Substantial Performance
/ˌsʌbˈstænʃəl pərˈfɔːrməns/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal doctrine in contract law where a party has performed enough of its contractual obligations to warrant payment, despite minor breaches or deviations from the contract terms.
The court ruled that the contractor's work constituted substantial performance, entitling him to payment minus any damages for defects.
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Commentary
Substantial performance is often used to distinguish from material breach, allowing recovery under contracts where performance falls short but the essence of the contract is fulfilled.
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.