Buckeye Reporter

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Columbus, OH – The Buckeye Institute has taken a stand in an important contract law case by filing an amicus brief in Ashland Global Holdings v. SuperAsh Remainderman, urging the Ohio Supreme Court to reject the “honest mistake” doctrine.

“The freedom to make and enforce contracts is fundamental to advancing personal and business endeavors, and both the nation’s Founders and those establishing the state of Ohio prohibited the state from interfering with this freedom,” stated David C. Tryon, director of litigation at The Buckeye Institute.

Tryon emphasized, “Ashland Global had a contractual duty to do their job—its failure does not merit judicial intervention.” The case revolves around Ashland Global Holdings, a multi-billion-dollar company, failing to notify SuperAsh, as required by contract, about renewing its lease on land owned by SuperAsh. The Buckeye Institute argues against the judicial-created “honest mistake” doctrine, which allows courts to waive contractual consequences in cases of honest mistakes.

“In the world of contract law, intentions are not actions, and beliefs do not bind parties,” Tryon further explained, highlighting the importance of upholding contractual obligations and the principle of accountability in business relationships.