Warning
Info
Warning
Info
Simple English definitions for legal terms
frustration
Read a random definition: initiation of charges
A quick definition of frustration:
Frustration is when you can't achieve something you wanted to do, like finishing a job or completing a task. Sometimes, things happen that are out of your control and stop you from doing what you planned. This is called economic frustration. If you do something that stops you from completing a job, it's called self-induced frustration. When something happens that stops you from doing a job temporarily, it's called temporary frustration. In contracts, frustration of purpose is when something unexpected happens that makes it impossible to complete the contract.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Frustration is when something prevents or hinders someone from achieving their goal, such as fulfilling a contract. It can be used as an excuse for non-performance due to unforeseeable and uncontrollable circumstances. There are different types of frustration, including:
- Commercial frustration: When a party is unable to perform their contractual obligations due to unforeseeable circumstances.
- Self-induced frustration: When a party breaches a contract by their own actions, preventing performance.
- Temporary frustration: When an event occurs that legally suspends the duty to perform for the duration of the event.
In contract law, frustration can also refer to the doctrine that if a party's principal purpose is substantially frustrated by unanticipated changed circumstances, that party's duties are discharged and the contract is considered terminated. This is also known as frustration of purpose.
Examples: An example of commercial frustration could be a company that is unable to fulfill a contract due to a natural disaster that destroys their factory. An example of self-induced frustration could be a contractor who fails to deliver materials on time, preventing the completion of a construction project. An example of temporary frustration could be a transportation strike that prevents the delivery of goods, legally suspending the duty to perform until the strike is over.
Explanation: Frustration occurs when something unexpected happens that prevents someone from fulfilling their obligations. It can be used as an excuse for non-performance, but only if the circumstances were unforeseeable and uncontrollable. In contract law, frustration can lead to the termination of a contract if the principal purpose of the contract is substantially frustrated by unanticipated changed circumstances. Different types of frustration include commercial frustration, self-induced frustration, and temporary frustration.