Powers v. Hastings

Respondents Powers brought an action for the breach of an oral lease-option agreement. They obtained a jury verdict for $40,000 damages. Petitioners Hastings successfully moved for judgment notwithstanding the verdict (n.o.v.) and the trial court dismissed the complaint with prejudice. Division One of the Court of Appeals reversed. The determinative question is whether there .was substantial evidence before the jury of (1) the terms, character and existence of the contract, and (2) part performance.

Robert and Hazel Hastings owned a Skagit County farm they wanted to sell. After Dorothy and…