is an email legally binding

[dementedma]

In brief, I am organising an awards ceremony and a potential sponsor put forward someone from their company(radio) to mc on the night. I met her, approved it verbally and confirmed in an email we would use her. I asked them to draw up a detailed breakdown agreeing her duties on the night- along with some other info re their involvement-and them I would draw up a contract for both parties to sign. I asked more than once bit never received it. I have since had a better option and no longer want to use this woman. Am I bound to honour the original verbal/email agreement?

Did you offer to pay for this person's services?

Depends whether the email specifically referred to the fact that you needed the further info before you woukd enter into the contract. Would need to see the email really.

Yes agreed a cost but have emailed ecifically asking for an outline of what she would be doing on the night so we could draw up a contract and never got that

You would need to show an intention to create legal relations. The fact that there were things you wanted clarifying, and you wanted it in writing, suggests there wasn't such an intention, but the emails would have to be read in their entirety before anyone can reach a firm conclusion.

In answer to your headline question, you can be legally bound by an email you send.