Quasi Contract

Definition

A quasi contract is the application of contract rules of law to parties that do not have a contractual relationship.

Purpose

The purpose of a quasi contract is to prevent unjust enrichment by imposing a contractual obligation on a party who has received a benefit unfairly, even though there was no formal contract.

Examples of Use

• If one party provides goods or services to another without a formal agreement, a court may impose a quasi contract to ensure fair compensation.
• In cases where one party mistakenly pays money to another, a quasi contract can require repayment to prevent unjust enrichment.
• Emergency services provided without prior agreement may result in a quasi contract to ensure the service provider is compensated.

Related Terms

• Unjust Enrichment: A legal principle preventing one party from unfairly benefiting at another's expense.
• Implied Contract: A contract formed by the behavior of the parties rather than written or spoken words.
• Restitution: The return of benefits or compensation to the party from whom they were received.

Notes

Quasi contracts are legal constructs used by courts to ensure fairness and justice, especially in situations where no formal contract exists but one party has been unjustly enriched.