Kridel v. Brukenfeld

Plaintiff sued for the purchase price of two lots-of goods delivered to defendant. The defense consisted of the claim that these goods were part of one order, of which two other lots, not delivered, formed an intrinsic part. That was substantially the one issue litigated.

There was introduced in evidence by defendant an unsigned memorandum, as its Exhibit 1, made by plaintiffs’ salesman on a piece of paper, in which all four lots were enumerated. After having retired to deliberate, the jury asked, “Is defendant’s Exhibit 1 a contract in itself?” to which the court replied, “No.” Later the jury asked, “We wish to know whether this order slip, marked ‘Exhibit 1/ is a confirmation of an order, and is it legally binding on both parties concerned?” to which the court replied, “Yes.” To such reply, plaintiffs’" counsel excepted.

It is perfectly clear that Exhibit 1 was a mere private memorandum,, which was, as the court had correctly charged, not a contract, and equally it was not a confirmation 'of an order, and was not legally binding-on any one. The error related to a vital point ih the controversy, and was practically determinative of the issue.

Judgment reversed, and new trial granted, with costs to appellants-to abide the event.