The case of Foakes v Beer (1884) 9 App Cas 605 is authority for the principle that payment of a lesser amount than that already owed:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The case of Foakes v Beer established the principle that payment of a lesser amount than that already owed is not sufficient consideration for the payee's promise to discharge the debt. In other words, the payee cannot demand full payment of the debt even if they have accepted a lesser amount as partial payment. This principle is based on the rule that paying a lesser amount is not a benefit to the payee, and thus cannot form the basis of a valid contract.

The Case of Foakes V Beer (1884) 9 App Cas