Tweddle v Atkinson (1861) established the principle of privity in contract law, ruling that only parties to a contract can sue to enforce it. Despite the promise of payment to a groom by his father-in-law, the court denied enforcement, ruling on the importance of consideration.
Privity of Contract: A third party cannot enforce a contract, even if the contract explicitly benefits them. In this case, William Tweddle, the groom, could not sue for the marriage portion promised by his father-in-law and father since he was not directly a party to the agreement.
