Australia Leading Case unjust enrichmentquantum meruitformalitiesbuilding construction

Pavey & Matthews Pty Ltd v Paul

[1987] HCA 5; (1987) 162 CLR 221

JurisdictionAustralia

CourtHigh Court of Australia

Year1987

StatusBinding authority

Key Principle

A claim in quantum meruit for work done and accepted is a restitutionary claim founded on unjust enrichment, not on an implied contract; it can therefore be maintained even where the underlying contract is unenforceable for want of statutory formalities.

Area of Law

Contract & Commercial

Related Cases

Lumbers v W Cook Builders Pty Ltd (in liquidation) [2008] HCA 27; (2008) 232 CLR 635

Commonwealth of Australia v Amann Aviation Pty Ltd [1991] HCA 54; (1991) 174 CLR 64

Buckley v Tutty [1971] HCA 71; (1971) 125 CLR 353

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