Opinion ID: 877539
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: buyer's right to rely

Text: The seller argues that the buyer's complaint sought damages due to the buyer's detrimental reliance upon the contract, in that the buyer had obligated himself to resell the calves to an eastern feeder, which obligation the buyer is now unable to fulfill and for which the buyer is liable. The seller argues that, based upon the buyer's own pleadings, the buyer cannot recover because he could not detrimentally rely on the contract; the seller had informed the buyer on several occasions that the seller would not be able to fulfill the contract. This argument is beside the point. Damages were ultimately determined on the simple basis of difference between market prices on the date of delivery and the date of execution, as provided by Montana's Uniform Commercial Code (section 30-2-713, MCA). It is true that the District Court's method of resolving damages did not conform precisely with the buyer's complaint, but the court's action was proper. All pleadings shall be so construed as to do substantial justice. Rule 8(f), M.R.Civ.P. The courts should look to the claim as a whole, to the subject with which it deals, to the reason and spirit of the allegations in ascertaining its real purpose. If such purpose can reasonably be said to be within the scope of the language used, that purpose should be honored. Hidden Hollow Ranch v. Collins (1965), 146 Mont. 321, 325, 326, 406 P.2d 365, 368. The purpose and spirit behind the buyer's complaint is to recover for breach of contract, and damages based upon the changes in market prices are within the scope of the complaint.