Misrepresentstion Flashcards
What is a representation?
A pre-contractual statement made during negotiations before entering into contract
What is misrepresentation?
A pre-contractual statement made during negotiations before entering into a contract, which is false
What is the requirement for a misrepresentation to be claimed for?
The misrepresentation must be actionable
What are the elements of actionable misrepresentation?
An unambiguous false statement of fact, no silence works, addressed to the claimant and induces the claimant to enter into the contract with the representor
In regards to the statement of fact requirement for actionable misrepresentation, what are examples that are not statements of fact?
1) mere puffs/sales talk - talk to the sales person makes one trying to sell as new real substance to them
2) statements of opinion - give an opinion before entering a contract is not a statement of fact exception: if the representor has some special knowledge or skills, their opinion is likely to be fact (eg works in the industry or knows more than the other party)
Can a statement of future intention be a statement of fact, for the purposes of actionable misrepresentation?
No - in the future can never be a fact
(I will do x)
Turn silence give rise to an actionable misrepresentation?
No - you must actually say the representation
When buying something in a shop or dealership that turns out to be less valuable than you hoped, and the seller hasn’t said anything , this is buyer, beware
Nothing said = no misrepresentation
What is the half truth exception to the rule, the silence cannot give rise to an actionable misrepresentation?
Half truths - statements which are technically true, but misleading or where the truth is weak
For example, asking the seller if they are aware of any faults in the car and the seller states, they aren’t aware of any, but only because they haven’t checked
This is technically true, but it is a weak truth - it is true that the seller isn’t aware, but it is only true that they’re unaware, because they haven’t bother to look - in other words, it is not the whole truth
What is the continuing representation exception to silence, not being a part of their an actionable misrepresentation?
If at the beginning of negotiations, a statement is made, which is true of the time, it is made the bin circumstances changed to make that statement false statement must be corrected before the contractors entered into, or it will be a misrepresentation
What is the contracts of utmost good faith, exception to silence, not being a part of actionable misrepresentation ?
There is a duty to disclose all material facts in contracts of upmost good faith.
Contracts of utmost good faith are those were only one party knows the material facts(a fact which could affect the price of the contract, or whether the other party enters into it) and the other party is in a weaker position
Insurance contracts order me an example - in health insurance, you must disclose your full health history, so the insurer can decide to accept the contract or set the price
Can misrepresentation be engaged in via conduct
Yes
Explain the provision that the misrepresentation must be addressed to the claimant in order to be actionable?
The misrepresentation must be addressed to the claimant - this can be done by conduct
Explain the principle that the misrepresentation must introduce the claimant enter into the contract with the representor in order to be actionable
Representation must’ve called the claimant to enter into the contract
The claimant must have relied on the statement when entering into the contract and think that it is true in doing so
The representation does not have to be the only reason the claimant entered into the contract - but must at least to be a real and substantial cause so that if there is no misrepresentation and the claimant would have entered into the contract anyway, there is no actionable misrepresentation
What are the three categories of actionable misrepresentation?
1) fraudulent misrepresentation
2) negligent misrepresentation
3) innocent misrepresentation
Why is it important to know which category of misrepresentation the defendant has engaged in?
Because the remedy for each form of misrepresentation is different
The rules regarding whether liability for misrepresentation can be excluded or limited are also different depending on the type of misrepresentation
Turn liability ever be excluded for fraudulent representation?
No
Can liability for misrepresentation be excluded or limited in the case of negligent or innocent misrepresentation?
Liability can only be excluded under business to business contracts if this would be reasonable under the unfair contract terms act 1977 and if it is fair under the consumer rights act, 2015
The burden of proof to show that it is reasonable or fair, it’s on the party, trying to rely on the clause (misrepresentation act, 1967)
What are the requirements for fraudulent misrepresentation?
1) fraudulent representation must be made (a statement must be made, which is untrue)
2) that’s false statement must be made:
-knowingly;
-without belief in its truth or
- Recklessly (without care as to whether the statement is true or false, and with flagrant, disregard for the truth)
3) the motive of the representer is irrelevant
Who has the burden of proof and demonstrating fraudulent misrepresentation?
The burden of proof is in the claimant to show the represented made a fraudulent misrepresentation
What are the remedies for fraudulent misrepresentation?
Recession and damages