Legal Definitions - frustration

Definition: Frustration is when something prevents or hinders someone from achieving their goal, such as fulfilling a contract. It can be used as an excuse for non-performance due to unforeseeable and uncontrollable circumstances. There are different types of frustration, including:

• Commercial frustration: When a party is unable to perform their contractual obligations due to unforeseeable circumstances.
• Self-induced frustration: When a party breaches a contract by their own actions, preventing performance.
• Temporary frustration: When an event occurs that legally suspends the duty to perform for the duration of the event.

In contract law, frustration can also refer to the doctrine that if a party's principal purpose is substantially frustrated by unanticipated changed circumstances, that party's duties are discharged and the contract is considered terminated. This is also known as frustration of purpose.

Examples: An example of commercial frustration could be a company that is unable to fulfill a contract due to a natural disaster that destroys their factory. An example of self-induced frustration could be a contractor who fails to deliver materials on time, preventing the completion of a construction project. An example of temporary frustration could be a transportation strike that prevents the delivery of goods, legally suspending the duty to perform until the strike is over.

Explanation: Frustration occurs when something unexpected happens that prevents someone from fulfilling their obligations. It can be used as an excuse for non-performance, but only if the circumstances were unforeseeable and uncontrollable. In contract law, frustration can lead to the termination of a contract if the principal purpose of the contract is substantially frustrated by unanticipated changed circumstances. Different types of frustration include commercial frustration, self-induced frustration, and temporary frustration.