Felthouse v Bindley (1862) established that silence cannot constitute acceptance in contract law. When an uncle assumed his nephew’s silence confirmed a sale, the court ruled otherwise, specifying clear communication for agreement, a necessity of mutual consent.
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🏛️ Court: Court of Common Pleas 🗓️ Judgment Date: 8 July 1862 🗂️ Where Reported: 142 E.R. 1037; (1862) 11 C.B. N.S. 869 📍 Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
⚖️ Legal Principles
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Silence as Acceptance: In contract law, silence does not constitute acceptance. In this case, Felthouse’s belief that "if I hear no more, I consider the horse mine" was insufficient. Acceptance must be communicated explicitly to bind parties in an agreement.