United States Leading Case expectation interestexpress warrantypromise vs tort

Hawkins v. McGee (the 'Hairy Hand' case)

84 N.H. 114; 146 A. 641 (N.H. 1929)

JurisdictionUnited States

CourtSupreme Court of New Hampshire

Year1929

StatusBinding authority

Key Principle

The default measure of contract damages is the expectation interest — the difference between the value of performance as warranted/promised and the value actually received.

Area of Law

Contract & Commercial

Related Cases

Klein v. Martin 607 U. S. 213 (2026)

Ellingburg v. United States 607 U.S. ___ (2026)

Inc. v. Palmquist 607 U.S. 421 (2026)

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