legal maxim

The legal maxim of Quantum meruit is used as a defence in cases related to Law of Contracts. This basically means that a party should not derive unfair benefits and the opposing party should be compensated for the services that they provide. It literally means “what one has earned”. This maxim is also applicable in cases where the contract is not enforceable. The concept can easily be derived from the concept of Quasi Contract, where in, there isn’t an express contract but when one party receives unfair benefits, they are supposed to compensate the other party for their services rendered.

Craven-Ellis v. Cannons Ltd.

In this case, the plaintiff was appointed to work in the defendant company, but there were some issues due to which his appointment had become void. The plaintiff, unaware of this fact had worked at the company for a certain period of time. The Court held that the plaintiff was entitled to be renumerated for the services that he has provided.

Planche v. Colburn

In this case, the plaintiff, who was a writer was refused his £100 for writing a book after he had completed a major portion of the book. The Court held that he was entitled and should be paid for the work that he has put in.