MBE Contracts Flashcards
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An offer is
Offer refers to a promise that one party makes in exchange for another party’s performance
Mutual assent = meeting of the minds
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Offer is: revocable v. rejectable
Revocable: by the person that made it
Rejectable - by the person who recieved the offer.
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Un-revocable offers
Option Contract: have the option to keep it open for certain amount of time and for extra consideration. (Non-Merchants)
Firm Offer:
1) Between merchants and
2) In writing (if not, it’s revocable) and
3) 3 months max – unless stated in offer.
After time expires, offer does not expire, just becomes revocable.
Unilateral Contract: a promise in exchange for performance - 1 way promise.
Ex. Promise to paint house for $100.
* Once performance starts, cannot revoke.
* $$ is not owed until the work is complete.
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Types of revocation
Direct: effective when other party is notified.
Indirect: effective when other party learns that deal is no longer available.
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Acceptance
manifestation of intent to accept an offer
Was to accept: satisfy the terms of the agreement
Can be given:
1. verbally
2. in writing
3. by action (implied)
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Mailbox Rule
Acceptance: effective when mail is sent.
Rejection: effective when mail is received.
Exception: if a rejection and an acceptance is sent - whichever arrives first.
Option contracts - when recieved.
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Consideration
Bargain for exchange
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Types of consideration
Gifts: promise to give a gift is not enforceable consideration UNLESS they give the gift. Then cant take it back.
Past/Moral deeds: Did a good deed and someone offered you consideration/compensation.
Not enforceable if given after the deed – enforceable if given before
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Third party beneficiary
Two people make a contract and someone else benefits
Types:
1. intended
2. incidental
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Intended Beneficiary
- Parties had the intent to benefit them.
- Beneficiary may have rights against other parties but only if rights have vested.
- Parties can change beneficiary before the rights vest.
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Incidental Beneficiary
- No intent to benefit them – no rights against the other parties.
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Baneficiary: Vesting of rights
- Rights only vest when:
1) The beneficiary is notified of the right or
2) Beneficiary learns of intent and relies on it.
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Assignment
One party ASSIGNS away their rights in the contract.
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Delegation
One party DELEGATES their duty under the contract.
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Rule: Assignment and Delegations
Parties can freely assign and delegate their duties without any notice or consent.
- Even if the contract prohibits assignments/delegations, can still transfer but must pay damages.
- If contract says “no delegation” then cannot transfer.
- If contract says “void if transfer” then cannot transfer.
If the new party breaches, the non-breaching party can sue either one or both UNLESS THERE IS A NOVATION.
- If assigned or delegated: new party cannot alter the previous contract terms.
Exception
- Cannot delegate or assign if the nature of the agreement is unique.
Ex. I am the only one in the community that can shave a plant into a heart. Can’t even transfer it to someone with same skill.
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Statute of Frauds: MY LEGS
Marriage.
Year – all contracts that can’t be performed in less than 1 year.
Land.
Executor of estate.
Guarantor – debt of another person.
Sale - $500 or more.
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Statute of Frauds: Exceptions
Partial performance.
- Land:
when you pay portion of price and (1) take procession or (2) Improvements. - Goods – (1) part delivery or (2) part payment.
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Parole Evidence: Types
Final Integration:
Must have language that stated that its final – a merger clause.
Ex. “Final agreement & shall not be modified.” Parole evidence NOT admissible UNLESS it is to clear up an ambiguous term. Can’t be admitted to change anything.
Partial Integration:
If it does not say the contract is final – can assume it is partial.
Parole evidence IS admissible – any information can come but CANNOT contradict or materially alter a term.
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Parole Evidence: always admitted
Parole evidence is always coming in when:
1. To prevent fraud/duress or
2. Show existence of a condition or
3. Anything that shows custom (how they’ve always done business)
4. Anything that shows trade. (what happens in the industry)
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Conditions
Condition Precedent = before the contract.
Condition Subsequent = after the contract.
Condition Concurrent = at the time of the contract.