A quasi contract, also known as a contract implied in law, is a legal obligation that is created by the courts in order to prevent injustice. It is not a traditional contract that is formed by the mutual agreement of the parties involved, but rather a contract that is imposed by law in certain circumstances. There are several types of quasi contracts, each of which serves a specific purpose.
One type of quasi contract is the contract implied in fact. This type of contract is created when the parties involved have a mutual understanding and agreement, even if they have not formally expressed it in writing or orally. For example, if a person hires a contractor to perform work on their home, and the contractor begins the work without a written contract, a contract implied in fact may be created.
Another type of quasi contract is the contract implied in law, also known as a constructive contract. This type of contract is created by the courts in order to remedy a situation where one party has provided a service or goods to another party without any agreement or expectation of payment. An example of this would be if a person is stranded on the side of the road and another person stops to help them, the person who provided the assistance may be entitled to compensation for their efforts, even though no agreement was made beforehand.
A third type of quasi contract is the quantum meruit, which is a Latin term meaning "as much as he has earned." This type of contract is used to determine the reasonable value of goods or services that have been provided when there is no express contract in place. It is commonly used in cases where one party has provided goods or services to another party, and the receiving party refuses to pay for them.
Finally, there is the contract of necessaries, which is a type of quasi contract that applies to goods or services that are necessary for the maintenance or support of an individual. This type of contract is usually created in situations where one party provides necessary goods or services to another party who is unable to pay for them due to age, illness, or other circumstances.
In conclusion, quasi contracts are legal obligations that are imposed by the courts in order to prevent injustice. There are several types of quasi contracts, including contracts implied in fact, contracts implied in law, quantum meruit, and contracts of necessaries. Each type serves a specific purpose and is used in different circumstances.