Hardesty v. Smith

Citation

3 Ind. 39 (1851)

Facts

Stub — to be completed.

Issue

Stub — to be completed.

Holding

Stub — to be completed.

Rule

A promise to pay for an invention already made and delivered is unenforceable for lack of consideration; past consideration is not good consideration because it was not given in exchange for the promise.

Significance

Classic illustration of the past consideration rule; reinforces that consideration must be bargained for and given in exchange for the promise — acts already completed before the promise cannot supply consideration.

Courses