Chapter 3 Flashcards
Contract
An agreement that is legally enforceable
Essential elements of a contract
Capacity - the parties involved must be legally competent to make a contract
Offer - proposal on clear terms to start negotiations
Acceptance - a clear indication to accept offer
Consideration - a ‘price’ for the agreement
Intention - intend to be legally bound by the agreement
Must a company be properly incorporated before it can make a contact ?
Yes
When is a contract made ?
When a person who has received an offer unequivocally and validly accepts it
Invitee
A person invited to make an offer
Offeror
A person who makes an offer
Offeree
A person to whom an offer is made
Acceptor
An offeree who accepts an offer
Difference between an offer and an invitation
Invitation opens up discussions towards a possible agreement but only an offer can lead to an agreement
When can an offer cease to be in force ?
If it is rejected by the other party, if it lapses or is withdrawn by the one who made the offer
An offer is rejected if the offeree turns it down
Explicitly or by making a counter offer
Is a counter offer acceptance ?
No
What is a counter offer
Where the offeree accepts the offer but with qualifications or in terms different from those on which it is made
Can an offer lapse ?
Yes if it is not accepted within any time limit specified on it. If not time limit is specified then it lapses if not accepted within a reasonable time.
Also if the offeror becomes incapable of honouring it eg death
What are the rules of acceptance ?
An offer can be accepted anytime while it is in force
Acceptance must be motivated
Acceptance must be communicated. It cannot be imposed through the silence of one of the parties
Acceptance must be a true response to the offer and an unequivocal agreement to its terms