Mutuality of remedy is a prerequisite for specific performance. Which statement best describes it?

• A. Both parties must have a remedy available
• B. Only plaintiff must have a remedy
• C. The contract must be in writing
• D. The consideration must be adequate

Answer: (B)

Specific performance is an equitable remedy that foundations its availability on having a valid path to relief for the party seeking enforcement. The idea of mutuality of remedy means the court will not order this remedy unless there is a suitable way for the plaintiff to obtain relief if the other side breaches. In practice, what matters is that the plaintiff has a remedy to enforce the contract; the defendant’s own potential remedy isn’t the gating factor. If damages would be adequate, or if the contract isn’t sufficiently reciprocal in its relief structure, specific performance might be denied. The key point is that the plaintiff must have a workable remedy to rely on, while the defendant’s ability to seek relief isn’t the controlling requirement. The contract being in writing or the adequacy of consideration isn’t what determines specific performance here.