Which of the following is NOT a valid method to discharge a contract?

In contract law, there are several established methods by which a party can be discharged from their obligations under a contract. Among these methods, release, contractual novation, and performance are all recognized as valid ways to discharge a contract.

Release refers to the mutual agreement between the parties to terminate the contractual obligations. This can occur when both parties agree that the contract is no longer necessary or when one party agrees to release the other from the obligations in the contract.

Contractual novation involves the replacement of one of the parties in a contract with the consent of all parties involved. This creates a new contract whereby the new party takes on the rights and obligations, thereby discharging the original party from the contract.

Performance, on the other hand, refers to the fulfillment of the contractual terms as agreed upon by the parties. Once the obligations are fully performed, the contract is considered discharged.

In contrast, damages are a form of relief awarded for breach of contract rather than a method to discharge the contract itself. When a contract is breached, the non-breaching party can seek damages as compensation for the loss suffered but this does not release or discharge the breaching party from their obligations in the contract. Thus, damages do not represent a valid method for discharging