Which set of statements correctly lists prerequisites to obtain specific performance?

Which set of statements correctly lists prerequisites to obtain specific performance?

• A. Valid contract; Conditions of K have been satisfied; Legal remedy is inadequate; Mutuality of remedy is present; No defenses available
• B. Valid contract; Conditions of K have been satisfied; Legal remedy is adequate; Mutuality of remedy present; No defenses available
• C. Invalid contract; Conditions of K have been satisfied; Legal remedy is inadequate; Mutuality of remedy present
• D. Valid contract; Conditions not satisfied; Legal remedy is inadequate; Mutuality of remedy present

Answer: (A)

Specific performance is an equitable remedy that can be awarded only when the contract is valid and enforceable, the subject matter is sufficiently unique (so monetary damages wouldn’t adequately compensate), and the party seeking relief is ready to perform or has already performed. Crucially, damages must be inadequate as a remedy; if money damages would suffice, the court won’t order performance. There must also be mutuality of remedy—both sides would be bound or suffer the same consequence—and no defenses bar enforcement. The best set reflects these requirements: a valid contract, the conditions to perform have been satisfied, damages would be inadequate, mutuality of remedy is present, and no defenses exist. The other options fail because they either assert an adequate legal remedy (which undermines the basis for specific performance), assert an invalid contract, or indicate that conditions haven’t been satisfied, all of which would prevent specific performance.

Specific performance is an equitable remedy that can be awarded only when the contract is valid and enforceable, the subject matter is sufficiently unique (so monetary damages wouldn’t adequately compensate), and the party seeking relief is ready to perform or has already performed. Crucially, damages must be inadequate as a remedy; if money damages would suffice, the court won’t order performance. There must also be mutuality of remedy—both sides would be bound or suffer the same consequence—and no defenses bar enforcement.

The best set reflects these requirements: a valid contract, the conditions to perform have been satisfied, damages would be inadequate, mutuality of remedy is present, and no defenses exist. The other options fail because they either assert an adequate legal remedy (which undermines the basis for specific performance), assert an invalid contract, or indicate that conditions haven’t been satisfied, all of which would prevent specific performance.