Williams v Bayley explained

Williams v Bayley
Court:House of Lords
Full Name:Henry Williams and Others v James Bayley
Citations:(1866) LR 1 HL 20
Keywords:Undue influence

Williams v Bayley (1866) LR 1 HL 200 is an English contract law case relating to undue influence.[1]

Facts

Mr Bayley’s son forged his father’s signature on promissory notes and gave them to Mr Williams. Mr Williams threatened Mr Bayley that he would bring criminal prosecution against his son unless he granted an equitable mortgage to get back the notes.

Judgment

House of Lords upheld the cancellation of the agreement, on account of undue influence. The agreement was cancelled on the ground that he was influenced by threat.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Fisher, Michael J., and Desmond G. Greenwood. Contract Law in Hong Kong. Hong Kong University Press, 2007. 262.