What is the ratio in Cundy v Lindsay?

A contract is void ab initio where one party intends to deal with a specific person but is fundamentally mistaken about the other party's identity.

What did the court decide in Cundy v Lindsay?

The House of Lords held no contract existed between Lindsay and the fraudster, so the innocent third party purchaser acquired no title to the goods.

Why is Cundy v Lindsay important for contract law?

It established the distinction between void and voidable contracts for identity mistakes and remains key to understanding when third parties can acquire good title.

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