Chapter 12 Flashcards
Contract law deals with
the formation and keeping of promises.
Contract
An agreement that can be enforced in court formed by two parties.
Objective theory of contracts
Theory under which the intent to form a contract will be judged by outward, objective facts rather than by the party’s own subjective intentions.
Requirements of a valid contract
- Agreement
- Consideration
- Contractual Capacity
- Legality
Agreement
A meeting of two or more minds in regard to the terms of the contract.
Consideration
Exchange of items between parties
Contractual Capacity
Possess the characteristics that qualify them as competent parties
Legality
Contract must be legal
Defenses to enforcing a contract
- Voluntary Consent
- Form
Voluntary Consent
Consent of both parties must be voluntary.
Form
The contract must be in the form that the law requires.
Bilateral Contract
A type of contract that arises when a promise is given in exchange for a promise.
- Comes into existence the moment the promises are exchanged
Unilateral Contract
A contract that results when an offer can be accepted only by the offeree’s performance.
- Formed at the moment the contract is performed
Formal Contract
A contract that by law requires a specific form, such as being sealed, to be valid.
Informal Contract
A contract that does not require a specified form in order to be valid.
Express Contract
Contract in which the terms of the agreement are fully and explicitly stated in words, oral or written.
Implied Contract
A contract formed in whole or in part from the conduct of parties.
Valid Contract
A contract that results when the elements necessary for contract formation are present.
Unenforceable Contract
A valid contract rendered unenforceable by some statute or law.