R7 & R8 - Biz Law Flashcards
What is required to form an agency relationship?
All you need to form an agency relationship is a principle with consent and capacity.
The agent need not have capacity (could be a minor)
A writing is generally not necessary, unless the agency cannot be performed within one year, or has to do with land (MYLEGS)
What is a power of attorney?
A written authorization of agency (normally limited to specific transactions)
Who is required to sign a POA for it to be enforceable?
Only the principal (agent generally not required to sign)
What are the duties that an agent has to a principal?
LORA
- ) Loyalty (no self-dealing/competing)
- ) Obedience (must obey)
- ) Reasonable Care (don’t be negligent)
- ) Account (don’t commingle principal property with agent property)
What is a tort?
Wrongful act (could be intentional or unintentional)
What is the difference between the “power” to terminate an agency relationship and the “right” to terminate?
Power = technically, everyone has free will and can always walk away
Right = contract in place may not allow you to walk away without breaching
*possible to have the power, but not the right
Is there ever a situation when the principal does not have the right to terminate an agency relationship?
If the agency is coupled with an interest, the principal does not have the power or the right to terminate.
For example, if a principal promises something to an agent, they can’t turn around later and take away the promise.
An agent has the power to contractually bind a principal to 3rd parties. What are the ways an agent can bind a principle?
- ) Actual authority (power & right)
- ) Apparent authority (power only)
- ) Ratification (power only)
What is the difference between implied and expressed authority?
Expressed is in either oral or written form.
Implied usually comes from the nature of the agency relationship. If someone is hired as a business manager (fancy title), they have implied authority of doing everything to run that business
What happens if a principal losses capacity?
The agency relationship is automatically terminated by operation of law
What is apparent authority? Please explain how it differs from actual authority.
Apparent authority is based on the third party’s reasonable belief that the agent has the power to bind the principal.
Actual authority is based on the agents reasonable belief that the agent has the power to bind the principal.
How should a principal protect themselves from a parent using apparent authority to bind them to 3rd parties?
Give notice to 3rd parties of the limitations of the agency relationship
Let’s say a principal fires an agent, what steps does the agent need to take to eliminate apparent authority of the old agent?
- ) Direct notice to old 3rd parties
2. ) Constructive notice to any potential new 3rd parties (newspaper ad, etc)
The third way a principal can be bound to 3rd parties by an agent is called ratification, what is that?
Ratification is when the agent had apparent authority but not actual authority, but the principal is actually fond of the bind to the 3rd party, so they grant actual authority and therefore ratify the apparent authority.
Essentially, it allows a principal to choose to be bound by a previously unauthorized act of his agent.
*in order to ratify, agent must have had apparent authority (not actual)
Can a principal ratify one piece of a bind and not the entire deal?
No, principal must ratify entire transaction
When is a principal liable to 3rd parties?
Only if the agent had actual authority, or if the principal ratifies successfully.
*if agent only had apparent authority, principle would need to ratify in order to be liable
When is an agent liable to 3rd parties?
Only if the agent has an undisclosed principal (partially disclosed or fully undisclosed).
*if the agent had actual authority, does not matter if the principal was disclosed or not - principal is liable
Who is the 3rd party liable to?
Generally, only liable to principal. (even if undisclosed)
Exception for when a principal’s identity was fraudulently concealed, then 3rd party isn’t liable to anyone
Are principal’s generally liable for torts committed by their agents?
In general no.
However, there is an exception for employer/employee relationships. An employer CAN be held liable for torts committed by their employee as long as the tort occurred during the scope of the employment.
This does not relieve the agent from their liability. The damaged person may sue both the employer and employee (agent)
- employers usually not liable for torts committed by independent contractors
- employer is ONLY LIABLE FOR NEGLIGENCE, not responsible for intentional torts committed by agents
If an employer has a signed agreement with an employee (agent) to not commit a particular tort, and then the agent commits, is the employer off the hook?
No, an agreement between employer & agent DOES NOT prevent a 3rd party from holding the employer liable
What is the difference between a unilateral contract and a bilateral contract?
Unilateral = 1 promise, 1 performance to fulfill the agreement. A contract is not complete until performance is completed (John will pay Dan $10 if Dan will wash John’s car)
Bilateral = 2 promises (agreement before performance) (John promises to pay Dan $10 if Dan promises to wash John’s car - two way promise)
What are the two different sources of contract law and how are they applied?
- ) Common Law = RISE (real estate, insurance, services, employment)
- ) UCC (uniform commercial code) = Goods (movable things)
What are the elements of a legally enforceable contract?
- ) Agreement
- ) Exchange of consideration (legal value, doesn’t have to be dollars)
- ) No defenses
*does not have to be in writing (MYLEGS)
Does an advertisement meet the definition of an offer?
No, just an invitation seeking an offer.
*an ad does qualify as an offer if a reward is offered (first 30 pple get a free soda)
Can an offer be revoked once it has been extended?
Yes as long as it was revoked before acceptance.
An offer can be revoked even if the offeror promises to keep the deal on the table.
The only time an offer can not be revoked is if consideration is paid to keep the offer open (option = “buy” time).
Consideration not paid = revoke anyime
What are the three ways to effectively terminate a contract?
- ) Revoke
- ) Reject
- ) Termination by operation of law
What is the difference between common law and UCC regarding acceptance of an offer?
Common law = mirror image rule. Acceptance must be exactly what was offered (no deviation allowed). Any deviation is treated as a counter offer
UCC = as long as substantially same as offer, acceptance is valid. If major pieces like price or quantity change, treated as a counter offer
**UCC more lenient here
What is the “mailbox” rule regarding acceptance under common law?
Once an acceptance is mailed, it is valid.
Acceptance is valid when dispatched, unless specifically stated in the offer that the acceptance must be received to be valid.
Will contract law generally enforce gratuitous promises? (no consideration exchange - just a favor)
No because in order for a contract to be valid must have:
- ) Agreement
- ) Exchange of consideration (legal value, doesn’t have to be dollars)
- ) No defenses
If someone promises to give money to a charity and then backs out, is this a breach of contract?
Promises to make gifts are generally NOT enforceable since consideration is not being given to the giver.
Exception for this when charity can prove something called “detrimental reliance” on the promised donation.
When is a rejection deemed to be valid?
When received
When is a revocation deemed to be valid?
When received (either by conduct or expressly)
When is a rejection deemed to be valid?
When received
When is an acceptance deemed to be valid?
When dispatched (mailbox rule)
EXCEPTION = unless specifically stated that acceptance must be received to be valid
What is the difference from a contract being void and voidable?
VOID = unenforceable by either party
VOIDABLE = may be avoided by option of party adversely effected
What needs to be present to establish a defense of fraud regarding a contract?
MAIDS
- ) Misrepresentation of material fact
- ) Actual reasonable reliance
- ) Intent to induce reliance
- ) Damages (compensatory & punitive)
- ) Sceinter
*all 5 must be present
If someone signs something not knowing it is a contract (Fraud in execution), is the contract void or voidable?
Void
If someone signs a contract and there is a material misrepresentation of facts (intentional), but they know its a contract, is the contract void or voidable? (Fraud in inducement)
Voidable by hurt party
If someone is threatened with physical force to sign a contract, is the contract void or voidable?
Void
If someone is threatened with economic or social force to sign a contract, is the contract void or voidable?
Voidable
If both parties make a mutual mistake when entering into a contract, is it void or voidable?
Void
If only one party makes a mistake when entering into a contract, is the contract void or voidable?
Voidable by the party that made the mistake if the other party should’ve known it was a mistake
If a contract subsequently become illegal, is the contract void or voidable?
Void
What is unique about contracts regarding minors?
Minors may dis-affirm (cancel) contracts since they technically did not have capacity.
Minors may ratify a contract once they reach the age of majority.
Is intoxication a defense to a contract?
Only if the other person was aware that you were intoxicated & prevented you from knowing the nature and significance of the contract
What are the types of contracts that require a writing?
MYLEGS:
Marraige >Year Land Executor Goods ($500 or more) Surety
What is novation in regards to contracts?
Novation = new party, old party is released
*available as a defense to released party
Under common law, if there has been a material or substantial breach in the contract, the non-breaching party has what options?
Can be discharged from the contract
Under common law, if there has been a minor breach in the contract, the non-breaching party has what options?
Cannot be discharged, but entitled to damages
Under UCC, if there has been a material or substantial breach in the contract, the non-breaching party has what options?
Perfect Tender rule: if any deviation at all from contract = breach of contract. Buyer may reject goods if not perfect tender
*Common law more lenient here
Under UCC, if there has been a minor breach in the contract, the non-breaching party has what options?
Perfect Tender rule: if any deviation at all from contract = breach of contract. Buyer may reject goods if not perfect tender
*Common law more lenient here
When are punitive damages applied?
Only in the case of proven fraud (MAIDS).
Not for ordinary negligence or breach of contract
When is common law applied? When is UCC applied?
Common Law = RISE (real estate, insurance, services, employment)
UCC = Goods
What is the difference between common law and UCC regarding acceptance?
Common law = Mirror image rule (anything but perfect acceptance = counter offer)
UCC = As long as substantial acceptance = ok, major changes to price/quantity = counter offer)
*UCC more lenient here
What is a firm offer and where is it applied?
Applied in UCC (for dealers only), certain offers by merchants are irrevocable even w/o consideration.
- irrevocable for time stated or for reasonable amount of time, no longer than 3 months
- Seller must be a merchant, offer must be in writing & signed, offer must give assurances it will be kept open
What are the exceptions to revocability of offers by an offer-or?
- ) Firm offer (merchants only)
2. ) Option (consideration paid)
What is the mirror image rule? Does it apply for common law? Does it apply for UCC?
Mirror image rule = accepted offer has to match original offer EXACTLY
Applies to common law, and invalid acceptance will not be a counter offer.
Does not apply to UCC, if acceptance is a minor change it’s alright, if major change like to price or quantity = counter offer
What is the rule regarding accommodations under the UCC? What is the difference between a valid accommodation and invalid accommodation?
Valid accommodation = Acceptance is in form of shipment. (prompt shipment, unilateral contact, i promise to pay for this if you ship it, not i promise to pay for this if you promise to ship it)
Invalid accommodation = Promise to ship. Then subsequently realizing don’t have exactly what offer was requesting, then improvising and shipping something (no valid accommodations in bilateral contracts - i promise to pay if you promise to ship)
Regarding auctions, what is the difference between with reserve and w/o reserve?
With reserve = seller doesn’t need to sell unless adequate bid is made
W/o reserve = goods must be sold to highest bidder
What is the difference between common law and UCC regarding modifications to contracts?
Common law = modification of a contract is not enforceable unless consideration is given
UCC = as long as agreed to, any modification is valid
The statute of frauds states that sales of goods above $500 must be evidenced in writing. Are there any exceptions to this?
- ) Specially manufactured goods
- ) Lack of objection to confirmation after 10 days
- ) Admit in court
- ) Performed
When does risk of loss pass to the buyer in non-merchant transactions?
When the seller’s tender of delivery is made. Essentially, as soon as purchase is made all risk of loss shifts to buyer (garage sale rule) (non-merchant can’t hold the goods after purchase and have risk of loss)
When does risk of loss pass to the buyer in merchant transactions?
Only upon actual delivery (can hold for customer after purchase in the store, and store still has risk of loss)
Regarding sales on approval, like a test drive, explain where risk of loss lies
With the seller, until buyer approval
Regarding sales or return, explain where risk of loss lies
With the buyer, until returned
If the goods shipped for a carrier case contract are nonconforming, who carries risk of loss?
Since UCC rules govern this, perfect tender rule applies. Perfect tender rule states if goods aren’t perfect compared to offer, goods can be rejected. Since this is the case, nonconforming goods are always risk of loss to seller (regardless of FOB shipping terms)
How can an express warranty of goods be disclaimed?
Cannot be disclaimed
How can an implied warranty of title of goods be disclaimed?
Only disclaimed by specific language or by circumstances that indicate seller does not have title
What is the implied warranty of merchant-ability? How can implied warranty of merchant-ability be disclaimed?
Goods are fit for ordinary purposes. Only made by merchants.
Disclaimed with “as is” “with all faults”
How can implied warranty of fitness for particular purpose be disclaimed?
Does not need to be made by a merchant.
Disclaimed by written disclaimer only
What is the difference between a surety and a guarantor?
Surety = less rights than a guarantor. Liable to creditor after initial default by debtor
Guarantor = Liable to creditor only if the debtor does not perform his duty to creditor, creditor must first exhaust all options within legal right to get money from debtor
A surety has mutliple options of actions they can take against a debtor, they include:
- Exoneration
- Subrogation
- Reimbursement
Explain each of the three.
Exoneration = (before surety pays) surety sues debtor to pay
Subrogation = (after surety pays) surety steps into shoes of creditor and sues debtor for amount
Reimbursement = (after surety pays) indemnification, debtor pays back surety after surety pays
Do sureties have any valid defenses to not pay?
Much more limited than a guarantor, but still have defenses available.
- ) Defrauded by principal
- ) Duress upon principal
- ) Discharge of principal’s obligation (debtor pays or tries to pay)
- ) Surety incapacity or bankruptcy
- ) No contract/writing
- ) Variation of risk (increase of risk to surety after contract)
- ) Repo of collateral w/o notice to surety
What is a mechanics lien?
Under common law, a mechanic or artisan who works on property and either improves it or repairs it automatically has a lien on the property for the price of the repairs for as long as the property is in lienor’s possession.