CONTRACTS Flashcards
Contract
A contract is a bargained for exchange for which there is a remedy upon breach
Applicable Law
Common Law - Common law is applicable to contracts involving services or real estate
UCC - UCC applies to contracts involving the sale of goods. Goods are tangible, moveable items.
Mixed Contracts: Predominant Purpose Test - If a contract involves both services and the sale of goods, courts determine the contract’s predominant purpose and apply the law accordingly.
Formation
The formation of a valid contract requires
1) mutual assent (offer and acceptance
(2) consideration
(3) no defenses to formation
Offer
A valid offer requires a party to
(1) manifest an intent to contract
(2) with definite and certain terms, and
(3) communication of the offer to the offeree
Offer - Intent
The offeror’s words or conduct must show a present intent to enter into a contract
Offer - Definite and Certain Terms
An offer must consist of reasonably definite and certain terms
Common Law - the common law requires that all essential terms be included in the contract. Essential terms include the parties, purpose, quantity, and cost. However, a contract will not fail due to missing terms if it is apparent that the parties intended to contract, in which case the court will provide reasonable terms. A contract is presumed to last for a reasonable duration unless a time frame is specified.
UCC - The only essential term required by the UCC is quantity. The UCC gap-fills all other missing terms
Offer - Communication to the Offeree
The offer must be communicated to the offeree
Advertisements
Advertisements are considered invitations to deal, not offers. However, an advertisement may be considered an offer it if includes
(i) clear and definite terms and limits who may accept the offer or
(ii) a stated reward
Termination
An offer may be terminated prior to the offeree’s acceptance
Revocation - Direct
The offeror may revoke an offer any time prior to the offeree’s acceptance by expressly communicating the revocation to the offeree. Revocation is effective upon receipt.
Revocation - Indirect
An offeror may indirectly revoke an offer if
(1) his conduct takes definite action inconsistent with his intention to enter into the proposed contract, and
(2) the offeree knows about the inconsistent conduct from a reliable source
Rejection
An offeree’s power of acceptance may be terminated by rejected. Generally, a rejection is effective upon receipt.
Counteroffer
A counteroffer operates as a rejection, thereby terminating the original offer and creating a new one.
Lapse of Time
An offer will be terminated if not accepted within a reasonable amount of time or by a stated deadline.
Death or Mental Capacity
An offer will be terminated if, before acceptance, the offeror dies or loses the legal capacity to enter into the contract
Destruction or Illegality
An offer is terminated if its subject matter is destroyed or illegal
Irrevocable Offers
Offers are revocable unless one of the following is present:
(i) option contracts
(ii) firm offer,
(iii) promissory estoppel, or
(iv) partial performance
Option Contracts
An option contract is created when the offeree pays consideration to the offeror in exchange for the offeree’s promise to keep the offer open for a specified period of time.
UCC - Firm Offer
Under the UCC, a firm offer is an offer
(1) by a merchant to buy or sell goods,
(2) in a signed writing,
(3) that assures that it will be held open and cannot be revoked during the time stated, not to exceed three months
Consideration is not required for a firm offer
Irrevocable Offer - Promissory Estoppel
Under the promissory estoppel doctrine, an offer becomes irrevocable if an offeree detrimentally relies on the offer and that reliance is reasonably foreseeable.
Partial Performance - Unilateral Contracts
A unilateral contract is created through an offer that may be accepted ONLY by rendering performance. The offer becomes irrevocable once the offeree has begun performance. The offeree must be given the option to complete performance within the specified, or otherwise reasonable, amount of time.
Partial Performance - Bilateral Contracts
A bilateral contract is created through an offer that can be accepted by a promise or by performance. If the offeree has begun performance, effectively promising to render complete performance, the offer becomes irrevocable.
Acceptance
Acceptance is the offeree's OBJECTIVE MANIFESTATION OF ASSENT to the contract's terms made in any reasonable manner or method required by the offer. Only the individual or member of a class to whom an offer is made has the power of acceptance.
Acceptance - Unilateral Contract
A unilateral contract is deemed accepted only upon the completion of performance.