Which of the following is a recognized method for discharging contractual obligations other than breach?

• A. Specific performance
• B. Accord and satisfaction
• C. Impossibility, impracticability, or frustration of purpose
• D. Punitive damages

Answer: (C)

Discharging contractual obligations without a breach happens when unforeseen events excuse performance rather than one party failing to perform. The recognized doctrines here are impossibility, impracticability, or frustration of purpose. Impossibility covers situations where no one can legally or physically perform the contract. Impracticability applies when performance is possible but extremely burdensome or costly, far beyond what was contemplated at the time of contracting. Frustration of purpose occurs when the fundamental reason for entering the contract is undermined by an unforeseen event, so the performance left to be done no longer serves the contract’s purpose.

This is why the option describing these doctrines is the best choice. Specific performance, while a remedy for breach, compels performance rather than discharging obligations. Accord and satisfaction is a mutual agreement to substitute or settle obligations, which is a discharge by agreement but not the supervening-event discharge the question targets. Punitive damages are a remedy for breach, not a method to discharge obligations.