Legal Term: DISCHARGE OF A CONTRACT

Definition: The act of making a contract or agreement null. 2. Contracts may be discharged by, 1. Payment. 2. Accord and satisfaction. 8 Com. Dig. 917, 1 Nels. Abr. 18, 1 Lillys Reg. 10, 16, Halls Dig. 7 1 Poth. Ob. 345. 3. Release. 8 Com. Dig. 906, 3 Nels. Ab. 69, 18 Vin. Ab. 294, 1 Vin. Abr. 192, 2 Saund. 48, a, Gow. on Partn. 225, 230, 15 Serg. & Rawle, 441, 1 Poth Ob. 897. 4. Set off. 8 Vin. Ab. 556, Discount, Halls Dig. 226, 496, 7 Com. Dig. 335, Pleader, 2 G 17, 1 Poth. Ob. 408. 5. The rescission of the contracts. 1 Com. Dig. 289, note x, 8 Com. Dig. 349, Chit. on Contr. 276. 6. Extinguishment. 7 Vin: Abr. 367, 14 Serg. & Rawle, 209, 290, 8 Com. Dig. 394, 2 Nels. Abr. 818, 18 Vin. Abr. 493 to 515, 11 Vin. Abr. 461. 7. Confusion, where the duty to pay and the right to receive unite in the same person. 8 Serg. & Rawle, 24-30 1 Poth. 425. 8. Extinction, or the loss of the subject matter of the contract. Bac. Abr. 48 8 Com. Dig. *349, 1 Poth. Ob. 429. 9. Defeasance. 2 Saund. 47, n. note 1. 10. The inability of one of the parties to fulfil his part. Halls Dig. 40. 11. The death of the contractor, as where he undertook to teach an apprentice. 12. Bankruptcy. 13. By the act of limitations. 14. By lapse of time. Angell on Adv. Enjoym. passim, 15 Vin. Abr. 52, 99, 2 Saund. 63, n. b, Id. 66, n. 8, Id. 67, n. 10, Gow on Partn. 235, 1, Poth. 443, 449. 15. By neglecting to give notice to the, person charged. Chit. on Bills, 245. 16. By releasing one of two partners. See Receipt. 17. By neglecting to sue the principal at the request of the surety, the latter is discharged. 8 Serg. & Rawle, 110. 18. By the discharge of a defendant, who has been arrested under a capias ad satisfaciendum. 8 Cowen, R. 171. 19. By a certificate and discharge under the bankrupt laws. Act of Congress of August, 1841.

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