Kelner v Baxter (1866) clarified the liability of promoters in pre-incorporation contracts. The ruling held promoters personally accountable for contracts made on behalf of a non-existent company, deciding that such entities lack legal capacity until formally established.
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🏛️ Court: Court of Common Pleas 🗓️ Judgment Date: 14 November 1866 🗂️ Where Reported: (1866) L.R. 2 C.P. 174; [1866] 11 WLUK 81 📍 Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
⚖️ Legal Principles
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Promoter Liability: Promoters can be held personally liable for contracts made before a company's incorporation, as the company, not yet legally existent, cannot assume responsibility.