REG: Chapter 4 Flashcards
Nature and Classification of Contracts
What is the difference between Implied-in-Law, Implied-in-Fact and an Express contract?
Implied in fact contract
* May be formed without an express terms of the agreement
* The facts of the situation imply an intent of both parties in the contract
Implied-in-law
* Also known as quasi contract
* Prevents unjust enrichment of one party when the facts show that there was no intent by both parties to form a contract
* Imposed mutually dependant and concurrent conditions to reach a result even though nothing is stated in the contract
Express Contract
* A contract where terms (i.e. money) are specifically agreed on
Nature and Classification of Contracts
What’s the difference between void and voidable?
Void
* The contracts are not in effect and are not recognized under law
Voidable
* The contract is not valid due to an issue (i.e. fraud)
* The contract may be enforced if the innocent party enters into a contract
* A contract cannot be voided by either party if its valid
Nature and Classification of Contracts
What is an adhesion contract?
- It permits the seller to avoid costs associated with negotiating terms at an individual level
- The transaction costs of inexpensive goods and services are reduced
Mutual Assent (Offer and Acceptance)
Can a person accept a contract if it has already been rejected?
- Rejection by the offeree automatically terminates the offer
- An offer cannot be accepted once it has been rejected
- If the offeree attempts to accept the offer after rejection, then it is a new offer
Mutual Assent (Offer and Acceptance)
When may an offer be revoked?
- An offer may be revoked by words or action
- Due to operation of law under certain circumstances
- Death or incompetence of either party
- A contract is revoked if the person dies prior to the acceptance
Mutual Assent (Offer and Acceptance)
What are the elements of an offer?
- Communication to the offeree is made or authorized by the offeror
- Intent to enter into the contract
- Be sufficiently definite and certain
An offer does not need to be communicated in words in order to be an offer. An offer may be oral
Mutual Assent (Offer and Acceptance)
Are price tags considered a contract?
- Price tags are considered as advertising
- There are no words of promise
- They are address to the general public and not one person
- The amount is usually indefinite
Mutual Assent (Offer and Acceptance)
When is a contract unenforceable because of indefiniteness?
- The requirements term that is identified in the conract must be reasonable to the seller’s needs or buyer’s business
- The contract cannot exist if the terms of the contract is based on the buyer’s or seller’s will
Mutual Assent (Offer and Acceptance)
When is an offer terminated by operation of law?
- Incapacity due to death or insanity
- Destruction of the subject matter
- The contract is illegal
An offer is not terminated if the subject matter is sold to a third party
Consideration
What is consideration of a contract?
- Consideration can either be a promise, act or forebearnace
- Consideration does not occur if the act happened in the past or has a pre-existing legal duty
- Consideration has occurred if the person receiving the promise experiences a legal detriment or receives a legal benefit
- Consideration must be legally sufficient
- Must provide a bargained-for exchange
- There must be mutual consideration provided by the other party
Capacity
What causes a contract to be void?
- The party is incompetent
- If another party cosigns the note or acts as surety, then the contract will not be void and they will be responsible
Legality
Lack of Genuine Assent
What makes a contract void?
- Physical coercion
- Fraud in the execution
- Making a contract in a person who is incompetent
- Death of one of the parties
- Duress through physical compulsion
Lack of Genuine Assent
What makes a contract voidable?
- Undue influence
- Duress through improper threats
- Mutual mistakes of facts
- Fraud in the inducement
Lack of Genuine Assent
What is duress?
- A threat, in either words or actions, in order for a person to enter a contract that they did not intend to enter
- Taking advantage of the other party’s financial difficult does not constitute duress
Lack of Genuine Assent
What is undue influence?
- A person is induced to enter into a contract by another person
- One party can take advantage of the other party because there is close relationship with the parties