Powell v Lee (1908) 99 LT 284

Powell applied for the job of a headmaster, and the school managers accepted his application and decided to appoint him. One of the school's managers, without authority, informed Powell that the management had selected him to be headmaster. The school managers later changed their minds and hired someone else. Powell claimed there was a breach of contract.

Issue:

1. Whether the school was liable for a breach of contract.

Holding:

1. The court held that the school was not liable for breach of contract.

Ratio Decidendi:

The court stated that since the acceptance came from a party without authority to communicate the acceptance of the management board, the confirmation of acceptance Powell received was not effective and that there was no binding contract between Powell and the school.