Patterson v. Meyerhofer
Court of Appeals of New York
97 N.E. 472 (1912)
Relevant factsFree
Meyerhofer (defendant) agreed to buy four properties from Patterson (plaintiff), knowing Patterson planned to acquire them at an upcoming foreclosure sale, but then told Patterson she would not honor the deal and instead personally outbid him at the sale, buying all four properties for $620 less than the contract price; Patterson also claimed a separate oral agreement entitling him to a fifth house Meyerhofer bought. The trial court found no trust relationship barred Meyerhofer's bidding and no proof of the oral agreement, and the appellate division affirmed.
IssueFree
Whether a party who intentionally causes the other contracting party to be unable to perform may be held liable under the contract.