Define: General Assumpsit

General Assumpsit
General Assumpsit
Quick Summary of General Assumpsit

General Assumpsit refers to a promise, either explicit or implicit, made by one person to another without a seal, to do something or pay something. If this promise is not fulfiled, the person who made the promise can be taken to court and sued for damages. It is a legal action that can be taken against someone who has broken an implied promise to pay a debt to the plaintiff, and is also known as common assumpsit or indebitatus assumpsit.

Full Definition Of General Assumpsit

General assumpsit, also known as common assumpsit or indebitatus assumpsit, is a legal action that can be taken against a defendant who has breached an implied promise to pay a debt to the plaintiff. It allows the plaintiff to sue the defendant even if there was no explicit agreement or contract. For instance, if someone owes you money without making a clear promise to repay, you can still use general assumpsit to take legal action against them. An example of this would be if you lent your friend $500 and they have not returned the money. This explanation demonstrates how general assumpsit can be utilised in a real-life scenario where someone owes you money but has not explicitly promised to repay it.

General Assumpsit FAQ'S

General assumpsit is a legal term that refers to a common law action for the recovery of damages for breach of contract.

The elements of a general assumpsit claim typically include the existence of a valid contract, a breach of that contract, and resulting damages.

General assumpsit is a broader legal action for breach of contract, while specific assumpsit is a more specific action for the recovery of a specific sum of money due under a contract.

Yes, a general assumpsit claim can be based on an oral or implied contract, as long as the elements of a valid contract are present.

Damages that can be recovered in a general assumpsit claim may include compensatory damages for financial losses, as well as potentially punitive damages in cases of willful breach of contract.

The statute of limitations for filing a general assumpsit claim varies by jurisdiction, but it is typically a few years from the date of the breach of contract.

Yes, general assumpsit claims can often be pursued in small claims court, depending on the amount of damages being sought.

Yes, a defendant in a general assumpsit claim can raise defences such as lack of capacity, fraud, duress, or illegality of the contract.

Yes, parties involved in a general assumpsit claim can negotiate a settlement agreement to resolve the dispute without going to trial.

While it is possible to pursue or defend against a general assumpsit claim without a lawyer, it is often advisable to seek legal representation to ensure your rights are protected and to navigate the complexities of contract law.

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Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.

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