Contracts MBE Flashcards
Formation
1) Offer 2) Acceptance 3) Consideration
Offer
Outward manifestation of intent to enter into a contract, Intent AND Specific terms
Ads
Not an Offer, “Invitation to an Offer”
Termination of an Offer
Death, Lapse of Time, Rejection, Counteroffer, Revocation
Direct Revocation
Retraction of an Offer by the offeror
Indirect Revocation
Person receiving Offer LEARNS another deal was made
Revocable
Offers are revocable, only 3 instances when it is not
Option Contract
1) Promise of keep offer open 2) additional consideration
UCC Firm Offer
1) Merchants 2) signed by Merchant Can only stay open for 3 months
Unilateral
promise for an act
Common Law Mirror Image Rule
Acceptance must mirror the Offer
How to Accept an Offer
Silence • Performance • Mail
Common Law Mailbox Rule
Acceptance is effective when SENT
Mailbox Exception
• If a Rejection is sent first, then an Acceptance is sent, whichever arrives first wins
UCC Acceptance
Acceptance is construed liberally Exceptions • Material change the terms of contract • Objection to the change of a term in a reasonable amount of time • Offer limits the Acceptance
Consideration
Bargained-for Exchange You will never have insufficient consideration because of the amount, even a peppercorn is enough
Illusory Promise
Party making the Offer retains control
Gifts
Promise to give a gift is NOT valid Consideration
Past or Moral Consideration
Is NOT valid Consideration
Promise to pay debt barred by Statute of Limitations
Is valid Consideration
Promise to pay debt discharged by bankruptcy
Is valid Consideration
Forbearance to sue
Promise not to sue • Is valid Consideration
Promissory Estoppel
Detrimental Reliance
Accord & Satisfaction
Must have been disputed
Age
A contract with a minor is VOIDABLE at option of minor
Mental Illness
VOID
Duress
Wrongful threat VOID
Undue influence
Uneven bargaining position
Unconscionability
Result itself will be unfair
Illegal
Unenforceable
Unilateral Mistake
One party is mistaken Generally, not a defense unless: 1) Other party knew of mistake 2) Clerical error
Mutual Mistake
Both parties mistaken about material term • Remedy: Rescission
Intentional Misrepresentation
Knew/should have known of falsity with intent to induce reliance
Negligent Misrepresentation
Causes the innocent party to detrimentally rely
Non-Compete Clauses
Reasonable under the circumstances To determine if a non-compete clause is reasonable, look for facts that indicate how long you can’t compete and the geographic area restrictions
Statute of Frauds
Certain contracts must be in writing Remember MYLEGS - Marriage, Contract cannot be performed in one Year, Land, Executor, Guarantor/Surety, Sale of goods of $500 or more
Part Performance Exception
A showing of 2 out of 3: 1) Some payment, 2) Possession of land , 3) valuable improvements
Guarantor/Surety Exception
1) Look to main purpose/motive 2) If self-serving, contract does NOT need to be in writing