Adams v Lindsell [1818]

Court: King’s Bench

Facts: Lindsell offered to sell wool to Adams, specifying that a postal response was required. Due to misdirection, Adams received the offer late and posted their acceptance on September 5th, which was received by Lindsell on September 9th. Lindsell sold the wool to another buyer before receiving Adams' acceptance.

Issue: Is a contract formed when an acceptance is posted, even if it is not received by the offeror?

Held: The court upheld that the contract was formed when Adams posted their acceptance, not when it was received by Lindsell. Justice Law stated that requiring receipt of acceptance would lead to impractical delays in contract formation.

Key Judicial Statement: Justice Law noted, "Acceptance is effective upon posting when communicated by post, even if not received by the offeror."

💡Leveluplaw: The postal rule establishes that acceptance of an offer is effective when posted, facilitating contract formation through postal communication. This principle is fundamental in contract law, particularly for agreements made via mail.