Contract Flashcards
What are the main elements to a contract
Offer
Acceptance
Intention to make it legally binding
What contracts require to be in writing?
Guarantees
Sale of interest in land
what contracts require to be by deed?
promises where nothing is received or promised in return such as a conveyance of land
What communication should be made for an offer?
It must contain an expression of a promise, undertaking or commitment to enter into a contract. The offeree must also have knowledge of the offer. It can be to specified individual or group or to the world at large
What are the terms of an offer?
Must be definite and certain in its essential terms. They cannot be too vague. Mainly, is the wording capable of being enforced.
what constitutes an invitation to treat rather than an offer?
Advertisements
Price lists
shop sales
Tenders
Auctions
What are unilateral contracts?
These arise when an offeror promises to do something if the offeree does something in return and actually performs what the offeror has asked.
How does revocation effect contracts?
An offer cannot be accepted if it has been terminated. It can be terminated by the offeror or offeree
How can an offeror revoke an offer?
The offer can directly or indirectly communicate to the offeree the termination of the offer
An offer can only be revoked indirectly if the offeree receives one of the following
- Correct information
- From a reliable source
- Acts of the offeror which would indicate to a reasonable person that the person no longer wishes to make an offer
When is revocation effective?
When received by the offeree either from offeror or a reliable third party
Revocation distinction from unilateral contracts?
An offer becomes irrevocable once performance under a unilateral contract has begun. This is similar for bilateral contracts however it is not the offer is irrevocable rather that performance constitutes acceptance.
How does an offeree revoke an offer?termination
Express rejection
Counteroffer
Lapse of time (varies depending on the type of goods being sold i.e fresh fish, fabrics, shares)
Distinction on mere enquires
Mere enquiries for further information will not constitute a counteroffer thus not rejection the offer. The test for this is whether a reasonable person would believe that the original offer had been rejected
When can offer be terminated by law?
Death of offeror or offeree
Destruction of subject matter
Illegality
Who may accept an offer?
only to the person whom the offer was made. A member of a class of people can also accept if the offer is directed to certain people i.e. readers of a certain newspaper
Rule of assigning
Generally acceptance of an offer cannot be assigned to someone else. However, agents may accept terms of an offer on the principal’s behalf. This would result in a contact between the offeror and the agent
Methods of acceptance of an offer?
Any reasonable manner and by any reasonable medium under the circumstances
Acceptance via specific method
If a particular method is expected by the offeror for acceptance unless this is fulfilled acceptance has not been made. However, acceptance can still be made if a done via another method that is not less advantageous than the one stipulated.
Silence on acceptance
Acceptance requires positive steps taken by the offeree, silence does not constitute this so, generally, silence will not be valid acceptance. there are some exception but these are rare.
Acceptance via conduct
An offeror can accept an offer via conduct,. The offeror must be aware of offeree’s conduct as to satisfy the communication element.
intention to create legal relations in domestic setting
The general presumption within domestic arrangements that parties do not intend to make legally binding agreements. This can be rebutted with evidence to the contrary
Capacity of creating legal relations
Persons under 18 are consider a minor. If a minor enters into a contract this would be voidable . Exception to this can be entering onto contracts for necessary goods or services and employment contracts.
What are the two types of consideration?
Executed - An act of forbearance is performed
Executory - Forbearance is promised in the future
How should consideration be applied the contract?
Consideration must move from the promise otherwise the contract cannot enforced if consideration was not provided.
What is the requirement of consideration?
Consideration must be sufficient but need not be adequate. However, courts still require consideration to have some value in the eyes of the law.
Performance amounting to consideration
Performance of an existing duty under a contract to the promisor is not good consideration . Yet if the promise is given in return for work beyond their obligation, then the parties are entering a new contract i.e. extra consideration for extra money
Exception to performance of an existing duty
An exception can arise under an existing duty under contract. If performance confers a practical benefit on a party offering extra consideration. Such as meeting a deadline to avoid sanctions, this may amount to good ocnsideration
Performance to a 3rd party considered consideration?
A promise to perform an existing duty owed to a 3rd part will be sufficient consideration for a promise given by the promisor
Effect of past consideration on a contract
Past consideration performed or promises that were done prior to entering the contract will not be sufficient consideration. There are three exception to this:
- Parties understood that the act was to be remunerated either by payment or other benefit
- Payment or other benefit must be legally enforceable
- The act must of been done at the promisor’s request
Consideration on part payment of a debt
Part payment will not satisfy a promise to accept this because there is no fresh consideration. Thus the promisor could still claim against the promisee for the remaining amount
What are the exceptions to the part payment of a debt rule?
- Debt is disputed in good faith
- Unliquidated claims, where the amount is uncertain
- Paying at a different place or earlier payment
- 3rd Party makes payment
Payment is made by different means i.e certain item of value - A composition with creditors, agreement with all creditors
What is promissory estoppel?
This gives legal effect to a legal agreement unsupported by consideration. This is an equitable principle which stops a creditor from going back on a promise to accept a lesser amount. It suspends creditors originals rights. Debtors can use this as a shield, not a sword. Creditors rights reactive when the reason for the creditor to not go back on their promise no longer applies.
what elements of promissory estoppel must apply
- There must be a clear and unequivocable promise by the promiser not to rely on existing legal rights.
- Promise must have altered the position in reliance of the promise.
- It must be inequitable form the promisor to go back on their promise.
Terms of a Contract?
The terms are the agreed content between parties in a contract. They differ from representations, which are non-binding statements intended to induce agreement. Terms in written contracts are clear, while oral contracts may require extraneous evidence to determine terms. Oral statements may supplement written contracts but are harder to prove due to the parol evidence rule.
Types of Contract Terms?
Terms can be classified as conditions or warranties:
Express Terms: Explicitly agreed upon or incorporated into the contract.
Implied Terms: Added by statute, courts, custom, or course of dealing.
The distinction between these types affects remedies in cases of breach.
Conditions vs. Warranties
Condition: Fundamental term; its breach allows termination and damages (e.g., failure of a singer to perform an opera).
Warranty: Incidental term; its breach only permits damages (e.g., missing rehearsals but performing shows).
Innominate Terms: Not classified as either; remedies depend on the breach’s effect
Representations vs. Terms
Representation: Induces contract entry but is not part of the contract.
Term: Incorporated into the contract; its breach entails a breach of contract.
Courts assess whether statements are terms or representations by examining their significance, timing, and the maker’s expertise
Keys statutes dealing with Implied Terms
Sale of Goods Act 1979 (SGA)
Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA)
Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (SGSA)
What are the implied terms under Sale of Goods act 1979 (SGA)?
Seller has legal right to sell the goods
Match any description applied by the seller
In sale of business, be of satisfactory quality
Be fit for any particular purpose made known to the buyer by the seller
This applies to
What are implied terms under Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (SGSA)
Provided with reasonable care and skill.
Completed within a reasonable time (if no deadline is agreed).
These are innominate terms, meaning remedies depend on the breach’s seriousness.
Also to note that these services are only for business to business contracts
What are implied terms under Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA)?
The CRA applies to contracts between traders and consumers. It ensures:
Goods match descriptions.
Goods are of satisfactory quality Good be fit for purpose.
Liability for breaches under the CRA cannot be excluded or limited.
What are implied terms for services carried out under Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA)?
Provided with reasonable care and skill.
Completed within a reasonable time (if no deadline is agreed).
Completed for a reasonable price.
What is the Parol Evidence Rule?
In written contracts, external evidence typically cannot alter terms unless exceptions apply (e.g., implied terms, collateral contracts, or partly oral agreements). For example, an oral promise about shipping conditions could be part of a contract if it was intended to complement the written agreement.
What is an Entire Agreement Clause?
A clause stating that the written document constitutes the full agreement, preventing extraneous evidence from being considered. Courts uphold these clauses unless used to evade liability for misrepresentation.
How do Courts view Incomplete or Unclear Agreements?
Courts avoid enforcing vague contracts lacking certainty (e.g., “hire purchase terms”). However, they may intervene if:
A mechanism resolves uncertainties (e.g., arbitration).
The contract involves standard practices in a trade.
Partial performance suggests intent.
Terms may be severed to preserve the contract if feasible.