Britton v. Turner
New Hampshire Supreme Court of Judicature
6 N.H. 481 (1834)
- Written by Christine Hilgeman, JD
Facts
Britton (plaintiff) agreed to work for Turner (defendant) for one year for the sum of $120. After nine and a half months, Britton stopped working for Turner, without Turner’s consent. Upon Turner’s refusal to pay for the work completed, Britton sued Turner alleging, among other things, a claim for quantum meruit. On this basis, Britton claimed that he was entitled to $100 for the labor he had performed. At trial, Turner proved that Britton had agreed to work for one year and voluntarily failed to do so, but Turner presented no evidence of damages he incurred as a result of Britton’s breach. The trial court instructed the jury that Britton was entitled to recover under quantum meruit for the value of the labor that he performed, and the jury awarded Britton $95. Turner appealed the trial court’s instructions to the jury.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Parker, J.)
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