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.
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🏛️ Court: Court of Queen's Bench 🗓️ Judgment Date: 7 June 1861 🗂️ Where Reported: 121 E.R. 762; (1861) 1 B. & S. 393; [1861] 6 WLUK 44 📍 Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
⚖️ Legal Principles
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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.