Bisson (nee Ferbrache) v Bisson [1981] JLR 103 (13 July 1981)

Bisson (nee Ferbrache) v Bisson [1981] JLR 103 (13 July 1981)

A contract may be avoided ab initio if the vendor's fear, caused by the purchaser's physical violence, amounts to duress; mere payment of less than half the true value is not sufficient evidence of duress.

Citation
[1981] JLR 103
Parties
Applicant: Bisson (nee Ferbrache); Respondent: Bisson
Jurisdiction
Jersey
Judgment Date
13 July 1981
Procedural Posture
Civil / Judgment
Outcome
contract avoided ab initio
Legal Topics
Duress, Evidence, Contract Avoidance
Contract Law Duress Evidence Contract Avoidance

Case Brief

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Parties

Bisson (nee Ferbrache)

Applicant

Bisson

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether payment of less than half the true value of property is sufficient evidence of duress
  2. 2 Whether fear caused by purchaser's physical violence constitutes duress sufficient to avoid a contract ab initio

Ratio Decidendi

A contract may be avoided ab initio if the vendor's fear, caused by the purchaser's physical violence, amounts to duress; mere payment of less than half the true value is not sufficient evidence of duress.

Court Disposition

contract avoided ab initio