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Simple English definitions for legal terms
contract-specification defense
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A quick definition of contract-specification defense:
Contract-Specification Defense: This is a defense that a contractor can use to avoid being held responsible for a defect in a product they made or performed, as long as they followed the specific instructions given to them in the contract. This defense is usually used for specialized components that are only used once. However, if the specifications in the contract are obviously dangerous, this defense cannot be used. Some courts do not accept this defense anymore, even if the contractor followed the contract exactly.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Contract-specification defense is a legal defense that protects a contractor from liability for a defect in a product if the contractor has manufactured or performed according to detailed contractual orders. This defense applies to specialized, single-use components and protects a component supplier from claims of negligent design if the component conforms to the contractual specifications, unless the specifications are obviously dangerous. However, modern strict liability laws have made this defense less effective.
Example: A company is contracted to manufacture a specialized component for a medical device. The contract specifies the exact materials, dimensions, and performance requirements for the component. The company produces the component according to the contract, but it later fails and causes harm to a patient. The company can use the contract-specification defense to argue that they are not liable for the defect because they followed the contractual specifications.
Explanation: This example illustrates how the contract-specification defense can protect a contractor from liability if they have followed the contractual specifications. In this case, the company can argue that they are not responsible for the defect because they produced the component according to the contract. However, if the specifications were obviously dangerous or if the company was negligent in following them, the defense may not apply.