1999/8 - Snell v Beadle [1999] UR 8 (18 January 1999)

1999/8 - Snell v Beadle [1999] UR 8 (18 January 1999)

The principle of déception d’outre moitié in Jersey law allows rescission of a contract for sale of héritage where the price is less than half the juste prix, without the need to prove dol personnel. In this case, the evidence established that the agreed price (£100) was less than half the market value (in the thousands), entitling Mrs Beadle to annul the contract.

Citation
[1999] UR 8
Parties
Plaintiff/respondent: Anthony John Snell; Defendant/appellant: Margaret Beadle
Jurisdiction
Jersey
Judgment Date
18 January 1999
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Appeal From Royal Court Judgment
Outcome
Appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Déception D’outre Moitié, Rescission of Contract, Juste Prix, Dol Réel, Valuation of Property Rights
Contract Law Property Law Déception D’outre Moitié Rescission of Contract Juste Prix Dol Réel Valuation of Property Rights

Case Brief

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Parties

Anthony John Snell

Plaintiff/respondent

Margaret Beadle

Defendant/appellant

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Appeal From Royal Court Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What constitutes déception d’outre moitié under Jersey law and its effect
  2. 2 Whether the price agreed for the right of way was less than half the juste prix
  3. 3 Whether dol (fraud or trickery) is required for rescission under déception d’outre moitié

Ratio Decidendi

The principle of déception d’outre moitié in Jersey law allows rescission of a contract for sale of héritage where the price is less than half the juste prix, without the need to prove dol personnel. In this case, the evidence established that the agreed price (£100) was less than half the market value (in the thousands), entitling Mrs Beadle to annul the contract.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed

Orders

  • Contract for right of way annulled due to déception d’outre moitié
  • No order for specific performance or damages against Mrs Beadle