Reviewed case brief

Fisher v. Bell

[1961] 1 QB 394

[1961] 1 QB 394 · Queen's Bench Division

literal-ruleoffer-for-saleinvitation-to-treatflick-knifestrict-construction
Court
Queen's Bench Division
Year
1961
Subjects
Interpretation of Statutes, Law of Contract I
Reviewed
2026-08-02

Rule established

Literal Rule applied strictly. Display of goods in a shop window is an invitation to treat, not an "offer for sale." Shopkeeper acquitted of offering a flick-knife for sale.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        [1961] 1 QB 394

        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.