People can unjustifiably fail to perform contract promises {breach of contract}|. Failure can be entire or partial. Courts typically award compensation for damages to injured parties equal to contract value. Court orders to force contract performance are rare, when damages cannot adequately compensate, typically for unique land, antiques, or art works. Contract parts can be unenforceable.
After breach of promise, injured party can ask courts to require execution {performance}| of promised act.
Both parties can make an agreement {covenant not to sue} not to begin legal action.
Written or oral statements not in signing contracts cannot be evidence to interpret contracts {oral evidence rule}. The oral evidence rule does not apply if contracts involve fraud, duress, or illegal actions. It does not apply if statements clarify vague or ambiguous terms or show that contract does not include all terms.
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Date Modified: 2022.0225