Contract Frustration

/ˈkɒntrækt frʌˈstreɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal doctrine excusing performance of a contract when an unforeseen event fundamentally changes the contract's nature or makes it impossible to perform.
    The court invoked contract frustration to excuse the party from liability due to the unexpected natural disaster.

Commentary

Contract frustration operates as a defense to contractual obligations but requires that the frustrating event be unforeseeable and beyond the control of the parties.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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