When a breach of contract occurs, the injured party has several potential remedies available. However, any action must be brought within the limitation period. The primary remedies for breach of contract include damages, specific performance, and injunctions.
Damages
Damages are the most common judicial remedy for breach of contract. According to common law, the victim of a breach of contract is entitled to receive a sum of money as compensation for the harm suffered.
The Purpose of Damages in Contract Law:
Damages are intended to compensate the claimant by putting them in the position they would have been in if the contract had been performed as agreed. As explained in Robinson v Harman [1848], the purpose is to place the victim in the same position as if no contract breach had occurred.
Equitable Remedies
Equitable remedies come into play when monetary damages are inadequate to address the harm caused by a breach of contract. These remedies include specific performance and injunctions.
Situations where Equitable Remedies May Apply:
- The subject matter of the contract is unique.
- Damages are difficult to assess.
- The defendant is unable to pay damages.
- Damages to a party’s trade are at stake.
- The contract involves an error or misrepresentation.
- The written contract does not reflect the actual agreement.
Equitable remedies are discretionary and are used when traditional damages cannot adequately resolve the harm caused by the breach of contract.
Specific Performance
Specific performance is a remedy where the court orders the breaching party to fulfill their obligations as per the contract. This remedy is suitable in scenarios where the subject matter is unique, such as real estate or rare items.
Key Conditions for Granting Specific Performance:
- Not available if damages are an adequate remedy.
- Suitable if the contract subject matter is unique.
- Enforceable by the court.
- Not applicable for prolonged or complex oversight, particularly in personal service contracts.
- Must be sought promptly without undue delay.
- Should not cause undue hardship to the breaching party.
- The claimant must be ready to fulfill their own contractual obligations.
- Must ensure mutuality of the obligation.
- The claimant’s request must be equitable.
Injunctions
Injunctions can be either mandatory (requiring a party to take a specific action) or prohibitory (preventing a party from doing something). Injunctions are often used to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the main issue.
Types of Injunctions:
- Mandatory Injunctions: Order the party to perform a specific act, though they are rarely granted due to enforcement difficulties.
- Prohibitory Injunctions: Prevent a party from breaching a legal or equitable right.
Perpetual vs. Interim Injunctions:
- Perpetual Injunctions: Provide final relief and are granted when damages are inadequate.
- Interim Injunctions: Granted to prevent irreparable harm while the main issue is being resolved.
Common Scenarios for Injunctions in Contract Law:
- Enforcing a restraint on trade.
- Preventing a breach of confidence.
- Encouraging the performance of personal service contracts.
Understanding and navigating remedies for a breach of contract involves assessing the most suitable form of relief — whether it be monetary damages, specific performance, or injunctions — to address the harm caused by the breach effectively.