The Amazonia: CA 1991

The court rehearsed the doctrine that a common mistake as to the law would vitiate a contract, Though the rule was well established, the particular contract was void on the basis of a mistake as to foreign law because foreign law is to be treated by the English courts as a question of fact.

Judges:

Dillon LJ

Citations:

[1991] Lloyd’s Rep 236

Jurisdiction:

England and Wales

Citing:

CitedAndre and Cie v Michel Blanc CA 1979
The court criticised the doctrine that a mistake as to the law, common to the parties, does not vitiate a contract. . .
CitedLowry v Boirdeau 1780
‘ignorantia juris non excusat’ – ignorance of the law is no excuse. . .
CitedBilbie v Lumley and Others 28-Jun-1802
Contract Not Set Aside for Mistake as to Law
An underwriter paid a claim under a policy which he was entitled in law to repudiate for non-disclosure. Although he knew the relevant facts, he was not aware of their legal significance. He claimed back the money he had paid.
Held: A contract . .

Cited by:

CitedBrennan v Bolt Burdon and Others, London Borough of Islington, Leigh Day and Co CA 29-Jul-2004
The claimant sought damages for injury alleged to have been suffered as tenant of a house after being subjected to carbon monoxide poisoning, and also from her former solicitors for their delay in her claim. The effective question was whether the . .
Lists of cited by and citing cases may be incomplete.

Contract

Updated: 20 April 2022; Ref: scu.214226