Opinion ID: 1708366
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: the intent of the testatrix

Text: In his bench opinion, the chancellor stated: The Snowdoun Foundation is a creature of the testatrix. Its continued existence, well-being and virtual survivorability in the opinion of the court is an extension of the expressed intent and wishes of the testatrix... . [The association offered Daniel] the fulfillment of the lifelong expression of the testatrix in the creation and establishment of the home Snowdoun as a memorial. The trustees of Snowdoun have sought nothing for themselves, only the fulfillment of the expressed desire of the testatrix. In that respect, consideration flows both to the plaintiff and the defendant in carrying out the wishes of the testatrix. Daniel argues that mere sentiments, such as affection, love, and the like, cannot in themselves furnish adequate consideration for an enforceable contract. He is, of course, correct. A.L. Corbin, Contracts § 131 (1963). There is, however, a more basic reason for holding that the chancellor erred. If an agreement is to be held supported by consideration, that consideration must come from the parties to the agreement. 17 C.J.S. Contracts § 71. Here, the chancellor argued that consideration flowed from the desires of the testatrix Elizabeth. A famous English case on consideration is instructive here. In Thomas v. Thomas, 2 Q.B. 851, 114 Eng.Rep. 330, (1842), the defendant was the executor of a will. The testator was known to have wanted his widow to receive a certain house, and the defendant had promised to give her that house. He failed to do so, the widow sued and the defense of lack of consideration was raised. Justice Patteson remarked: It would be ... too large a construction if we were to adopt the view urged by the defendant; it would be confounding consideration with motive. Motive is not the same thing as consideration. Consideration means something which is of some value in the eye of the law, moving from the plaintiff; it may be some benefit to the defendant or some detriment to the plaintiff; but in all events it must be moving from the plaintiff. Now that which is suggested as the consideration here, a pious respect for the wishes of the testator does not in any way move from the plaintiff; it moves from the testator; therefore, legally speaking, it forms no part of the consideration. 2 Q.B. at 859, 114 Eng.Rep. at 333-34. See also, Corbin, supra, § 118. Therefore, the chancellor was clearly wrong in deriving consideration for this agreement from the intent of the testatrix.