Chapter 7: Performance of Contracts-II-Theory Flashcards
Who can perform the contract?
- Single promisor.
- By Third parties.
Who can perform the contract?
1. Single promisor.
A contact can be performed by Promisor or his Agent or his Legal Representatives (in case of death of promisor).
However, Agent or Legal Representative cannot perform contract if:
- Contract is of personal nature (e.g. marriage, art-work)
- It was agreed that promisor himself will perform.
Who can perform the contract?
2. By third parties.
A third party (i.e. a stranger to the contract) can also perform the contract with the consent of promisee.
If a promisee accepts performance from third party, he cannot demand it from promisor afterwards.
What are rules regarding performance of joint promise? (4 Headings)
Following rules apply unless agreed otherwise.
1. Liability to perform joint promise.
2. Liability in case of default.
3. Liability in case of death.
4. Liability in case of release of a joint promisor.
What are rules regarding performance of joint promise?
1. Liability to perform joint promise.
Joint promisors are jointly and severally liable to perform the contract.
Even a single promiser can be compelled to perform whole contract.
However, if a joint-promisor pays more than his share, he can claim equal contribution from other promisors.
What are rules regarding performance of joint promise?
2. Liability in case of default.
If a joint-promisor defaults, other promisors will bear the loss equally.
What are rules regarding performance of joint promise?
3. Liability in case of death.
If a promisor dies, his legal representatives are liable along with other joint promisors.
If all promisors die, their legal representatives are liable.
However, the liability of legal representatives is limited to the amount of estate of the deceased.
What are rules regarding performance of joint promise?
4. Liability in case of release of a joint promisor.
If promisee releases a promisor, other joint-promisors are not discharged from their liability.
Moreover, such released person is also liable to contribute to other promisors.
What to do if time and place is specified in the contract?
Contract must be performed at the specified time and place.
What to do if time is not specified in the contract?
Contract must be performed within a reasonable time on a working day and within the usual hours of business.
The question “what is a reasonable time” is a question of fact depending on each particular case.
What to do if place is not specified in the contract?
Promisor must apply (ask) promisee to confirm place of delivery.
Promisee must specify a proper place (e.g. at warehouse or shop, and not at a public place).
The question “what is the proper place” is a question of fact depending on each particular case.
What is meaning of Reciprocal promises?
Reciprocal promises mean promises which form consideration for each other.
Every contract has reciprocal promises (except agreements without consideration).
What are rules regarding performance (or order of performance) of reciprocal promises? (5 rules)
- When promises are to be performed simultaneously (mutual and concurrent promises).
- When the order of performance is expressly fixed by the contract (called mutual and dependent promises).
- Where the order is not expressly fixed by the contract (called Mutual and Independent promises).
- Legal and illegal promises.
- Preventing/neglecting party to perform the promise.
What are rules regarding performance (or order of performance) of reciprocal promises?
1. When promises are to be performed simultaneously (mutual and concurrent promises).
Such promises must be performed simultaneously.
A party need not to perform his promise if other party is not ready and willing to perform his promise.
What are rules regarding performance (or order of performance) of reciprocal promises?
2. When the order of performance is expressly fixed by the contract (called mutual and dependent promises).
Such promises must be performed in the order specified. A party need not to perform his promise if other party fails to perform his promise.