Opinion ID: 2401974
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Proof of Inducement by Misrepresentation

Text: [¶ 19] The evidence also supports the finding that the Porters induced Sullivan and Andrews's partial performance by misrepresentation. The Porters relinquished possession of the farm to Sullivan and Andrews. They remained silent upon learning that Sullivan and Andrews planned to refinance their home to obtain the funds for the agreed upon down payment. After accepting $3000 as a partial down payment for the farm, the Porters remained silent while they observed Sullivan and Andrews beginning extensive renovations and building their business on the property. Merval also repeatedly represented that he was having his lawyer draw up the paperwork for the sale of the farm. Taken collectively, the Porters' actions and silent acquiescence resulted in a misrepresentation that induced Sullivan and Andrews to partially perform their contractual obligations in faith that the Porters were going to perform the contract. [¶ 20] In sum, the evidence supports the findings that (1) the Porters entered into a contract with Sullivan and Andrews to sell the farm; (2) Sullivan and Andrews partially performed their duties under the contract; and (3) the Porters made misrepresentations through their actions and omissions that induced Sullivan and Andrews's partial performance. We therefore affirm the court's finding, consistent with the jury's advisory finding on the issue, that the parties' oral contract for the sale of land was removed from the statute of frauds based on the part performance doctrine.