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Evans v Marmont

Evans v Marmont

Case [1997] NSWCA 104 26 August 1997

Civil Procedure

Negligence & Tort

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Court of Appeal

Supreme Court

New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: EVANS v MARMONT [1997] NSWCA 104
Decision date: 26 August 1997

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Grounds of appeal

[14] The appellant contends that the primary judge erred in finding that the respondent had discharged the onus of establishing the matters required under the relevant provision.

[15] It was submitted that his Honour failed to give adequate weight to the evidence of the second witness, and that the findings of fact were not reasonably open on the material before the Court.

[16] The respondent, for its part, submits that no error is disclosed, and that the conclusions reached were well within the range of outcomes available to the primary judge.

Consideration

[17] It is convenient to deal first with the question of construction, as the resolution of that issue informs the remaining grounds advanced by the appellant.

[18] For the reasons that follow, we are of the view that the appeal should be allowed in part and the matter remitted for further determination.

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Details

AGLC: Evans v Marmont [1997] NSWCA 104
Case: [1997] NSWCA 104
Decision Date: 26 August 1997

CaseChat Overview and Summary

In *Evans v Marmont*, the New South Wales Court of Appeal considered a dispute between the appellant, Evans, and the respondent, Marmont, concerning the enforceability of a contract.

The central legal issue before the Court of Appeal was whether a contract for the sale of land, which was alleged to have been entered into orally, was sufficiently evidenced in writing to satisfy the requirements of section 54A of the *Conveyancing Act 1919* (NSW). This involved determining whether the oral agreement, if it existed, could be characterised as a contract for the sale or disposition of an interest in land, and if so, whether any subsequent documentation constituted a sufficient note or memorandum of that agreement.

The Court analysed the principles governing the application of section 54A, particularly in circumstances where an oral agreement is alleged. It considered the nature of the evidence required to establish a concluded oral agreement and the criteria for a document to be considered a sufficient note or memorandum, including the requirement that it must contain all the essential terms of the contract and be signed by the party to be charged or their authorised agent. The Court examined the correspondence between the parties to ascertain if it met these requirements.

The Court of Appeal found that there was no concluded oral agreement for the sale of land, and therefore, the requirements of section 54A of the *Conveyancing Act 1919* were not met. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed.

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Citations

Evans v Marmont [1997] NSWCA 104

Most Recent Citation

Germinario v Pinkerton No. DCCIV-99-28 [2000] SADC 89

Cases Citing This Decision

193

Davis v Davis [2024] NSWCA 222
Citation 1 (Para 22)

…The division led to a five member bench being constituted to address the point in Evans v Marmont (1997) NSWLR 70. Gleeson CJ and McLelland CJ in Eq, with whom Meagher JA agreed, preferred the view expressed by Hodgson J and Mahoney JA. Mason P and Priestley JA, in minority, preferred the broader view expressed in…
Van Rensburg v Adilinis; Van Rensburg v Raft [2024] NSWSC 1146
Citation 2 (Para 309)

…The starting point in relation to s 20 is what was said by Gleeson CJ and McLelland CJ in Eq (Meagher JA to like effect) in Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 78-79:…
Moir v I.C. Formwork Services Pty Limited (No 2) [2022] ACTSC 53
Citation 3

…g Station Pty Ltd (1982) 158 CLR 327 at 333; R v Hunt; Ex parte Sean Investments Pty Ltd (1979) 180 CLR 322 at 329; Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 79-80; Insurance Australia Ltd v Motor Accidents Authority of New South Wales [2007] NSWCA 314 at [40]. (e)By specifying the matters to which regard must be had, th…
A.C.N. 637 462 250 Pty Ltd v Northern Beaches Council [2021] NSWLEC 1055
Citation 4

…t be made. They are not merely two matters, or groups of matters, which take their place amongst any other relevant considerations." (Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 79-80 emphasis added).”…
Kaplan v Waverley Council [2021] NSWLEC 1013
Citation 5

…de. They are not merely two matters, or groups of matters, which take their place amongst any other relevant considerations.” ( Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 79-80 emphasis added).…
I.C. Formwork Services Pty Limited v Moir (No 2) [2020] ACTCA 44
Citation 6

…5 ACTLR 34 Dillon v RBS Group (Australia) Pty Limited [2017] FCA 896; 252 FCR 150 Dovuro Pty Ltd v Wilkins [2003] HCA 51; 215 CLR 317 Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 Ferguson v WorkCover Queensland [2013] QSC 78 Graham Barclay Oysters Pty Ltd v Ryan [2002] HCA 54; 211 CLR 540 Hanns v Greyhound Pioneer Australia Lt…
Bacall & Zagar [2020] FamCA 350
Citation 7

…171 CLR 207 Dublin Wicklow and Wexford Rly Co v Slattery (1878) 3 App Cas 1155 Ellis v Wallsend District Hospital (1989) 17 NSWLR 553 Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 Flight v Robinson [1844] 50 ER 9 Fox v Percy (2003) 214 CLR 118 Frederick v Frederick (2019) 60 Fam LR 1 Galea v Galea (1990) 19 NSWLR 263 GH v The C…
Fernon v Lawton [2010] NTSC 75
Citation 8

…Kardos v Sarbutt (2006) 34 Fam LR 550; Evans v Marmont (1997) 21 Fam LR 760; Mallet v Mallet (1984) 156 CLR 605; Parker v Parker (1993) 16 DFC 95-139; Ottley v Chester [2010] NTSC 38; Pierce v Pierce (1999) FLC 92-844. REPRESENTATION: Counsel: Plaintiff:Mr Young Defendant:Mr Black Solicitors: Plaintiff:De Silva Hebron De…
CC Builders (Aust) Pty Ltd v Milestone Civil Pty Ltd [2019] NSWSC 1251
Citation 9

…on the tests expounded in The Queen v Hunt; ex parte Sean Investments Proprietary Limited (1979) 180 CLR 322 (Mason J) and in Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70, 79-80 (Gleeson CJ and McLelland CJ in Eq). 41. In the present case, I think that an available, and better, inference is that the adjudicator did not conside…
CUV18 v Minister for Home Affairs [2018] FCA 2009
Citation 10 (Para 17)

…“take their place amongst any other relevant considerations” but are the “focal point” of the decision-making process: Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 79-80 cited in Zhang v Canterbury City Council [2001] NSWCA 167; (2001) 51 NSWLR 589 at [73]; see also Commissioner of Police (NSW) v Industrial Relations Commi…
Goodwin Street Developments Pty Ltd v DSD Builders Pty Ltd [2018] NSWCA 276
Citation 11

…tests expounded in The Queen v Hunt; ex parte Sean Investments Proprietary Limited (1979) 180 CLR 322 (Mason J) and in Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70, 79-80 (Gleeson CJ and McLelland CJ in Eq).…
Franklin and Ennis (No.2) [2018] FCCA 2351
Citation 12 (Para 17)

…e contributions did not, at least on the part of the husband, give rise to any disproportionate benefit being received by the wife: Evans & Marmont (1997) NSWLR 70;…
N, A-B v v, Am [2017] SASCFC 147
Citation 13

…7; Kemp v King (1995) 127 FLR 264; Parker v Parker (1993) 16 Fam LR 863; W v D (2012) 115 SASR 61; Hogg v Roberts (2003) 87 SASR 248; Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70; Arnold v Dalton (2002) 84 SASR 482; Mallet v Mallet (1984) 156 CLR 605, discussed.…
Elias George Wakim v Karime Wakim [2017] NSWSC 1283
Citation 14

…the applicant with that percentage identified in the second step of the divisible property identified in the first step [Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 ; (1997) 21 Fam LR 760; (1997) DFC 94–184; Jones v Grech (2001) 27 Fam LR 711; (2001) DFC 95–234; [2001] NSWCA 208; Kardos v Sarbutt (2006) 34 Fam LR 550 ; [2006…
S, Da v S, K [2016] SADC 81
Citation 15

…artners Property Act 1996 (SA) s3, s9(1), s9(2), s9(3), s10, s11(1); D,NH v T,LE [2015] SADC 147; Arnold v Dalton (2002) 84 SASR 482; Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70; Parker v Parker (1993) 16 Fam LR 863; Harris v Harris (1997) 22 Fam LR 263, referred to. S v B [2005] 1 Qd R 537; Hogg v Roberts (2003) 87 SASR 248,…
Vihervaara v Nasr [2016] SADC 20
Citation 16 (Para 13)

…part from that position. I draw those propositions from the reasons of Gleeson CJ and McLelland CJ in Equity in Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 74. Although the legislation under consideration there was relevantly different, I consider that these basic principles apply to the Act. 6 In Parker v Parker (1993) 16…
D, N H v T, L E [2015] SADC 147
Citation 17

…Law of Property Act 1936 (SA) s 69, s 70, referred to. Cooper v Lees (2009) 267 LSJS 53; Hogg v Roberts (2003) 87 SASR 248; H v G [2005] SASC 344; Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70; Ferris v Winslade (1998) 22 Fam LR 725, considered.…
G, JC v C, RM [2015] SADC 105
Citation 18 (Para 10)

…is good reason to depart from that position. I draw those propositions from the reasons of Gleeson CJ and McClelland CJ in Equity in Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 74. Although the legislation under consideration there was relevantly different, I consider that these basic principles apply to the Act. 16In Par…
Aytul Ak-Tankiz v Ferat Ak & Ramazan Ak [2014] NSWSC 1044
Citation 19

…n. Whether those factors are the only factors to which the court can properly have regard was not in dispute in the present case: see Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 79-80 ; 21 Fam LR 760 at 767-9 (Gleeson CJ and McLelland CJ in Eq); compare Manns v Kennedy (2007) 37 Fam LR 487 ; [2007] NSWCA 217 at [112]-[125]…
Geoffrey Andrew Smith v Robert Gould [2014] VSCA 138
Citation 20

…ee also Roy v Sturgeon (1986) 11 NSWLR 454; 11 Fam LR 271; (1986) DFC 95-031; Wilcock v Sain (1986) 11 Fam LR 302; (1986) DFC 95-040; Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70; 21 Fam LR 760; (1997) DFC 94-184; Jones v Grech (2001) 27 Fam LR 711; (2001) DFC 95-234; [2001] NSWCA 208.…
Warkworth Mining Limited v Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association Inc [2014] NSWCA 105
Citation 21

…3 Dranichnikov v Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs [2003] HCA 26; 77 ALJR 1088 Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 Farah Constructions Pty Ltd v Say Dee Pty Ltd [2007] HCA 22; 330 CLR 89 Goodwin v Commissioner of Police [2012] NSWCA 379 Hunter Development Brokerage Pty Ltd v Cessnock City Council (No…
M, PJ v W, JW [2014] SADC 58
Citation 22 (Para 22)

…is good reason to depart from that position. I draw those propositions from the reasons of Gleeson CJ and McClelland CJ in Equity in Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 74. Although the legislation under consideration there was relevantly different, I consider that these basic principles apply to the Act. 16 In Pa…
B, KM v B, JP [2014] SADC 19
Citation 23 (Para 12)

…part from that position. I draw those propositions from the reasons of Gleeson CJ and McLelland CJ in Equity in Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 74. Although the legislation under consideration there was relevantly different, I consider that these basic principles apply to the Act. In Parker v Parker (1993) 16 F…
Ireland v Pratley [2013] NSWCA 445
Citation 24

…66 What I understand to be established by the majority view in Evans v Marmont [(1997) 42 NSWLR 70] is to this effect:…
Hull and Australian Postal Corporation [2013] AATA 635
Citation 25

…t the matter so identified must be the focal point of the decision-making process. (See Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 79-80; Zhang supra at [73].) ”[55] [54] [2009] NSWCA 198; Spigelman CJ, Macfarlan and Young JJA [55] [2009] NSWCA 198 at [73]…
Messias v de Barros [2013] NSWDC 125
Citation 26 (Para 1)

…In Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at p 79, the Court of Appeal decided:…
W v S [2013] SADC 29
Citation 27 (Para 12)

…g, irrelevant to the exercise of the discretion pursuant to s 11 of the Act.[2] [2] Hogg v Roberts (2003) 87 SASR 248 at [15], citing Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at [74].…
BM Carr Holdings atf the Carr Farming Trust v Southern Downs Regional Council [2013] QPEC 4
Citation 28

…hang v Canterbury City Council (2001) NSWCA 167 R v Hunt ex parte Sean Investments Pty Ltd (1979) 180 CLR 322 Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 COUNSEL: Applicant: J.J Haydon Respondent: Solicitors SOLICITORS: Applicant: Mullins Lawyers Respondent: Connor O’Meara…
Pratley v Ireland [2013] NSWSC 151
Citation 29 (Para 1)

…these cases have frequently been referred to in the Court of Appeal. Of note is what was said by Gleeson CJ and McLelland CJ in Eq in Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 79F through to 80A is the following:…
Smith v Gould [2012] VSC 461
Citation 30 (Para 1)

…[40]; and Findlay v Besley (2004) V Conv R 54-688 [56]. [112][2008] VSCA 236; (2008) 24 VR 1, 80 [341]-[349]. [113] Evans v Marmont [1997] NSWSC 331; (1997) 42 NSWLR 70, 75.…
Westfield Management Ltd v Moreton Bay Regional Council [2012] QPEC 51
Citation 31

…LR 322, 329. That reference is not persuasive, given that in Hunt , there was only one factor (costs) to which regard must be had. In Evans v Marmont (1977) 42 NSWLR 70, the specified factors to which a court was required to have regard in adjusting property interests of de facto partners in adjusting interests in a “jus…
F v R [2012] SADC 84
Citation 32 (Para 13)

…and · opportunities lost by a party by reason of that party’s contributions. (see Dwyer v Kaljo (1987) 11 Fam LR 785 per Hodgson J at 793: Evans v Marmont (1997) 21 Fam LR 760 per Gleeson CJ, McClelland CJ in Equity at 764 and per Mason P at 776 and 777; Love v Chidley (2002) 219 LSJS 287 discussion at [128-137].)…
Simone Starr-Diamond v Talus Diamond [2012] NSWSC 675
Citation 33 (Para 1)

…The courts have repeatedly affirmed this three stage methodology: Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70; Jones v Grech (2001) 27 Fam LR 711; [2001] NSWCA 208; and Kardos v Sarbutt (2006) 34 Fam LR 550.…
Ryan v Ryan [2012] NSWSC 636
Citation 34 (Para 1)

…However, in Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70, a five-bench Court of Appeal overturned Dwyer v Kaljo , with Gleeson CJ and McLelland CJ in Eq (with whom Meagher JA agreed) taking the view that s 20 was not as broad as described by Handley JA in Dwyer v Kaljo . In their reasons, Gleeson CJ and McLelland CJ in Eq said…
Osferatu & Osferatu [2012] FamCA 408
Citation 35 (Para 9)

…ave engaged in “… an unbounded exercise in distributive justice” (per Gleeson CJ and McCelland J [sic] in equity in Evans v Marmont (1997) DFLC [sic] 95-184 at p. 77,610) is open to a critical, and perhaps, sceptical observer. It is to be recalled that the mandatory prescription of the Act is to evaluate contributions pu…
Cooper v Mulcahy [2012] NSWSC 373
Citation 36

…s referred to in paras (a) and (b) and not to some other or wider view of just and equitable adjustment of interests in property: see Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 ; 21 Fam LR 760 per Gleeson CJ and McLelland CJ in Eq, approving views of Mahoney JA in the majority in Wallace v Stanford (1995) 37 NSWLR 1 ; 19 Fam…
Parry v Haisma [2012] NSWSC 290
Citation 37 (Para 1)

…ferences between relations between spouses and relations between de facto partners; most notably the absence of a formal commitment ( Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 79). This makes it unsafe to conclude, in the absence of other supporting material, such as a dictionary, that an ordinary meaning of nephew or ni…
William Neville Lane v Maxine Manuel [2012] NSWSC 8
Citation 38

…e Act to "adjustment" of property interests does not convey an invitation to engage in an unbounded exercise in distributive justice: Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 per Gleeson CJ and McLelland, CJ in Eq at 79. The Court does not commence with a presumption that, upon the conclusion of a de facto relationship, s…
Klinovski v Jovanovic [2012] SADC 4
Citation 39

…Procedure 6R 26485, referred to. F, BA v D, BJ [2010] SADC 92; Hogg v Roberts (2003) 87 SASR 248; Black v Black (1991) 15 Fam LR 109; Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70; Dwyer v Kaljo (1992) 27 NSWLR 728; Love v Chidley [2001] SADC 36; Condoluci v Condoluci [2002] SADC 159; Davey v Lee (1989) 13 Fam LR 688; Germinari…
Bowling v Bowling [2011] NSWSC 1168
Citation 40 (Para 1)

…ed as in some way inferior to the corresponding contributions of a spouse: Black v Black (1991) 15 Fam LR 109, cited with approval in Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 74.…
Lasalo Paeu v Minister for Immigration and Citizenship [2011] AATA 792
Citation 41

…zolanic Enterprises Pty Ltd (1993) 43 FCR 280 Collins v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1981) 36 ALR 598 Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 Filipo and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship [2008] AATA 114 Hindi v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1988) 20 FCR 1 Kwong Leung Lam v Minister fo…
Prior v Brown [2011] NSWSC 1006
Citation 42 (Para 1)

…e Act to "adjustment" of property interests does not convey an invitation to engage in an unbounded exercise in distributive justice: Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 per Gleeson CJ and McLelland, CJ in Eq at 79. The Court does not commence with a presumption that, upon the conclusion of a de facto relationship, s…
Peter Robert Boord v Ivy Wang [2011] NSWSC 1131
Citation 43

…. Whether those factors are the only factors to which the court can properly have regard was not in dispute in the present case: see Evans v. Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 79-80; 21 Fam LR 760 at 767-9 (Gleeson CJ and McLelland CJ in Eq); compare Manns v. Kennedy (2007) 37 Fam LR 487; [2007] NSWCA 217 at [112]-[125]…
Clyde Bergemann Senior Thermal Pty Ltd v Varley Power Services Pty Ltd [2011] NSWSC 1039
Citation 44

…be made. His Honour relied on the tests expounded in R v Hunt; ex parte Sean Investments Pty Ltd (1979) 180 CLR 322 (Mason J) and in Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70, 79-80 (Gleeson CJ and McLelland CJ in Eq).…
Austin v Hornby [2011] NSWSC 1059
Citation 45

…LR 688; DFC 95-084 Davies v Dabela [2011] NSWSC 12 Delany v Tenison (1758) 3 Bro PC 659; 1 ER 1559 Dwyer v Kaljo (1987) 11 Fam LR 785 Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 Friend v Brooker [2009] HCA 21; (2009) 239 CLR 129 Gazzola v Gazzola [1990] HCA 13; (1990) 92 ALR 45 Giumelli v Giumelli [1999] HCA 10; (1999) 196 CL…
Jensen v Ray [2011] NSWCA 247
Citation 46

…... In my opinion, when considering the principles in Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 the correct approach to this application for an adjustment of property interests by the plaintiff is that the application should be refused and I accordingly refuse the application ...…
Julia Benfield v Jamin Farebrother [2011] NTSC 65
Citation 47

…Bennett (1921) 30 CLR 80; Aon Risk Services Australia Ltd v Australian National University (2009) 239 CLR 175. Kardos v Sarbutt (2006) 34 Fam LR 550. Evans v Marmont (1997) 21 Fam LR 760. Parker v Parker (1993) 16 DFC 95-139. Ottley v Chester [2010] NTSC 38. Grant, Civil Procedure Northern Territory. Williams, Civil Proc…
Jasminka Murgic v Anne Murgic [2011] NSWSC 971
Citation 48

…. Whether those factors are the only factors to which the court can properly have regard was not in dispute in the present case: see Evans v. Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 at 79-80; 21 Fam LR 760 at 767-9 (Gleeson CJ and McLelland CJ in Eq); compare Manns v. Kennedy (2007) 37 Fam LR 487; [2007] NSWCA 217 at [112]-[125]…
Wendt v Wood [2011] NSWSC 781
Citation 49 (Para 1)

…The courts have repeatedly affirmed this three stage methodology: Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70; Jones v Grech (2001) 27 Fam LR 711; [2001] NSWCA 208; and Kardos v Sarbutt (2006) 34 Fam LR 550.…
Lawton v Fernon [2011] NTCA 5
Citation 50

…1), s 18 Property (Relationships) Act 1984 (NSW) Fiket v Linco (1998) 145 FLR 456; distinguished Chanter v Catts (2005) 64 NSWLR 360; Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70; Kardos v Sarbutt (2006) 34 FamLR 550; Tyms v Williamson [2010] NSWCA 138; followed In the Marriage of Harris (1991) 104 FLR 458; King v Kemp (1996)…

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