Tinn v Hoffman (1873) illustrates the principle that a valid acceptance of an offer must be clear and unambiguous. The case determined that if cross-offers are made simultaneously, no contract is formed, as neither party has accepted the other's offer.
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🏛️ Court: Queen’s Bench Division 🗓️ Judgment Date: 1 January 1873 🗂️ Where Reported: [1873] 1 WLUK 9; (1873) 29 L.T. 271 📍 Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
⚖️ Legal Principles
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Simultaneous Cross-Offers Do Not Form a Contract: In Tinn v Hoffman, the court held that simultaneous cross-offers do not constitute a contract because neither party has accepted the other's offer. A binding contract requires a clear offer followed by an unequivocal acceptance.