The Essentials of Contract Law

I. Contract Formation

A contract requires offer, acceptance, and consideration.

Offer: A clear expression of willingness to be bound, creating a reasonable belief that assent will finalize the deal. Advertisements are generally invitations to deal, not offers. Offers can be terminated by revocation, rejection, counteroffer, time lapse, or operation of law.

Acceptance: Assent to the offer's terms. Under common law, the acceptance must mirror the offer exactly (mirror image rule). The Mailbox Rule generally makes acceptance effective upon dispatch. Acceptance must be communicated.

Consideration: A bargained-for exchange of legal value, where each party gives something up. A preexisting duty is not sufficient consideration. Promissory estoppel can enforce a promise without consideration if there is detrimental reliance.

II. Enforceability Defenses

Statute of Frauds: Requires certain contracts to be in writing. These include contracts involving marriage, those that cannot be performed within a year, interests in land, promises by executors, sale of goods over $500, and suretyship. Exceptions include partial performance or promissory estoppel.

Capacity: Minors, those with mental incapacity, and intoxicated individuals may lack capacity to contract. Contracts with minors are voidable by the minor.

Illegality/Public Policy: Contracts to do something illegal or against public policy are void.

Misrepresentation/Fraud: False statements can be a defense. Fraud is an intentional falsehood.

Duress/Undue Influence: Contracts made under duress or undue influence are voidable.

III. Contract Performance and Breach

Performance Standards:

Conditions: Events that must occur before performance is due. Can be express or implied.

Common Law: Requires substantial performance.

UCC: Requires perfect tender for the sale of goods.

Breach:

Material Breach (Common Law): Allows the non-breaching party to terminate the contract and sue for damages.

Minor Breach (Common Law): The non-breaching party can seek damages, but must still perform their own obligations.

Anticipatory Repudiation: When a party indicates they will not perform. The non-breaching party can treat this as an immediate breach.

Installment Contracts (UCC): A breach in one installment only justifies canceling the contract if it substantially impairs the whole contract.

Cure Rights (UCC): A seller who delivers non-conforming goods may have the right to correct the issue.

IV. Remedies for Breach

Monetary Damages:

Expectation Damages: Aims to put the non-breaching party in the position they would have been in had the contract been fulfilled.

Consequential Damages: Compensation for foreseeable indirect losses.

Reliance Damages: Reimburses expenses incurred due to relying on the contract.

Restitution: Restores any benefit conferred to the breaching party.

UCC Specific Damages: Buyers can 'cover,' and sellers can resell goods to mitigate damages.

Equitable Remedies:

Specific Performance: Forcing the breaching party to fulfill the contract, usually for unique items.

Injunction: Directing a party to do or not do something.

Rescission: Cancels the contract, restoring parties to their original state.

Reformation: Rewriting a contract to reflect the parties' true intent.

V. Third-Party Rights

Third-Party Beneficiaries:

Intended Beneficiary: Has the right to enforce the contract.

Incidental Beneficiary: Does not have the right to enforce the contract.

Rights vest when the beneficiary relies on, assents to, or when contract conditions specify.

Assignment and Delegation:

Assignment: Transfer of contract rights.

Delegation: Transfer of contractual duties, which is not allowed when personal skill is required. The delegator often remains liable unless a novation occurs.

VI. UCC vs. Common Law

Modification: Common law requires new consideration, UCC does not as long as it is in good faith.

Firm Offers: UCC firm offers by merchants are irrevocable for a stated time (or up to three months) without consideration