Contract 1 Flashcards
3 requirements for a contract
Agreement (with offer accepted)
Intention to create legal relations
Consideration
(AIC)
(Alice Is Cold)
Bilateral vs unilateral contract?
Bilateral = promise in return for a promise
(promise to pay u)
Unilateral = promise in return for an act
(e.g. lost pet) (aka “if” contracts)
(promise vs perform)
What constitutes a valid agreement?
Offer accepted
All material terms agreed
What is the difference between offer and invitation to treat?
Invitation to treat - inviting negotiation
(e.g. “would you be interested in buying?”)
Can’t be accepted.
When can an offer NOT be accepted?
Once terminated
Due to rejection, revocation or lapse of time
Revocation must be ____
Communicated
Requirements for acceptance to be valid?
- Unconditional
- Communicated by words or conduct (nod/wink fine)
What is the postal rule?
Letter of acceptance binding when posted
Offer and acceptance at an auction?
Bids = offers
Hammers = acceptance
When is acceptance / revocation communicated to businesses?
When reasonable to expect it to be read
businesses - during normal office hours
(the courts love WLB!)
Elements of an offer?
- Expression
(words/conduct basis contract) - Intention
(what reas person thought - e.g. sold 5k by accident but intended 6k) - Addressed
(to person who will accept)
Is there a limit to how many people a contract can be addressed to?
No - can be whole of world.
Are goods on display offer or invitation to treat?
Invitation to treat
(i.e. to select the goods and put in trolley - you can change mind/cashier can refuse to sell - no obligations)
Are advertisements an offer or invitation to treat?
Usually invitation to treat
Otherwise issue if run out stock
Unless:
- adverts of reward - eg find my dog
- sometimes if shows intention bind (unilateral)
“Without reserve” meaning?
No minimum price that auctioneer must sell something at
Damages for breach in auction?
Loss expectation
(if have to pay more elsewhere, diff between that and price would have paid)
When will a tender be an offer instead of invitation to treat? What type of contract will be formed
Specifically promised to accept lowest tender; or
Impliedly promised to consider
(e.g. if submit on time)
Unilateral
Who can communicate acceptance?
Offeree or authorised agent
Acceptance of offer for unilateral contract will always be in what form?
Conduct
Can silence amount to acceptance?
Only if coupled with conduct clearly signifying acceptance
eg wink
What is a counter-offer and effect of that?
Adds conditions to acceptance
Destroys original offer and cycle starts again
What is battle of forms?
Two companies want their standard Ts and Cs
Last shot - last to send without rejection
Requirements for postal rule to apply
- reasonable to post
- properly addressed, stamped and posted
- postal rule not excluded
(e.g. if specified how to accept)
If letter sent in post and postal rule DOESN’T apply, when is the offer made?
Received
ways offer can be terminated?
- Express rejection
- Withdrawal
- Lapse of time
- Counter-offer
Can you revoke an offer before acceptance IF promised to keep open for certain time?
Yes.
Unless offeree gave something in return for keeping offer open
(e.g. £1)
Unilateral contracts - when does acceptance and consideration taken place?
Commencement of act
(no need to communicate)
How can you revoke an offer made to world at large?
Publish notice of revocation in same place as offer
Postal rule does not apply to ______ ?
Revocation
(is just once received)
Can an authorised agent communicate revocation?
No - only acceptance
When will offer expire (lapse of time)?
The specified time
If not specified, reasonable time
(varies - e.g. perishable goods)
If unclear whether parties have agreed material terms, what should you consider?
(nb usually business)
same trade? trade usage? acted upon? mechanism for resolving uncertainty - ADR?
e.g.
agree hire purchase terms but no HP agreement , too vague
timber of fair specification - dealt w each other in past/in trade/partly performed - no uncertainty
Where is there (/is there not) intention to create legal relations?
Commercial (inc both individuals e.g. buying out of newspaper) - yes
Domestic (fam/friends) - no
When can intention to create legal relations be rebutted in commercial context?
Express statement that not legally binding
e.g. ‘binding in honour only’
When will no intention legal relations in domestic be rebutted?
Facts suggest otherwise - e.g. sum/closeness reli/arms length/express agreemnet
e.g.
divorce.
two friends joint business.
expressly agree.
selling house.
Executory vs executed consideration?
Executory = a promise
Executed = an act
What is sufficient consideration?
What is NOT?
Something APPROPRIATE in return.
Money, goods and services are fine.
Promise to refrain from swearing, gamblings, drinking and smoking fine.
(even if never done before)
Not:
- love and affection
- stop complaining about being disinherited
Is performance of a public duty sufficient consideration?
No
But EXCEEDING it is
Is past consideration sufficient consideration?
No
Unless:
- Was done at request;
- Mutual understanding would compensate; AND
- If promised in advance, would it have been enforceable?
(i.e. intention)
e.g.
- I asked Luke to survey house;
- Both believed I would pay him (even though never said); and
- AIC.
When can a contract be varied?
agreement, intention legal reps and consideration
(often fails at consideration)
Will there be valid consideration for a promise to pay more?
ONLY if:
- exceeded contractual duty
(e.g. work overtime);
or - conferred practical benefit (unless duress)
(e.g. avoid penalty clause)
Re potential duress cases:
- if agreed but received practical benefit, no duress
Rule in Pinnel’s case re part p of debt
debt cases:
agreement between creditor and debtor that creditor will accept part payment in full and final settlement will not be binding
(ie insufficient consideration)
but if you give something else other than part-payment (hawk/robe etc) then will be sufficient
Exception to rule in Pinnel’s case - when will part payment of debt be OK?
If they confer practical benefit other than the part-payment
(e.g. complete on time)
horse, hawk or robe - literally anything else
What is promissory estoppel?
Prevents debtor going back on promise to accept part payment (even if no consideration)
Limits to promissory estoppel?
- defence only
- creditor can resume right to full payment going forward if reasonable notice
(just can’t claim backwards - reasonable is on facts) - clean hands (debtor can’t taken advantage C’s financial difficulties)
Promissory estoppel requirements to apply
Promised not to enforce legal rights; and
Relied (despite proving no consideration); then
Estopped if inequitable
Do you need detrimental reliance for promissory estoppel?
No
(High Trees - they paid half rent instead of full and nothing else)
What would you use first - exception to Pinnel’s case or promissory estoppel?
Pinnel’s case
Promissory estoppel only if no consideration
What is the rule of privity?
Only parties to the contract have rights and liabilities under it
(this is the general rule)
When may a third party acquire the benefit of a contract?
C(RTP) Act
Contract expressly states; OR
Clearly intended they should be able to enforce it
EITHER WAY
must be identified by name or member of particular class
(e.g. Christmas gift receipt ask if buying for fam)
When may an authorised agent bind a principal to a contract?
Actual (express or implied) authority; OR
Authority arising via estoppel
(e.g. even tho pub manager told not to make purchases outside of ales - implied authority to buy cigars)
What is an ‘agent’ for purposes TP to contract?
Examples
Have ability or power to change legal relations of whom agent
so they are the party to contract on behalf of principal (who is the TP)
E.g.
- travel agents
- auctioneers
- company directors
- shop assistants
Who is a TP in law of agency?
Not someone standing outside contract w principal
They ARE party to that contract.
When may agent have APPARENT authority to form contract?
PRINCIPAL representing agent had authority (words or conduct)
Other party relied and acted upon
(e.g. entering contract)
e.g. shop assistant, showing people round, previously made purchases there
In contract between agent and another, does the agent have any liabilities/rights?
No - as long as authorised, it is between principal and other party
Are contracts between minors and others binding?
Generally no unless for:
necessary goods/services; or
for service and more beneficial than not
other party will still be bound
Will a person suffering from a mental impairment or drunk be bound by a contract?
Voidable if:
- did not comprehend nature of deal; AND
- o/party aware of that
Will a statutory corporation be bound by contracts outside its statutory powers?
No - if contract outside statutory powers will be ultra vires and void
(nb corps created by statute e.g. local authorities)
What do LLPs have capacity for in terms of entering contracts?
Unlimited
What counts as necessaries (for child entering contract)?
Extends beyond absolute essentials (eg. food/basic clothes)
Depends on social status and actual requirements
(its giving essential waitrose)
e.g. 16 y/o wealthy school boy buying expensive blazer - depends on if adequate supply of blazers etc
When may contract of service be sufficient to bind minor?
Benefits more than not
e.g. contracts of employment for experience such as apprenticeship
- nb didn’t bind Wayne Rooney terminated contract before end of 2 years for football club as not for necessities.
Is an unincorporated association a valid contracting party?
No
e.g. a club
so can’t SUE individual member for it - only the person who made it / anyone who authorised
How much capacity to registered companies have to enter into contracts?
Unlimited beyond anything in company’s constitution
Will minors be bound by trading contracts?
No
(e.g. a 17 year old selling dancing shoes would not be bound)
How can EXPRESS terms be incorporated into a contract?
Any of:
- Signature
- Reasonable notice before, or at time of, the contract
- Previous consistent course of dealing
(usually use latter two if not signed)
Three classifications of terms?
Warranties
Conditions
Innominate terms
Rights if CONDITION breached prima facie?
Terminate future performance of contract AND claim damages
Remedy where warranty is breached?
Damages only
Remedy for breach of innominate terms?
Wait to see what consequences is.
Terminate only if breach deprives substantially of whole intended benefit.
How may terms be implied?
- Custom
- Fact, based on presumed intention of parties
- Law: certain terms implied into common contracts
- Statute
What will court consider in determining if given reasonable notice as to INCORPORATE term into contract?
🏖️
- Nature of document
(reasonable person expect contractual? e.g. not if on back of ticket after paying for deckchair - assume receipt)🎫 - Timing ⏰
(can’t be AFTER contract) - Too onerous? 😰
- Exemption clause legible? 🔍
- If terms on back of doc, words on front e.g. ‘see terms overleaf?’ 🍀
(would signify they are incorporated - had notice if overleaf)
When will a previous course of dealing allow a term to be deemed contractual?
Lots of regular dealings on exact same terms.
Even if provided Ts and Cs AFTER contract (e.g. invoice)
(e.g. 3-4 times per year for long period and sale note routinely handed Ts and Cs)
If contract not for necessities and therefore doesn’t bind minor, it will be _____ at their _____
voidable
option
Is a clause in contract preventing third parties enforcing their rights valid?
Yes - can only enforce if was parties intention so can expressly state in contract that didn’t intend it
Will a term be condition / warranty because they are named as such in contract?
Only if drafted by lawyers
If drafted by non-lawyer - look at circumstances and whether intended for breach to lead to termination
Example of terms which are judicially recognised as being conditions?
‘Expected ready to load’ clauses in contracts to hire ships
What should happen if a term is classified as a condition in the contract but breach so slight it would be unreasonable to terminate as a result?
Regard as innominate or intermediate term
When will term be implied by custom?
Reflects well-known and legally binding customs of a particular trade
Unless contradicts express term contract
When will term be implied by fact?
Parties not expressly agreed but contract unworkable without so presume implicitly agreed
(so obvs it goes w/o saying)
When will term be implied by law?
Law regards as a necessary for certain types contract
e.g. employment contract - implied duty to provide healthy and safe env’t and employee to provide honest and loyal service
Implied terms between B2B for sale and supply of goods
(SGA 1979)
- has right to sell them
- correspond w description
- satisfactory quality to standard of reas person, considering price and description
- if expressly/impliedly let know purpose, reas fit for that purpose - unless buyer does not or is unreas to rely on skill judgment seller
SGA 1979 B2B implied terms for supply/sale goods/services - what type of terms are (the ones we look at) classified as?
What’s the impact of this?
Conditions
Strict liability (fault not req)
Prima facie breach - get refund as well as damages (subject to bars)
Bars to rejecting goods under SGA 1979 (implied terms B2B supply sale goods services)
A) Accepted goods (eg suggested acceptance to o/s or kept beyond reas time); OR
B) Breach so slight unreasonable to reject
Meaning of strict liability
Seller not need to be at fault for issue. Reason for issue irrelevant. Liable anyway.
When does the other statute re sale of goods implying terms to contracts apply - i.e. what type of work does it apply to? SGSA 1982
For a service/work (e.g. furniture removal)
And those involving supply of work and material (e.g. to supply and fit new kitchen)
What CONDITIONS are implied under SGSA and what type contracts apply to?
(work/services/materials one)
(remember SGSA is for service contracts AND services involving supply materials eg fit new kitchen)
ONLY where service contract involves supply goods
- Right to transfer ownership in goods
- Goods correspond description
- Satisfactory quality
- If let know purpose goods and reas rely skill/knowledge, fit for the purpose
(strict liability / prima facie etc - see OneNote)
What innominate terms are there under SGSA and what types of contract for?
(SGSA covers work/materials/service)
(a) Work and materials, and (b) service contracts
B2B
- Reas care and skill
- Reas timeframe
- Reas cost
B2C Consumer Rights Act - what implied terms for sale and supply of goods under goods/services contract?
All under SOGA/SOGAS
Including:
- Satisfactory quality
- If make purpose known and reas relies on skill/knowledge
- Correspond description
- Right to sell/transfer
And for sale AND supply of goods:
- reas care/skill, sum and cost
Re making known purpose of goods under SGA/SGSA/CRA, how can this be done?
Express or implied
What terms under CRA apply only to goods and services and service contracts?
(i.e. not sale of goods as well)
- Reas care and skill
- Reas sum
- Reas timeframe
What is liability standard under:
1. SOGA
2. SGSA
3. CRA?
- SOGA
= always strict
(because all conditions) - SGSA
supply materials via service = strict
services only = not strict
(and innominate) - CRA = always strict
What remedies does consumer have for breach re GOODS under CRA?
- Short-term right to reject and full refund
- Right to repair or replace if apt
- Right to price reduction or final right to reject and get partial refund reflecting C’s use of goods
(do in stages - 1. but if timeframe run out, 2. right to repair, if inapt, go to 3)
Can you claim damages as well as claiming under CRA re GOODS? Would you?
Yes
Would do if CRA didn’t fully compensate (e.g. partial refund)
(nb would be via common law, not CRA)
Time limit for short-term rights under CRA re GOODS?
30 days to reject non-perishable goods
After bought, delivered and where apt, installed
Perishable goods - time limit no longer than time reas expect to last
Time limit to rights OTHER than short-term rights under CRA re GOODS? Exceptions?
If goods don’t conform to contract anytime within 6 months of date of delivery, taken as not confirming to contract on that day
Unless perishable goods or can prove goods DID conform to contract on the day (difficult to)
What remedy can consumer enforce under CRA for service contracts?
Repeat performance if reas or price reduction
But if breached term to perform in reas time, only right to appropriate price reduction
(fair cos what’s point in repeating if done right)