injunctions. The possibility of awarding restitutionary damages, in part to offset any unjust enrichment secured by a contract-breaker, is also considered.
