CONTRACT REMEDIES Flashcards
What are the 4 requirements for compensatory damages?
The 4 requirements
i) causation
(ii) forseeability (tested at time of formation
(iii) certainty
(iv) mitigation -
What are direct damages?
Those damages that flow inherently from the wrong.
What kind of compensatory damages are available in Contracts?
Direct damages and consequential damages
What is the most common contract measure for direct damages in contracts?
Expectation- Difference between what they got and what they expected to get
What are consequential damages available for?
Available for related damages foreseeable at the time of formation.
What kind of damages are also available?
Nominal damages
Are punitive damages available in contracts?
No, they are never allowed.
If you are in contracts and If defendant’s conduct is willful, you should always try to see if you can characterize it as what kind of case?
A fraud case
For liquidated damages clauses what is the 2 part test to see if they are valid
First look to see if damages are very difficult to ascertain at the time of contract formation. If yes, then it would be invalid.
Second look to see if it was a reasonable forecast of what damages would be. If the amount is excessive it would be a penalty and be invalid
What damages are available if the liquidated damages contract is found to be Valid? Invalid?
(i) If Valid: Only liquidated amount available
(ii) If Invalid: Only actual damages available.
What if there is a clause that says “that one can get either actual damages or liquidated damages”?
This is an invalid clause, delete it. Give them actual compensatory damages.
The contract is unenforceable due to, e.g., mistake, lack of capacity, statute of frauds, illegality, can plaintiff get restitutionary damages for property/money given to, or services rendered for, defendant? If so, how much?
Yes, they get restitutionary damages for the value of the benefit.
The contract is unenforceable due to, e.g., mistake, lack of capacity, statute of frauds, illegality, Can plaintiff get the personal property back? Under what circumstances?
Yes, if it is unique or defendant is insolvent.
Plaintiff sells store fixtures to Defendant for new store, pursuant to an unenforceable contract. Defendant decides not to open store and repudiates contract. What remedies can P get?
restitionary damages for the value of the benefit
Plaintiff renders services pursuant to an unenforceable contract. Their value is greater than the contract rate. Can Plaintiff recover it?
Yes, for the value of the services, even if greater than the contract rate.
Can plaintiff as the non-breaching party get restitutionary damages for property/money given to, or services rendered for, defendant?
Yes, for the value of the benefit
Note: Again, the value of the recovery may be greater than the contract rate.
Can plaintiff as the non-breaching party get the property back?
Yes, if it is unique or defendant is insolvent.
Contract for land, price = $100,000. Plaintiff, the breaching party, after paying 30% of the purchase price, defaults. Can plaintiff get any restitutionary damages? Under the traditional view? the modern view?
Traditional view: no recovery
Modern view: recovery is allowed, But Cannot be greater than contract rate and is reduced by any damages suffered by defendant as a result of the breach.
What is the definition of specific performance in contract?
Defendant is required to perform the contract.
What is the 5 part checklist for specific performance?
- Plaintiff must be able to show the contract is valid.
- Must be able to show her contract conditions have been fulfilled (already performed,ready and able to perform, or excused from performing).
- There is an inadequate legal remedy alternative
- Feasibility of enforcement
- Defenses
A seller as plaintiff can specifically enforce the contract if the defect is ____________
minor
A seller as plaintiff can enforce the contract if the defect is major, unless what?
unless the seller cures the defect by closing
A buyer as plaintiff Can enforce the contract even if the defect is ____________
major
Cannot, however, enforce the contract if the defect is __________
very major.
If you decide that specific performance should be granted even though a defect still remains, you must include a sentence noting what?
The court will lower the price to take into account the defect in consideration.
What words should you use for the lowering of the contract price?
Abatement in purchase price
What is the equitable maxim?
Equity abhors forfitures
What Factors Court Can Look at to Avoid the Harsh Result of a Forfeiture in a land sale contract with a forfeiture provision and a time is on the essence clause?
(1) Loss to seller is small.
(2) Tardiness is de minimis.
(3) Waiver (seller has accepted late payments in past).
(4) Buyer would suffer undue hardship.
On the bar exam you should almost always award what in land sale contracts?
Specific performance.
What should you include in your answer if you do award specific performance?
In your answer, you should note that under the modern trend courts would give plaintiff restitutionary relief if specific performance were not granted.