Fisher v Bell [1961]

Court: Divisional Court

Facts: The defendant displayed a flick knife in a shop window with a price tag. Under the Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959, it was illegal to offer such weapons for sale. The police chief inspector argued that the display constituted an offer for sale, which would be a breach of the Act.

Issue: Does displaying an item in a shop window constitute an offer for sale under the Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959?

Held: The court held that the display of the knife was an invitation to treat, not an offer for sale. Thus, the defendant was not in breach of the Act as the display did not constitute a legal offer.

Key Judicial Statement: Lord Parker CJ explained, "In contract law, a display of goods in a shop window is an invitation to treat, not an offer for sale."

💡Leveluplaw: The case reinforces that a display of goods in a shop window is an invitation to treat rather than an offer, impacting the formation of contracts and compliance with regulatory statutes.