Maynard v. Brown

• Decision Date: 01 July 1879
• Citation: 41 Mich. 298,2 N.W. 30
• Court: Michigan Supreme Court
• Parties: MATHEW H. MAYNARD v. JACOB BROWN.

2 N.W. 30

41 Mich. 298

MATHEW H. MAYNARD v. JACOB BROWN.

Supreme Court of Michigan

July 1, 1879

Contract in which there is no mutuality will not be specifically enforced.

Appeal from Marquette circuit court.

MARSTON, J.

Maynard filed his bill of exceptions to enforce payment of a mere money demand under a written agreement relating to lands, void, under the statute of frauds, because not signed by the party by whom the sale was to be made. Section 4694; Abel v. Munson, 18 Mich. 312; Cook v. Bell, Id. 393.

There are many reasons against, and none in favor of, granting the relief sought. The contract was void, and a reference to the circumstances which gave rise to it shows it to be destitute of all equities. The contract, even if valid, was so drawn that it was optional with the complainant to retain the property or convey it. If, within the period fixed, one year from the date thereof, the property had become much more valuable, it is quite evident defendant would not have been called upon to take it. The defendant had no voice in the matter, except to pay the agreed price and take the property, in case complainant considered it for his interests to so demand. There was not, therefore, that mutuality in this agreement which a court of equity considers so essential in a suit for specific performance. McMurtrie v. Bennette, Harr.Ch. 124; Hawley v. Sheldon, Harr.Ch. 420; Chambers v. Livermore, 15 Mich. 381.

The above is clearly sufficient to dispose of this case.

The decree below must be reversed, and the bill dismissed, with costs of both courts.