What is the ratio in Couturier v Hastie?

Where both parties contract on the fundamental assumption that the subject matter exists, the contract is void if that assumption is false and the goods have already perished.

What did the court decide in Couturier v Hastie?

The House of Lords held that the buyer was not liable to pay for corn that had already perished unknown to both parties at the time of contracting.

Why is Couturier v Hastie important for contract law?

It established the doctrine of common mistake and influenced modern legislation, showing when fundamental shared misconceptions can void contracts.

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