Landmark Cases on Contract Misrepresentation: An Analysis of Legal Precedents Shaping Contract Law Jurisprudence

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ABSTRACT

Landmark Cases on Contract Misrepresentation: An Analysis of Legal Precedents Shaping Contract Law Jurisprudence

Anthonia Chinyere Oloko*

Misrepresentation law is a critical part of contract law, influencing the validity and enforceability of contractual agreements. Landmark  court cases in the United Kingdom, the United States and Nigeria have established key legal precedents in this area, shedding light on misrepresentation’s complex and nuanced nature. Analysing these cases provides valuable insights into the legal principles and standards that govern misrepresentation, including its impact on contract formation, performance, and remedies. As the law evolves, it is crucial to consider the changing landscape of contractual relationships and the implications of misrepresentation for all parties involved. The paper’s analysis of landmark cases highlights the practical implications of these legal precedents in real-world scenarios, thereby providing valuable insights for both legal practitioners and scholars. Disclosure laws in real  estate transactions are critical in preventing misrepresentation and ensuring buyers have all the information they need to make informed decisions. Overall, the paper comprehensively examines the complex and ever-evolving landscape of misrepresentation law, emphasising the need for fairness, integrity, and secure contractual arrangements. By understanding the complexities of these laws, parties can protect themselves from potential legal issues.

Keywords: Misrepresentation, Contractual Arrangements, landmark cases, Blockchain Technology, Disclosure Laws.

INTRODUCTION
The realm of contract law is intricately woven with legal precedents that shape its foundations and guide its interpretation. Among these, cases dealing with contract misrepresentation stand as pivotal landmarks, illuminating the intricate interplay between truth, obligation, and remedy within contractual agreements. In this analysis, we journeyed through these landmark cases, unravelling the threads of jurisprudence that have shaped contract law’s landscape. By examining these legal precedents, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in misrepresentation and its profound impact on contract formation, performance, and enforcement.

Brief Overview of Misrepresentation’s Role in Contract Law.

A contract is an agreement which the law will enforce or recognise as affecting the legal rights and duties of the parties.₁ In contract law, misrepresentation stands as a cornerstone concept, wielding…

* LL.B, LL.M (University of Lagos), Doctoral Student at the University of Lagos. Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.

1. IE Sagay, Nigerian Law of Contract (Spectrum Books Ltd, 2nd edn 1993); AO Sanni, ‘An Introduction to Business Law in Nigeria’ (Malthouse Press Limited 2005) 14.

THE GRAVITAS REVIEW OF BUSINESS & PROPERTY LAW Vol.15 No.1