Heckman's Estate
Heckman's Estate
Opinion of the Court
Opinion by
This was a proceeding in the Orphans’ Court begun by the appellee here, John Witman, a vendee, to compel specific performance of a written contract entered into between himself and one William A. Heckman, whereby the latter covenanted to sell and convey to the former a certain tract of land in Bobeson township, Berks county. Heckman having died, his personal representative was the party proceeded against. A decree for the specific performance of the contract followed, from which decree this appeal is taken. The case presents a single question, and it is only necessary to indicate the particular features of the contract, which are important in connection therewith. The contract was executed 21st October, 1910. It provides that the deed was to be delivered and possession given on or before 11th January, 1911. The consideration to be paid by Wit-man was $2,800, in manner following, $200 on the execution of the contract — acknowledged to have been paid —$1,300 on delivery of the deed, and the balance on 1st April, 1911, to be secured by mortgage on the premises. Then follows this provision: “And in the event of the second party refusing to comply with the terms of this agreement the sum paid down shall be retained by the said William A. Heckman as liquidated damages for
It should be said in justice to the learned judge of the Orphans’ Court that this feature of the case was suggested for the first time on the hearing of this appeal. The point was neither discussed nor raised in the court below. We have considered it here only because the law requires it of us. The Act of June 16, 1836, P. L. 682, makes it our duty in all cases of appeal from the several Orphans’ Courts, to hear, try and determine the merits of such cases, and to decree according to the justice and equity thereof. The enforcing of specific performance of a contract is a matter resting exclusively in equity, and is allowed only when the equitable right to it has been made to appear. In this case it is evident that no such right existed, and the petition should have been dismissed. The first assignment of error complains of the decree itself. It is sustained, and the decree accordingly reversed at cost of appellant.
Reference
- Cited By
- 8 cases
- Status
- Published
- Syllabus
- Equity — Specific performance — Mutuality — Agreements to sell real estate — Vendor and vendee — Act of June 16, 1836, P. L. 682. 1. Where a contract is incapable of being specifically enforced against one party to it, that party is incapable of enforcing it against the other. A contract to be enforced specifically must be mutual both as to remedy and obligation. 2. Where articles of sale of real estate provide that if the vendee refuse to comply with the terms of the agreement the sum paid down shall be retained by the vendor, “as liquidated damages for the breach; and all other rights under this agreement shall be at an end;” the vendee, after the death of the vendor, cannot enforce specific performance against the latter’s representatives. The only remedy of the vendee in such a case is an action to recover damages. 3. On an appeal from a decree of the Orphans’ Court enforcing specific performance of contract the appellate court will consider a question neither discussed nor raised in the court below inasmuch as it is required by the Act of June 16, 1836, P. L. 682, to hear, try and determine the merits of such cases and to decree according to the justice and equity thereof.