Bastian, who lived in a rural area, contracted to have her wedding reception at the Vantage party house about 10 miles from her home. It was the only party house located within 150 miles. Three weeks prior to the wedding, this party house burned to the ground. Under the common law, Bastian's contract with the party house was discharged.

Question

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Under common law, a contract can be discharged if performance becomes impossible due to an unforeseen event that neither party could control or anticipate, such as the party house burning down. This is known as the doctrine of impossibility.

Bastian, Who Lived in a Rural Area, Contracted to Have