Smith, Hinchman & Grylls Associates, Inc. v. Wayne County Board of Road Commissioners

This case involves a claim and a counterclaim, and the well-intentioned efforts of the trial judge in suggesting a *124compromise that ultimately went far beyond what he or the parties had contemplated. It appears from this record that appellants themselves had doubts about entering into the settlement which they are now seeking to enforce.1

In general, public and judicial policies favor settlements. Steele v Wilson, 29 Mich App 388, 395; 185 NW2d 417, 420 (1971). However, a compromise and settlement is a contract, and is governed by the legal principles applicable to contracts generally. 15 Am…