Formation Flashcards
What is a Bilateral contract?
Promise by one party has been exchanged for another promise e.g business agreement
What is a Unilateral contract?
One party promises to do something in return for an act from the other party e.g insurance
What is an offer?
A statement of willingness to contract on the specified terms
What are the two types of offer?
Invitation to treat
Invitations to tender
What is an Invitation to treat?
Merely inviting the other party to offers and the other party is free to accept/reject
What are the two cases that can be applied to an Invitation to treat?
Pharmaceutical Society v Boots
Partridge v Critteneden
What does Pharmaceutical Society v Boots say about price tags?
A contract is formed when goods are brought to cash desk not the price tag
What is the case of Partridge v Crittenden?
Advertisement of cocks and hens at 25s each was invitation in treat not offer
What is meant by an Invitation to tender?
Can amount to an offer if that is the intention, generally is an ITTr
What is the general rule with auctions?
When the hammer falls the contract is made
What case relates to the display of goods?
Fisher v Bell
What is the case of Fisher v Bell?
Arrested for displaying flick knife in shop window can’t charge with offer to sale but with invitation to treat
Is a statement of minimum price an offer?
No
What is the case Harvey v Facey?
Facey wrote lowest price acceptable to sell farm as £900 doesn’t mean you can accept at that price
statement of lowest price not offer
If an advertisement indicates a course of action in return for payment are they bound by the offer?
Yes
What is the case of Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co?
Promised if use the smoke balls they’d give £100, her conduct showed her acceptance so can sue
Does an offer need to be communicated to the offeree?
Yes
What case relates to communicating the offer to the offeree?
Taylor v Laird
What is the case Taylor v Laird?
Taylor changed his position from captain to crew member on ship without telling employer so could not be paid crew pay
Does the offeree need to have knowledge of the offer?
Yes
What case relates to having knowledge of the offer?
Inland Revenue v Fry
What is the case of Inland Revenue v Fry?
Someone sent cheque to clear debt, was cashed but they didn’t know it had been cashed so had the right to chase them for it
Can the terms of an offer be vague?
No they must be certain
What case relates to an offer being certain?
Gutting v Lynn
What is the case of Guthing v Lynn?
Promised to pay £5 more ‘if the horse is lucky’ to vague to enforce
Can you withdraw an offer at any point before it’s accepted?
Yes
What case is about when an offer was withdrawn before acceptance?
Routledge v Grant (consideration needed e.g deposit)
Does an offerer need to communicate a withdrawal?
Yes
What is the case of Byrne v Van Tienhoven?
Withdrawal letter arrived after acceptance letter sent so withdrawal invalid
Can a third party communicate a withdrawal?
Yes if they are a reliable third party
What is the case of Dickinson v Dodds?
Berry an acquaintance they could rely on withdrew an offer
Can a unilateral contract be withdrawn while the offeree is performing?
No
What is the case of Errington v Errington & Woods?
Father promises house to son if mortgage payment paid off. Father died family want house remains with son if he pays mortgage.
Can an offer be terminated by acceptance refused?
Yes eg counter offer, withdrawal or time lapsed
What is the case of Ramsgate Victoria Hotel v Montefiore?
Offered to buy shares in June, issued in November, held the offer to buy had lapsed
Is a contract binding if both parties have not expressed acceptance?
No both parties need to express acceptance