Contracts Flashcards
What is the Applicable Law?
-The UCC
-Common Law
-Mixed Contracts
-types of contracts
The UCC: UCC Article 2 governs the sale of goods, with applicable rules also for merchants
Common law
the majority rules governing contracts other than the sale of goods
mixed contracts
are determined by the more important part of the deal, except divided contracts in which both UCC and common law rules might apply.
types of contracts: unilateral contracts
offer expressly required performance as the method for acceptance
divisible contracts
performance is divided into 2+ parts under the contract; the number of parts due from each party is the same; and performance between the parties is equivilent
option contract
agreement to leave open in exchange for consideration
Ads
generally a preliminary proposal unless words are to identifiable person, eg. first come first serve
quasi-contract
equitable remedy when the contract results are unfair. Prevents unjust enrichment.
Contract Formation Problems:
-offer: requirements; content
-requires:
(1) a manifestation of a present intent to contract demonstrated by a promise, undertaking or commitment;
(2) definite and certain terms; and
(3) communicated to an identified offeree
offer: content
-UCC Sale of Goods: description + quantity (price not needed)
-requirement contract: terms of exclusivity
-real estate: ID of land and price
-employment: duration
Contract Formation: Termination:
-revocation
an unambiguous statement by the offeror to the offeree OR unambiguous conduct indicating an unwillingness to contract that oferee is aware of.
revocation of option contract
no revocation
revocation of firm offer
UCC: offer can’t be revoked for up to 3 months if the offer to buy or sell goods, signed written promise to keep open and party is a merchant
detrimental reliance
no revoke if reasonable foreseeable detrimental reliance
start of performance
offer is irrevocable once performance has started
rejection
-counteroffers kill;
-additional terms under CL mirror image rule;
-lapse of time, eg. more than 1 month;
-conditional acceptance kill
Problems in Formation: Acceptance
-definition
A manifestation of assent to the terms of an offer in the manner prescribed or authorized by the offer
full performance
the contracting party has fulfilled every duty required by the contract. A completely performing party is entitled to a complete performance by the other party.
start performance
for bi-lateral contract, but not for unilateral contract
mailbox rule
acceptance is effective when mailed, all else is effective when received.
The seller of goods sends the wrong goods
unless with an explanation (then it’s a counteroffer)
offeree promise to perform
Acceptance by a promise requires that the offeree complete every act essential to the making of the promise
Additional Terms
-CL Mirror Image Rule;
-UCC: If one party is a merchant: then additional term is a proposal which is subject to a separate rejection;
—If both parties are merchants: additional term is party of the contract unless it materially alters, the offeror objects within a reasonable time, or the offer limits acceptance to the terms
Formation Problems: Consideration
-definition
Requires a bargained-for exchange of legal detriment between parties
past consideration
-not consideration, except expressly requested performance / forbearance and expectation of payment
-new consideration required for pre-existing contract or statutory duty: except in CL, unforeseen difficulty, 3rd party promise or promise to pay debt barred by SoL
substitutes for consideration
-written promise when prior obligation had applicable legal defense
-promissory estoppel
Defenses to Formation of Contract:
-incapacity
under 18 has a right to disaffirm contract unless the minor retains benefit after gaining capacity (eg. keeps the car after turning 18)
illegality
-if the subject matter is illegal: then the contract is void
-if the subject matter is legal but the purpose is illegal: then the contract is enforceable only by person who didn’t know of the illegal purpose
public policy
covenant not to compete, exculpatory clause
misrepresentation / nondisclosure
innocent party may rescind if induced to enter into the contract by fraudulent misrepresentation OR nonfraudulent material misrepresentation
duress
-improper threat and no reasonable alternative