Modules 5-6 - Terms and Performance Flashcards
What is an “integration”?
when the parties to a k express their agreement in a WRITING with the INTENT that it embody the final expression of their bargain
Any other expressions, written or oral, made PRIOR TO the writing, as well as any oral expressions made CONTEMPORANEOUS with the writing are…
inadmissible to VARY the terms of the writing
Components of an integration
(1) whether the writing was INTENDED as a FINAL EXPRESSION of the agreement; and
(2) Whether the integration was intended to be COMPLETE or PARTIAL
Partial integrations
writing may not be CONTRADICTED but may be SUPPLEMENTED by proving consistent additional terms
What does the UCC presume with regard to writings?
all writings are PARTIAL INTEGRATIONS that can be supplemented with consistent additional terms
Merger clauses
recites that the agreement is the complete agreement between the parties
Exceptions to Parol Evidence Rule
(1) partially integrated writing
(2) defense against formation of k
(3) explain vague term(s)
(4) correct clerical errors
If a party is attacking validity of a k based on formation error, what can they bring to show the defect?
extrinsic evidence, like fraud, duress, mistake, and illegality
can also show that an oral agreement existed where the k would not become effective until A CONDITION OCCURRED; all evidence of the understanding may be offered and received
Example of validity/formation defect and parol evidence rule
Before J. Lo signed the lease, the manager told her that the Grand Ballroom was soundproof. It’s not. J. Lo seeks rescission because of this misrepresentation. Can J. Lo get this evidence in?
Yes, as the evidence will be proffered as a defense to enforcement of the contract on grounds that the subject matter of the contract was materially misrepresented
Outside of the Parol Evidence Rule: collateral agreements
parol evidence admissible if the alleged parol agreement is COLLATERAL to the written obligation (related to the subject matter, but not part of the PRIMARY PROMISE)
Outside of the Parol Evidence Rule: Naturally Omitted Terms Doctrine
allows evidence of terms that would naturally be omitted from written agreement
term would naturally be omitted if:
(1) it DOES NOT CONFLICT with the written integration; and
(2) it concerns a subject that similarly situated parties WOULD NOT ORDINARILY be expected to include in the written instrument
Outside of the Parol Evidence Rule: Interpretation
if uncertain/ambiguous terms, and the dispute arises as to the uncertain/ambiguous terms, parol evidence can be received to aid the fact finder in reaching correct conclusion
if meaning of agreement is PLAIN, parol evidence is INADMISSIBLE
Outside of the Parol Evidence Rule: showing “true consideration”
does not bar extrinsic evidence showing “true consideration” paid, such as evidence that the consideration stated in the contract was NEVER paid
Outside of the Parol Evidence Rule: reformation
party to written agreement ALLEGES FACTS (ex. mistake) entitling him to reformation of the agreement, parol evidence is INAPPLICABLE
Outside of the Parol Evidence Rule: subsequent modifications
can be offered to show subsequent modifications of a written k
Outside of the Parol Evidence Rule: additional terms under UCC Article 2
Party cannot contradict a written contract, but may ADD consistent additional terms, UNLESS:
(1) there is a merger clause; or
(2) courts find from ALL CIRCUMSTANCES that the writing was intended as a COMPLETE AND EXCLUSIVE statement of the terms of the agreement
Article 2 says that terms can be explained or supplemented by evidence of COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, COURSE OF DEALING, or TRADE USAGE (in that order)
Additional terms under UCC and parol evidence: course of performance (#1)
involves REPEATED OCCASIONS for performance by EITHER PARTY and the other party has the opportunity to object to such performance
any course of performance ACCEPTED or ACQUIESCED TO is relevant in determining the meaning of the k
Additional terms under UCC and parol evidence: course of dealing (#2)
sequence of conduct concerning PREVIOUS TRANSACTIONS between the parties to a particular transaction that may be regarded as establishing a COMMON BASIS OF UNDERSTANDING
Additional terms under UCC and parol evidence: usage of trade (#3)
practice or method of dealing REGULARLY OBSERVED in a particular business setting so as to JUSTIFY AN EXPECTATION that it will be followed in the transaction in question
When rules conflict under UCC and parol evidence
(1) EXPRESS TERMS are given GREATER weight than course of performance, course of dealing, and usage of trade;
(2) COURSE OF PERFORMANCE is given GREATER weight than course of dealing or usage of trade; and
(3) COURSE OF DEALING is given GREATER weight than usage of trade
Article 2 Gap Fillers: Price
if (1) nothing has been said as to price; (2) price is LEFT OPEN to be agreed upon by the parties and they FAIL TO AGREE; or (3) the price is to be fixed in terms of some standard set by THIRD PARTY or AGENCY and it IS NOT set…
= price is a REASONABLE PRICE at the time of DELIVERY
Article 2 Gap Fillers: Place of Delivery
if the place of delivery ISNT SPECIFIED, the place is usually the SELLER’S PLACE OF BUSINESS, or their home if they have no place of business
Article 2 Gap Fillers: Time for Shipment/Delivery
if the time for shipment or delivery ISNT SPECIFIED, shipment/delivery is due WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME
Article 2 Gap Fillers: Time for Payment
if time for payment ISNT SPECIFIED, payment is due at the TIME AND PLACE at which the buyer is to RECEIVE THE GOODS
Article 2 Gap Fillers: Assortment
if k provides that an assortment of goods is to be delivered (ex. blouses in various colors) and does not specify which party is to choose, assortment is at BUYER’S OPTION
if the party who has the right to specify the assortment DOES NOT DO SO SEASONABLY, the other party is EXCUSED from any resulting delay and may either PROCEED IN ANY REASONABLE MANNER or TREAT THE FAILURE AS BREACH
Express warranties
affirmation of fact or promise made by seller to buyer, any description of the goods, and any SAMPLE OR MODEL creates an express warranty if the statement, description, sample, or model is PART OF THE BASIS OF THE BARGAIN (basis of bargain = buyer could have relied on it when they entered into k)
Express warranty or not?
“This ring is solid 24 carat gold.”
express warranty
Express warranty or not?
“All parts of my widgets are ‘top notch’ and ‘best quality.’”
mere puffery/opinion, not a warranty
Is a statement of value an express warranty?
no
Implied warranty of merchantability
implied in EVERY contract for sale by a merchant who DEALS IN GOODS OF THE KIND SOLD; warranty that the goods are merchantable for the ORDINARY PURPOSE in which the goods are to be used
With regard to the implied warranty of merchantability, does it matter if the seller didn’t knowledge of the defect?
NO; makes no difference that the seller didn’t know of the defect or that they couldn’t have discovered it
Implied warranty of fitness for particular purpose
warranty implied on k for sale of goods whenever:
(1) ANY SELLER, merchant or not, has REASON TO KNOW the particular purpose for which the goods are to be used, and the buyer IS RELYING on the seller’s skill and judgment to select suitable goods; and
(2) the buyer DOES RELY on the seller’s skill or judgment
Warranty of title
ANY SELLER of goods warrants that the title transferred is good, that the transfer is RIGHTFUL, and that there are NO LIENS/ENCUMBRANCES against the title of which the buyer is unaware at the time of contracting
Does the warranty of title need to be mentioned in the contract?
no, arises automatically
Warranty against infringement
MERCHANT SELLER regularly dealing in goods of the kind sold also AUTOMATICALLY WARRANTS that the goods delivered are free of any patent, trademark, copyright, or similar claims
BUYER who furnishes SPECIFICATIONS for the goods to the seller MUST hold the seller harmless against such claims
Disclaiming warranties: Sellers can generally only disclaim what kinds of warranties?
implied warranties
Disclaimer of warranty of title
disclaim or modify only by SPECIFIC LANGUAGE or CIRCUMSTANCES that give the buyer NOTICE that the seller DOES NOT CLAIM TITLE or that they are selling only such rights as THEY OR A THIRD PARTY would have
Specific disclaimers: warranty of merchantability
has to be specifically disclaimed or modified by mentioning the word MERCHANTABILITY; disclaimer has to be CONSPICUOUS
Disclaimer: warranty of fitness for particular purpose
disclaimed ONLY by CONSPICUOUS writing; sufficient if it says “there are no written warranties which extend beyond the description on the face hereof”
Defining “conspicuous” in disclaimers
A disclaimer is conspicuous if:
(1) it is larger type than the surrounding text;
(2) it is in a contrasting type, font, or color; or
(3) it is set off from the text by marks that call attention to it
Can a warranty be disclaimed with “as is” language?
YES, unless the circumstances indicate otherwise; applies to implied warranty of merchantability and implied warranty of FPP
ex. “as is,” “with all faults,” or other expressions that in common understanding call the buyer’s attention to the fact that there are NO implied warranties
Is this warranty disclaimed?
A contract for a machine provides that “all parts are guaranteed for two years.” What if it also provides that “all warranties are disclaimed?”
NO
Are there any implied warranties under this contract?
A contract provides for the sale of a machine “as is” or “with all faults.” The contract says nothing else about quality.
NO, all implied warranties disappeared
Disclaimer of warranty by examination or refusal to examine
if buyer has, BEFORE entering k, examined the goods or a sample/model as FULLY AS THEY DESIRE or has REFUSED to examine, there is NO WARRANTY as to defects that a REASONABLE EXAMINATION would have revealed
Disclaimer of warranty by course of dealing, etc.
implied warranties may also be disclaimed by COURSE OF DEALING, COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, or USAGE OF TRADE
Disclaiming express warranties
VERY difficult to disclaim; “negation or limitation is INOPERATIVE to the extent that such construction is UNREASONABLE”
Limiting damages in instance of breach of warranty
clauses limiting damages for breach of any warranty is generally okay, but limitation will not be upheld if it is UNCONSCIONABLE
Can a contract limit damages for personal injuries that are caused by a breach of warranty from CONSUMER GOODS?
NO NO NO NONONONONONO YOU CANNOT DO THIS
prima facie unconscionable
Can you get from damages from Al?
You buy an oven for your home from Al’s Kitchen Appliances. The contract provides: “All parts are guaranteed for two years” and “Al’s liability is limited to replacement parts.” A year later, a defect in the oven caused a fire that injures you.
ABSOLUTELY 100% YES. The oven is a consumer good, and there can be no limitation of damages that result from personal injuries that were caused by a breach of a warranty from consumer goods. The limitation clause is PRIMA FACIE UNCONSCIONABLE
Timing and effectiveness of disclaimers of warranties
Disclaimer of warranty or limitation on remedies MUST BE AGREED TO DURING THE BARGAINING PROCESS
Majority: warranty disclaimer or limitation on remedy included inside the packaging of goods is NOT effective against the buyer