Contracts Flashcards
(106 cards)
When does common law apply to contracts
The common law governs if a contract deals with services or real estate (e.g., hiring someone to mow your lawn).
When does the UCC apply to contracts
The UCC governs if a contract deals with goods (e.g., agreement to buy 100 reams of paper from a paper supply company).
what is the rule for mixed contracts classification
mixed contracts must fall into one class or the other but there is a limited exception for divisible contracts (contracts that can divide the goods and services portions into separate mini-contracts)
generally, predominant purpose of the contract determines whether the common law or UCC governs
If the predominant purpose of the contract involves the purchase or sale of goods, the UCC applies. If the predominant purpose of the contract involves services or real estate, the common law applies.
3 requirements to form a valid contract
A traditional, enforceable contract is formed when there is:
(1) Mutual assent (a valid offer + valid acceptance of that offer);
(2) Consideration; AND
(3) No defenses to formation that would invalidate the otherwise valid contract.
what are two parts of the mutual assent
offer and acceptance
what is a valid offer
the offeror must: manifest an OBJECTIVE willingness to enter into an agreement; AND Create a power of acceptance in the offeree (i.e., the offeree can simply say, “I accept” and know that he has concluded the deal)
the offer is governed by an __________ test
The offer is governed by an objective test, which means that outward appearances of words and actions are determinative – not subjective hidden intentions (e.g., If a person makes an offer as a practical joke with his fingers crossed behind his back but his outward words and actions demonstrate willingness to enter the agreement, it is a valid offer. The offeror’s subjective intent is irrelevant).
Advertisements are considered ________ rather than offers
invitation to deal
However, advertisements that are very specific and leave nothing open to negotiation may constitute offers.
an offer must be directed at a _______ offeree
specific
Generally, an offer must be directed to a specific offeree. However, there is a limited exception for contest offers and reward offers that promise something to anyone who accomplishes a certain task (e.g., a posted sign that offers a cash reward for finding lost puppy is a valid offer).
what are the terms required in an offer (compare common law and UCC)
Certain terms MUST be specified in the offer in order for the offer to be valid.
Under the common law, all essential terms must be specified in the offer. Generally, this includes the following four terms: parties, subject, quantity, and price
Under the UCC, the law is more willing to plug the gaps. Unlike the common law, PRICE IS NOT REQUIRED in the offer. Generally, only three terms are required under the UCC: parties, subject quantity)
UCC requirements and output contracts rule
Requirements and output contracts are valid under the UCC even though they do not specify an exact quantity.
In a requirement contract, the seller agrees to sell as much as the buyer would require.
In an output contract, the seller agrees to sell his entire production to the buyer.
how can an offer be terminated
If a valid offer is terminated at any time before acceptance, the offer is invalidated.
An offer is terminated if any of the following occur at any time BEFORE acceptance: revocation, constructive revocation, offeree rejects offer, counteroffer, offeror dies, reasonable amount of time passes, OR subject matter of the offer becomes illegal or is destroyed.
define irrevocable offers
there are four types of offers that are irrevocable: option contracts, firm offers, unilateral contact where performance has started, and detrimental reliance
define option contracts
An agreement where consideration is given in exchange for a promise to keep an offer open (e.g., “I promise not to revoke this offer for one week if you pay me an additional $100 to keep the offer open.”).
define firm offers
UCC only
a merchant (someone who regularly deals in the type of good at issue – i.e., a businessperson) can make a firm offer to buy or sell goods. A firm offer will either last as long as stated in the offer or for a reasonable time period not to exceed 90 days.
A firm offer MUST: be in writing, contain an explicit promise not to revoke and be signed by the merchant
define acceptance
An acceptance is a manifestation of a willingness to enter into the agreement by the offeree
must be according to the rules of the offer
is silence a form of acceptance
silence generally does not manifest willingness unless there is a past history of silence serving as acceptance
acceptance for bilateral contracts
For bilateral contracts, the start of performance manifests acceptance.
acceptance for unilateral contracts
For unilateral contracts, the start of performance only makes the offer irrevocable – the offer is only accepted once performance is complete
define mailbox rule
An ACCEPTANCE that is sent by mail, email, or fax is valid at the moment of dispatch (not when the letter is received), UNLESS:
The offeree-sender uses the wrong address or has improper postage,
offeror expressly stipulates that the acceptance is valid upon receipt,
option contract is involved,
offeree-sender sends a termination letter BEFORE the acceptance letter
OR offeror detrimentally relies on a termination BEFORE he receives the acceptance letter.
define counteroffer
A counteroffer operates as both a rejection that terminates the original offer AND as a formation of a new offer.
what is the mirror image rule
Under the common law, the terms in the acceptance MUST match the terms of the offer exactly – otherwise it is not an acceptance, it is a counteroffer (i.e., the terms of the offer and acceptance must mirror each other exactly).
UCC 2-207 determines
whether there is a valid acceptance and whether the addtional terms will be part of the contract
what is the UCC 2-207 battle of the forms rule
Under the UCC, the acceptance does NOT have to mirror the offer. UCC § 2-207(1) determines whether the purported acceptance (containing new terms) will operate as an acceptance or as a counteroffer:
A definite and seasonable expression of acceptance or written confirmation;
Which is sent within a reasonable amount of time;
Operates as an ACCEPTANCE even though it states terms additional to or different from those offered or agreed upon;
UNLESS acceptance is expressly made conditional upon assent to the additional or different terms.