LawMeaning

Specific Performance

In one sentence

A court order forcing someone to actually do what they promised in the contract.

Plain English

When money damages aren't enough to fix a breach, a court can order the breaching party to actually perform the contract. This is specific performance—the court literally makes them do what they agreed to do. It's used when the contract involves something unique, like selling a specific house or artwork, where money can't truly compensate you. The court won't order specific performance if it's impossible, too difficult to supervise, or would require ongoing personal services.

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Example

You sign a contract to buy a rare vintage car from a dealer, but the dealer sells it to someone else instead. Money damages won't get you that specific car, so you ask the court to order specific performance—forcing the dealer to sell you the car as promised.

Used in a sentence

“The seller refused to close on the house, so the buyer sought specific performance to compel the sale rather than accept damages.”

Related terms

Breach
A failure to do what a contract requires, such as not paying or not delivering.
Remedy
A legal action or payment a court awards to fix a harm or enforce a right after a breach.
Injunction
A court order telling someone to stop doing something or start doing something.
Enforceability
The legal ability to compel someone to follow through on a contract's terms in court.
Equitable Relief
A court remedy other than money, like ordering someone to do or stop doing something.
Offer
A proposal to enter into a binding agreement on specific terms.
Acceptance
Agreeing to the exact terms of an offer, creating a binding contract.
Consideration
Something of value exchanged by each party to make a contract binding.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.