Forster v. Boss

The Forsters (plaintiffs) bought lakefront property from the Bosses (defendants), who falsely represented the Forsters could obtain a boat-dock permit (impossible since the Bosses already held the only available permit) and who separately failed to remove a swim dock as promised. A jury found for the Forsters on fraud and breach of contract, awarding compensatory and punitive damages plus an injunction requiring the Bosses to remove the swim dock; the Forsters also separately obtained the boat-dock permit itself as part of the remedy. The Bosses appealed, and Union Electric (the permitting authority, also a defendant) had stipulated it would grant the permit if the Forsters were found entitled to it under the purchase agreement.