Foulke v. Zimmerman was a case heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1871. The case involved a dispute between two parties over a contract for the sale of a steamboat. The plaintiff, Foulke, had entered into a contract with the defendant, Zimmerman, to purchase a steamboat for $2,000. Foulke paid the full amount, but Zimmerman refused to deliver the boat. Foulke then sued Zimmerman for breach of contract. The Supreme Court held that the contract was valid and enforceable. The Court found that the contract was supported by consideration, meaning that both parties had given something of value in exchange for the contract. The Court also found that the contract was not void for lack of mutuality, meaning that both parties had agreed to the same terms. Finally, the Court held that Foulke was entitled to damages for the breach of contract. In conclusion, the Supreme Court held that Foulke was entitled to damages for the breach of contract and that the contract was valid and enforceable. The Court found that the contract was supported by consideration and was not void for lack of mutuality.

In Foulke v. Zimmerman, the Supreme Court was tasked with determining whether a contract between two parties could be enforced when one of them had died before it was fully executed. The majority opinion held that the contract could not be enforced because it had not been completed prior to the death of one party and thus did not meet all legal requirements for enforceability. However, Justice Field dissented from this decision on the grounds that there were sufficient facts present in this case to support enforcement of an incomplete agreement under certain circumstances. He argued that if both parties had acted in good faith and intended to complete their agreement, then they should have been allowed to do so despite any technicalities or delays caused by either party's death. Furthermore, he noted that allowing such contracts would promote justice and fairness among those involved as well as encourage people to enter into agreements without fear of being unable to fulfill them due unforeseen events like death or illness occurring during negotiations.