Contracts Flashcards
Contract
(1) Offer
(2) Acceptance
(3) Consideration
Offer
(1) Intent to enter into a K +
(2) Specific Terms of K.
Advertisements
generally, not an offer; they are an invitation to offer (except: when it limits who can accept)
Terminating an Offer
(1) Death; (2) Lapse of Time; (3) Rejection; (4) Counteroffer; (5) Revocation
Lapse of Time – if there is no time period stated, a reasonable amount of time has passed
Direct Revocation – Offeror can revoke before offeree accepts
Indirect Revocation – Offeree learns that Offeror made a deal w another party & offer is now revoked as a result
Irrevocable Offers
When elements not met–>defaults to revocable offer. (1) Option K; (2) UCC Firm Offer; (3) Unilateral K
Option K
Irrevocable Offer. Promise to keep the offer open for a period of time + additional consideration (e.g., open for 2 weeks for $50)
Acceptance
(1) Mirror Image Rule; (2) Silence; (3) Performance; (4) Mailbox Rule
Mirror Image Rule
Acceptance has to mirror terms of the offer (e.g., accept in writing must accept in writing)
EXCEPTION: UCC Sale of Goods – offeree can accept anyway even if different terms. As long as basic material terms = same.
*Except – (1) material changes in terms (price, goods, etc.); (2) offeror rejects within reasonable amount of time; (3) offer limited acceptance
Silence
Acceptance. Offeree gives offeror the impression that silence will be considered an acceptance
Mailbox Rule
Acceptance is effective once sent (except: letter #1: rejection sent, letter #2: acceptance sent first letter to arrive)
UCC Firm Offer
Irrevocable Offer. sale of goods. Promise to keep offer open for a period of time, no consideration required but needs to be in writing signed by the merchant. Lasts for time stated or max 3 mo.
Unilateral K
Irrevocable Offer. Irrevocable once performance starts. a promise for an act (e.g., promise to pay $500 if you paint house)
-Bilateral K – promise for a promise (e.g., promise to paint your house if you promise to pay me $500)
-Payment in Unilateral K – don’t have to pay full amount until complete performance
Consideration
Bargained-for exchange. Each party is giving up something, regardless of value.
Peppercorn Consideration
Courts will not invalidate consideration regardless of how little value (e.g., $1.50)
Except:
(1) Illusory Promise: looks like a promise but not actually giving anything up/still retaining control (e.g., I’ll call you when I decide). Modern trend is that an illusory promise–> enforceable consideration;
(2) Promise to Give Gift: invalid; but giving gift–> valid & enforceable;
(3) Past or Moral Consideration: offering to give $$ after good deed invalid
Promise to Pay Debt After Statute of Limitations/Bankruptcy
valid consideration & enforceable
Forbearance to Sue
if promise not to sue even tho could –> valid consideration & enforceable
Promissory Estoppel
A promise by a party that makes other party reasonably rely in detriment valid & enforceable
Accord & Satisfaction
Hypo #1: Debt is undisputed ($100). Partial payment ($50), but check says “paid in full”–> must pay remainder ($50)
Hypo #2: Debt is disputed ($100). Negotiate & settle ($75), check says “paid in full”–> do not have to pay remainder ($25)
Hypo #3: Debt is disputed ($100). Doubt re debt amount/whether debt owed but paid partial amount ($50) –>do not have to pay remainder ($50)
Risk of Loss
No Carrier – Seller bringing goods to Buyer directly. Seller is a merchant RoL on seller until buyer takes possession of goods. Seller is not a merchant RoL is on seller until makes available for buyer to pick up
Carrier is Involved – Delivery intermediary (UPS, boat, plane).
-Shipment K (“FOB Seller”): Default. RoL is on seller until gives to carrier. Once given it to carrier, RoL shifts to buyer.
-Destination K (“FOB x”): RoL is on seller until goods get to actual location.
Requirements K
I promise to deliver all the quantity of x I have. Something happened. As long as acted in good faith valid.
Modification of Material Term of K
Oral or written (except: UCC: can have a clause prohibiting oral modification = valid)
Common Law – need new consideration v. UCC Sale of Goods – need good faith, no consideration needed
Mutual Modification – bc of unforeseen circumstance, mutually can modify terms as long as change is fair and reasonable
Conditions
I will do X if you do Y. A condition/event in the K that must happen–>requires you perform/not perform.
Condition Precedent – Condition/event must happen before performance;
Condition Concurrent - Condition/event must happen at the time of performance;
Condition Subsequent – Condition/event must happen after the K
Required Performance – Generally, if event doesn’t occur don’t have to perform.
-Except: Must perform regardless of condition occurring– (1) Waiver of condition: “do it anyway/forget about it/dw about it;”
(2) Bad Faith;
(3) Avoiding forfeiture: if a party would suffer a great loss/forfeiture