Pinnel's Case (1602) established that part payment of a debt cannot satisfy the whole. It reinforced the principle that a promise to accept less is unenforceable unless fresh consideration is provided.
This case law note has been reviewed by a law tutor
🏛️ Court: Court of Queen's Bench 🗓️ Judgment Date: 1 January 1601 🗂️ Where Reported: 77 E.R. 237; (1602) 5 Co. Rep. 117a 📍 Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
⚖️ Legal Principles
1️⃣
Part Payment Principle: Pinnel's Case established that part payment of a debt cannot discharge the entire obligation unless additional consideration is provided.