Hearse v Staunton [2011] NSWCA 139

Hearse v Staunton [2011] NSWCA 139

There was no express or implied representation by Staunton & Thompson that they had Mrs Pallister's authority to bind her as a contracting party. The evidence did not establish the intention to create contractual relations with Mrs Pallister, and ordinary conveyancing practice in NSW requires formal exchange and signatures. No enforceable contract arose between appellants and Mrs Pallister, and no breach of warranty of authority was established.

Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
03 June 2011
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Judgment
Outcome
appeal dismissed with costs
Legal Topics
['vendor and Purchaser' 'conveyancing Practice' 'warranty of Authority' 'variation of Contracts']

Case Brief

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Procedural Posture

Appeal / Judgment

  1. 1 ["Did Staunton & Thompson represent that they had Mrs Pallister's authority to bind her as a purchaser?" 'Did Mrs Pallister thereby become a party to the contract?' 'Was there breach of warranty of authority by Staunton & Thompson?']

Ratio Decidendi

There was no express or implied representation by Staunton & Thompson that they had Mrs Pallister's authority to bind her as a contracting party. The evidence did not establish the intention to create contractual relations with Mrs Pallister, and ordinary conveyancing practice in NSW requires formal exchange and signatures. No enforceable contract arose between appellants and Mrs Pallister, and no breach of warranty of authority was established.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed with costs

Orders

  • ['Appeal dismissed.' "Appellants to pay the respondents' costs of the appeal."]