Button v London

In *Button v London*, the New South Wales Court of Appeal considered a dispute between the appellant, Button, and the respondent, London. The case concerned the interpretation and enforceability of a deed of settlement and release.

The primary legal issue before the Court of Appeal was whether the deed of settlement and release, which purported to extinguish all claims between the parties, was effective to prevent the appellant from pursuing a claim for damages for breach of contract. The Court was required to determine the scope and effect of the release clause within the deed, particularly in light of the appellant's contention that the claim for breach of contract arose after the execution of the deed.

The Court of Appeal held that the language of the deed was clear and unambiguous. It found that the deed released and discharged the respondent from all actions, suits, claims, and demands whatsoever, both at law and in equity, which the appellant had or might have had against the respondent. The Court applied the principle that a clear and comprehensive release clause in a deed of settlement will be given its full effect, even if it covers claims that were not specifically contemplated at the time of execution, provided the language is sufficiently broad. The Court reasoned that the parties had intended to achieve finality in their dispute, and the wording of the deed reflected this intention.

The appeal was dismissed.