Chapter 7 - Contract and Business Law - Concepts Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

The right to enter into contract is basic to the (1) system, though over time contracts have become regulated by (2) and (3). The ALI’s (4) attempts to make consistent terminology used in contracts.

A
  1. free enterprise
  2. legislatures
  3. courts
  4. Restatement (Second) of Contracts
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
1
Q

A (1) states a party cannoy introduce oral evidence to contradict the terms of a (2) that is complete. This does not apply to (3), (4), (5) or (6) and sometimes oral agreements will be used to clear up (7).

A
  1. parol evidence rule 2. fraud 3. duress 4. misrepresentation 6. amendments (change orders, eg) 7. ambiguities
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

2 basic types of contracts

A
  1. express

2. implied (buying a hamburger)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Lecture: 3 building blocks of contract law

A
  1. offer 2. acceptance 3. consideration
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

A contract in which parties exchange promises is a (1); one in which one party responds to another’s offer by performing an act is a (2). An (3) is one that has yet to be performed; an (4) is one where the performance has been completed.

A
  1. bilateral
  2. unilateral
  3. executory contract
  4. executed contract
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

An (1) a contract occurs when one one party to a contract assigns rights to another who is not a party to the original contract. Usually allowed as long as the (2) or a (3) does not say otherwise; a (4) may still approve the assignment in these cases.

A
  1. assignment 2. contract 3. statute 4. courts
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Difference between a voidable contract and a void contract

A

The voidable contract is one that may be legitimately cancelled; a void contract is one not recognized by law (such as a contract to kill someone)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Although (1) can be assigned, (2) of same person may not be delegated. The non-assigning party retains all (3) and (4) under the contract.

A
  1. rights 2. duties 3. rights 4. defenses
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

A contract utilizing a (1) such as a check or promissory note would require precise terms and thus be a (2); other contracts are (2).

A
  1. negotiable instrument
  2. formal contract
  3. informal contracts
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

The three basic components of a contract are the (1), (2) and (3). there must be (4) of two or more parties who have the (5).

A
  1. offer
  2. acceptance
  3. consideration (exchange of benefits/promise/forbearance)
  4. mutual assent
  5. capacity to contract (age of legal majority, competent)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

In contract law, the (1) must manifest an (2), while the (3) must accept the offer on the (4).

A
  1. offeror
  2. intention to become legally bound
  3. offeree
  4. terms proposed
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Lucy v. Zehmer,in which a person sold a 471-acre farm for $50,000, was a case in which the SC used a (1) standard to determine that a contract was valid even though the offeror claimed it was a (2).

A
  1. reasonableness

2. joke

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

An ad that is definite as to (1), (2) and (3) can be seen as an intention to be bound and upholdable as a contract; in most cases ads would not be seen as valid (4) so lack of stock could not be sued for.

A
  1. time
  2. place
  3. description of goods
  4. legal offer
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Where there is not definite information in a contract, (1) applies. For example, acceptance of an oral offer must be made (2). (3) may also play in. Conditional acceptance of terms are seen by law as a (4) and thus a (5) of the original terms.

A
  1. reasonableness
  2. by the end of the conversation
  3. Customs of an industry
  4. counter-offer
  5. rejection
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

The precursors of the “consideration” standard of seriousness in a contract were (1) and (2). In common law consideration was a (3) or a (4).

A
  1. oaths
  2. seals
  3. benefit to a promisor
  4. detriment to a promisee
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

4 things consideration in exchange for a promise can be

A
  1. an act other than a promise (labor in return for a promise to pay)
  2. a forbearance (agree not to build annex to house in exchange for right to use neighbor’s well)
  3. the creation, modification or destruction of a legal relation (withdrawal from a partnership so daughter can be partner)
  4. a return promise (deed for money)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

A promise in a contract cannot be (1)–that is, it must commit to do something definite, instead of saying, “I will pay you when I have money). Courts generally do not become involved in the (2) of American contracts, provided no (3) is involved. However, agreeing to accept a lesser amount than the debt creates an agreement called an (4) that extinguishes the debt.

A
  1. illusory
  2. adequacy of consideration
  3. fraud
  4. accord and satisfaction
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

A (1), or act previously committed, cannot be grounds for a contract. (2) also cannot be considered–for example, payment cannot be offered to police to respond to a crime. The requirement of consideration may be dropped in cases of (3), such as if one party incurs expenses based on promises of other party. This includes promises of funds to (4) who relied on that promise.

A
  1. past consideration
  2. pre-existing duty
  3. promissory estoppel
  4. charities
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

A (1) does not have legal capacity to enter into contracts and thus may (2) a contract. This is seen in purchasing (3) such as cars and in (4). Persons under (5) for any reason are legally incapable of contracting, as are (6) people.

A
  1. minor
  2. disaffirm
  3. unnecessary
  4. marriage contracts
  5. legal guardianship
  6. intoxicated
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Law does not enforce contracts to do (1). This is often extended to lenders’ (2).

A
  1. criminal acts

2 usurious rates of interest

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

In a (1), either party can avoid a contract; however, a (2) is no grounds for avoidance. (3), however, is grounds for avoidance. A contract can also be avoided for (4)–if inequality of acceptance is so strong as to shock the conscience. The (5) supports this last one.

A
  1. mutual mistake (both parties are mistaken)
  2. unilateral mistake (one party makes a mistake)
  3. material misrepresentation of fact (tampered odometer)
  4. unconscionability
  5. Uniform Commercial Code
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

The meaning of (1) is somewhat vague. The old standard is that in the absence of constitutional or statutory provisions, it can be found in (2) and the (3). Public policy plays a part in how contracts are enforced, especially in (4).

A
  1. public policy
  2. decisions of courts
  3. practice of government officials
  4. covenants not to compete
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

5 types of contracts which statutes of frauds require to be in writing

A
  1. sale of real estate or lease for more than a year
  2. marriage
  3. anything that cannot be performed within a year
  4. payment of a debt (such as suretyship)
  5. sale of personal property over $500
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

2 exceptions to the requirement that specified types of contracts be in formal writing

A
  1. informal memos that describe parties, subject matter and essential terms of contract (for real estate, also a description of property)
  2. knowingly allowing someone to do work that has not been ordered
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Duties may be (1); however, the (2) remains liable. The (3) must be able to perform as effectively as the (4). Construction, delivery, etc.can be delegated; (5) are non-delegable.

A
  1. delegated 2. contracting party 3. delegatee 4. delegator 5. professional services (doctor, lawyer)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Normally (1) have the right to enforce the contract, but most contracts can be (2). The right to enforce a contract also extends to (3) and (4).

A
  1. parties to a contract
  2. assigned (so assignee can enforce)
  3. third-party donee beneficiary (recipient of life insurance)
  4. third-party creditor beneficiary (such as someone who should be paid back by contract between other people…a transferred loan)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Fulfillment of a contract constitutes (1); excused lack of fulfillment is (2), (3) or delays due to strike, adverse weather conditions or (4). Clauses accounting for these possibilities are sometimes referred to as (5).

A
  1. performance
  2. impossibility of performance
  3. illegal obligations in contract
  4. acts of God
  5. force majeure clauses
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Fulfillment of a contract constitutes (1); excused lack of fulfillment is (2), (3) or delays due to strike, adverse weather conditions or (4). Clauses accounting for these possibilities are sometimes referred to as (5).

A
  1. performance
  2. impossibility of performance
  3. illegal obligations in contract
  4. acts of God
  5. force majeure clauses
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Non-performance of a contract is (1); denial of the contract before the time for performance is (2). The three judicial remedies for breach are (3), (4) and (5).

A
  1. breach of contract
  2. anticipatory breach
  3. damages
  4. specific performance
  5. rescission of the contract
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Damages in contract cases are usually assessed by a (1) and are usually (2) for the plaintiff to recover what he would have gained had the contract been executed. Damages have to be proven to have been (3).

A
  1. jury
  2. compensatory
  3. reasonably foreseeable
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Three other types of damages, besides compensatory, that may be awarded.

A
  1. nominal (breach did occur but no damages)
  2. liquidated (specified in contract how damages are calculated, such as how much per day if a construction project is late)
  3. punitive (when related to torts only!)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

3 cases where a court may order rescission (cancellation) of contract

A
  1. party was fraudulently induced to enter contract
  2. void contract
  3. party unable to perform
34
Q

Courts often require specific performance where a contract is breached to sell a (1), including (2). Usually it is not used for making a person render personal service, because this could be seen as (3).

A
  1. unique item
  2. real estate
  3. involuntary servitude.
35
Q

The purpose of the Uniform Commercial Code is (1). It has been a boon to (2), especially between merchants. Contracts deal mostly with article (3) and (4),

A
  1. uniform laws for the sales of goods
  2. interstate commerce`
  3. 2 (sales)
  4. 9 (secured transactions)
36
Q

3 main parts of the sales article of the UCC are:

A
  1. acceptance of offer even if acceptance proposes changes
  2. implied warranty of merchantability (goods are fit for ordinary use)
  3. implied warranty of fitness of goods (for buyer’s particular purpose)
37
Q

(1) are substitutes for money in commercial transactions where more than two persons are involved.

A
  1. commercial papers
38
Q

4 standards to make a person a holder in due course of negotiable legal instrument (such as with commercial papers)

A
  1. takes for value
  2. in good faith
  3. without knowledge it has been dishonored or is overdue
  4. without knowledge there is any defense against or claim to it by any other person
39
Q

2 main standards of negotiable legal instruments

A
  1. unconditional order or promise in writing to pay

2. payable on demand or at a fixed/determinable time

40
Q

A check is a legal instrument where the bank customer (1) orders the bank (2) to pay the (3) of the check a certain amount.

A
  1. drawer
  2. drawee
  3. payee
41
Q

A promissory note is a legal document whereby the (1) promises to pay the (2) a sum of money either (3) or (4).

A
  1. maker
  2. payee
  3. on demand
  4. at a certain time
42
Q

A draft is a (1) requesting payment of a certain sum to a (2).

A
  1. written order

2. third person

43
Q

2 ways banking has been modified

A
  1. Electronic Fund Transfer Act

2. Check Clearing for the 21st Century

44
Q

A security agreement is a (1) that grants a creditor a security interest in (2) pledged by a borrower, and it is perfected by filing a (3) giving public notice of the security holder’s interest.

A
  1. contract
  2. collateral (security)
  3. financing statement
45
Q

4 most common types of business associations

A
  1. sole proprietorships
  2. partnerships
  3. corporations
  4. limited liability companies
46
Q

In a sole proprietorship, the owner has (1), enjoys (2) and suffers (3). These are not (4) from the owner. The owner is also responsible for all (5) and (6). If he operates under a name different from his own, he may have to file under (7).

A
  1. control
  2. profits
  3. losses
  4. separately taxed
  5. contracts
  6. torts
  7. fictitious name laws
47
Q

A general partnership is two or more people who combine (1), (2) and (3) to carry on a business. Each partner is liable for (4), and each is (5) and (6) liable for contract and tort. They file (7) federal tax returns but report profits and losses in (8).

A
  1. money
  2. property
  3. skills
  4. debts
  5. individually
  6. jointly
  7. informational
  8. personal tax returns
48
Q

In a limited partnership,a partner can limit his (1) to his (2).

A
  1. liability to debts

2. investment

49
Q

A corporation is considered a (1) under the 14th Amendment and so has a legal existence separate from its (2). The corporate charter grants the corporation (3), provides for sharing of (4) and selection of (5). (6) allows voting for directors; (7) gives priority to receive dividends and to receive assets at dissolution. A small corporation with fewer stockholders is a (8).

A
  1. person
  2. stockholders
  3. certain powers
  4. stock
  5. officers and directors
  6. common stock
  7. preferred stock
  8. closely held corporations
50
Q

5 advantages to a corporation

A
  1. limited liability (stockholders are not liable for debts or legal action)
  2. aggregation of capital
  3. perpetual existence (beyond death of owners)
  4. transferability of ownership (through stock exchange)
  5. continuity of management (officers, directors)
51
Q

To become a corporation, (1) are submitted and the executive department issues a (2) which contains information and rules about the business. A lawful corporation is (3); a corporation is domestic in the state it is (4); in others it is (5) and may be subject to additional requirements. A fraudulent corporation which has stockholders by no assets or employees is called a (6) and courts may hold stockholders personally liable. Attacking these is called (7)

A
  1. articles of incorporation
  2. certificate of incorporation
  3. de jure
  4. incorporated
  5. foreign
  6. shell corporation
  7. piecing the corporate veil
52
Q

Powers listed in article of incorporation are (1); (2) are what are reasonably necessary to carry these out. A corporation acting beyond its powers commits (3).

A
  1. express powers
  2. implied powers
  3. ultra vires act
53
Q

Directors and officers have a duty to to avoid (1). Stockholders may inspect (2) and may vote for (3) and for (4).

A
  1. conflicts of interest
  2. books and records
  3. directors
  4. major actions (mergers, consolidations)
54
Q

Corporations whose shares are widely held by the general public are (1). Blue sky laws are state laws requiring (2) to make certain (3) and penalize use of (4).

A
  1. publicly traded corporations
  2. issuers of securities
  3. disclosures
  4. insider information
55
Q

A modern form of business is the (1), which has characteristics of a partnership and corporation. It is created under (2) and is controlled by an (3). Both members are liable for (4) but one may be insulated from (5) of the other.

A
  1. limited liability company
  2. state law
  3. operating agreement
  4. debts/obligations
  5. actions (negligence, etc)
56
Q

The (1) placed limits on monopolistic practices to avoid concentration of power in few corporations. Other modern regulation of corporations include (2) and (3).

A
  1. Sherman Antitrust Act (1890)
  2. right to strike/collectively bargain
  3. Civil Rights Act of 1964
57
Q

Lecture: The key term of a contract is (1), which does not have to mean (2). Almost all (3) deal with contracts.

A
  1. enforceable
  2. written (though oral is a matter of proof)
  3. areas of law
58
Q

Lecture: The three requirements of a contract.1

A
  1. offer
  2. acceptance
  3. consideration
59
Q

Lecture: The offer and acceptance requirements of the contract make up (1). An offer is a (2) of a (3) to enter into a (4) which justifies another person in understanding that his or her assent can (5). Sometimes this is more than just words–it can include (6).

A
  1. mutual agreement (mutual assent)
  2. manifestation
  3. willingness
  4. bargain (agreement)
  5. conclude the bargain
  6. actions
60
Q

Lecture: Acceptance is a (1) of (2) to the (3) made by the offeror in a manner (4) or (5) by the offeror.

A
  1. manifestation
  2. assent
  3. terms
  4. invited
  5. required
61
Q

Lecture:The offeror of a contract is the (1) because he sets (2) and (3).

A
  1. master
  2. conditions
  3. how offer can be accepted
62
Q

Lecture: A contract is generally not enforceable if not supported by (1). This is usually some kind of detriment, in which each person (2), (3), or (4). It can also be described as (5) or (6).

A
  1. consideration
  2. suffers something
  3. gives up something
  4. refrains from doing something
  5. “bargain for exchange”
  6. “give and take”
63
Q

Lecture: Courts often uphold contracts, finding (1) even where it doesn’t exist. Courts do not look into (2). An act already performed cannot be part of a contract–this is (3). The person must also have to (4) before accepting and acting, to, for example, cash in an award. (5) also prevent additions to contracts with no added benefits from being considered consideration.

A
  1. consideration
  2. adequacy of consideration
  3. past consideration
  4. know of an offer
  5. pre-existing duties (house-building example)
64
Q

Lecture: If consideration lacks, it is a (1). But if one person acts in reliance on a promise, the contract will be (2) by (3).

A
  1. gift
  2. enforced
  3. promissory estoppel
65
Q

Lecture:Contracts can be (1) or (2), and (3) or (4).

A
  1. express (written properly)
  2. implied (sitting in a chair for a haircut)
  3. bilateral (promise for a promise)
  4. unilateral (promise for an act)
66
Q

Lecture:Unilateral failures are not (1) and unilateral contracts can be (2) at any time before the act. Because bilateral contracts include a (3) and the other may rely on it, this is breach.

A
  1. breach
  2. withdrawn
  3. promise
67
Q

Lecture:A void contract has no (1), as if it (2). This includes (3) and (4).

A
  1. legal effect
  2. never existed
  3. gambling contracts
  4. extra marriages
68
Q

Lecture: In a (1), one party may choose to enforce or not to enforce a contract. This includes (2) and (3)–the latter of which may be (4) when the person is legal.

A

1, voidable

  1. drunk marriage
  2. sale to minors
  3. disaffirmed
69
Q

Lecture:6 contracts that must be in writing according to statutes of frauds

A

MYLEGS

  1. Marriage (eg prenup)
  2. Year - date of contract to action is longer than a year
  3. Land - offers to sell, easements, leases over a year
  4. Estate debts of another - funeral costs, etc.
  5. Goods over $500 - contracts with same seller are aggregated
  6. suretyships
70
Q

Lecture:In (1), each person is liable for a debt if the other doesn’t pay. (2) say that you must have exhausted all efforts to get the other person to pay before going after the co-signer. This is also called (3).

A
  1. co-signing
  2. suretyships
  3. jointly liable, severally payable
71
Q

Lecture: Once a contract is (1), or embodied in a written agreement, a contract cannot be considered (2) because of something said (3). This is called the (4)

A
  1. integrated
  2. breached
  3. prior
  4. parol evidence rule
72
Q

Lecture: Assignment is transfer of (1) or (2) and can be done in almost any situation. (3), (4) and (5) are exceptions.

A
  1. property
  2. rights
  3. booking of singers (irreplaceable professionals)
  4. personal service (sending a new employee to another employer)
  5. wages
73
Q

Lecture: A breach is the (1) without (2) to perform any (3) of a contract. The breach creates a (4) for (5).

A
  1. failure
  2. legal excuse
  3. promises
  4. cause of action
  5. damages
74
Q

Lecture: Delegation is transfer of (1) and (2) and is generally ok, but the (3) is responsible. Again, a (4) may not delegate that duty.

A
  1. obligations
  2. duties
  3. delegator
  4. singer
75
Q

Lecture: 4 legal remedies for breach of contract

A
  1. compensatory/expectation - put person in position that would have been in had contract been carried out
  2. reliance - as if contract had never been made (when compensatory are too speculative)(pay back what non-breaching party paid on their end)
  3. nominal (affirms breach, but no damges)
  4. punitive - NOT in contract–torts ONLY
76
Q

Lecture: 3 equitable remedies for breach of contract

A
  1. specific performance (perform contract)
  2. injunction
  3. mandatory injunction (prevent singer making money off other contract)
77
Q

Lecture: THe Uniform Commercial code is the (1) and exists because of (2). It asks the question of whose (3) in the case of a (4). It is (5) adopted from a model.

A
  1. law of sales
  2. interstate commerce
  3. law applies
  4. breach
  5. state law
78
Q

Lecture: The two articles the UCC refers to for contracts is (1) and (2).

A
  1. 2 - sales

2. 9 - secured transactions

79
Q

Lecture: 6 things sole proprietorships mean for the owner

A
  1. pay expenses
  2. pay taxes on money made
  3. no separate identity from business
  4. no shares
  5. EIN number - “social security”
  6. registration of fictitious name
80
Q

Lecture: 4 things partnerships mean for owners

A
  1. each has own skills
  2. liable for action of partner
  3. income tax paid separately by partners
  4. limited partnership - liability limited to investment