Question

"The law of contract is intended to ensure that what a man has been led to expect shall come to pass, that what has been promised shall be performed". Whose statement is this?

• A. Lord Black
• B. Henderson
• C. Anson
• D. Salmond

Hint:

Different jurists have different perspectives on contract law. \textbf{Anson} focuses on fulfilling expectations. \textbf{Salmond} defines a contract as an agreement creating obligations. Knowing these key phrases can help identify the jurist in quote-based questions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question provides a jurisprudential statement about the fundamental purpose of the law of contract. This statement emphasizes the "expectation interest"—the idea that contract law's primary function is to fulfill the reasonable expectations created by a promise.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
This classic and widely quoted statement on the object of contract law is attributed to Sir William Anson, a renowned English jurist and author of the highly influential textbook, "Anson's Law of Contract." First published in 1879, this book has been a foundational text for law students for generations. Anson's perspective was that the law steps in to protect the expectation that a promise will be honored, thus ensuring predictability and trust in commercial and other dealings. The quote perfectly encapsulates this expectation-based view of contract law.
Step 3: Final Answer:
This statement is by Anson.