Cahpeter 11 Flashcards
(22 cards)
Bilateral contract
A type of contract that arises when a promise is given in exchange for a return promise
Contract
An agreement that can be enforced in court; formed by two or more parties, each of whom agrees to perform or to refrain from performing some act now or in the future
Executed contract
A contract that has been completely performed by both parties
Executory contract
A contract that has not as yet been fully performed
Express contract
A contract in which the terms of the agreement are fully and explicitly stated in words, oral or written.
Extrinsic evidence
Evidence that relates to a contract but is not contained within the document itself such as the testimony of parties and witnesses, or additional agreements or communications. A court may consider extrinsic evidence only when a contract term is ambiguous and the evidence does not contradict the express terms of the contract
Formal contract
A contract that by law requires a specific form, such as being executed under seal, to be valid
Implied contract
A contract formed in whole or in part from the conduct of the parties (as opposed to an express contract) also known as implied in fact contract
Informal contract
A contract that does not require a specified form or formality in order to be valid
Objective theory of contracts
A theory under which the intent to form a contract will be judged by outward, objective facts (what the party said when entering into the contract, how the party acted or appeared, and the circumstances surrounding the transaction) as interpreted by a reasonable person, rather than by the parties own secret, subjective intentions
Offeree
A person to whom an offer is made
Offeror
A person who makes an offer
Promise
A person’s assurance that he or she will or will not do something
Promisee
A person to whom a promise is made
Promisor
A person who makes a promise
Quantum meruit
Literally (as much as he deserves) – an expression describing the extent of liability on a contract implied in law (quasi contract) An equitable doctrine based on the concept that one who benefits from another labor and materials should not be unjustly enriched thereby but should be required to pay a reasonable amount for the benefits received even absent a contract
Quasi contract
A fictional contract imposed on parties by a court in the interest of fairness and justice; usually, quasi contract or imposed to avoid the unjust enrichment of one party at the expense of another
Unenforceable contract
A valid contract rendered unenforceable by some statute or law
Unilateral contract
A contract that results when an offer can only be accepted by the offeree’s performance
Valid contract
A contract that results when elements necessary for contract formation (agreement, consideration, legal purpose, and contractual capacity) are present
Void contract
A contract having no legal force or binding effect
Voidable contract
A contract that may be legally avoided (canceled, or annulled) at the option of one of the parties