What are the two universes of contract law?
These universes define the legal framework governing different types of contracts.
How do courts decide which universe governs a mixed goods-and-services contract?
The predominant-purpose rule helps determine the applicable legal framework for contracts involving both goods and services.
Define offer.
Manifestation of willingness to enter a bargain that justifies the other party in understanding that his assent will conclude the deal (i.e., creates present power of acceptance in the offeree)
This definition highlights the essential nature of an offer in contract law.
What test governs whether words/actions constitute an offer?
Objective theory of contracts — what a reasonable person in the offeree’s position would understand, NOT the offeror’s secret or subjective intent
This theory emphasizes the perspective of the offeree rather than the offeror’s intentions.
Are the following offers?
(a) statements of opinion / future intent
(b) invitations to deal / advertisements
(a) No
(b) Generally no — they are preliminary communications that reserve the speaker’s final right of approval
Exceptions that ARE offers include reward advertisements and ads that are extremely specific.
Must an offer be directed to a specific person?
Yes, usually.
Exception: reward / contest offers that promise something to anyone who performs the requested act
This exception allows for broader applicability in certain situations.
How definite must the terms be under common law?
All essential terms must be included (the “essential” terms are traditionally: parties, subject matter, price, and quantity)
This requirement ensures clarity and enforceability in contracts.
How definite must the terms be under the UCC?
Only quantity is truly essential. Price, delivery, etc. can be left open; the UCC gap-filler provisions will supply reasonable terms
This flexibility under the UCC facilitates commercial transactions.
Are requirements and output contracts sufficiently definite under the UCC?
Yes — they contain an implicit quantity formula (“all I need” or “all I produce”), which satisfies the UCC’s quantity requirement
This allows for contracts that adapt to the needs of the parties involved.
What must a valid offer create in the offeree?
The present power of acceptance (offeree can simply say “I accept” and the deal is done; no further approval needed from offeror)
This principle is fundamental to the formation of binding contracts.
What are the six recurring fact patterns for terminating an offer (besides irrevocable offers)?
These patterns outline the various ways an offer can be terminated before acceptance.
For revocation by the offeror, what is required?
Express communication to the offeree; indirect or muttered revocations do not count unless communicated
Clear communication is essential for a valid revocation.
What is a constructive revocation?
Offeree learns of offeror’s action that is absolutely inconsistent with continuing ability to contract
An example includes the offeror selling the subject matter to someone else.
Does death of a party terminate an offer?
Yes, death of the offeror terminates the offer
However, death after contract formation does not usually terminate the contract.
When does lapse of time terminate an offer?
After a reasonable amount of time passes; look for delays of several weeks or more
Even if squashed, offeror can always revive with the exact same terms.
How does a counteroffer differ from a counter-inquiry or mere indecision?
Counteroffer is a rejection plus a new offer; counter-inquiry is just asking questions without rejecting
An example of counter-inquiry is asking, ‘Would you take less?’.
Are offers normally revocable?
Yes, offeror is normally free to revoke at any time prior to acceptance
This principle allows flexibility for the offeror until acceptance occurs.
What are the four situations where an ‘irrevocable offer’ arises?
These situations create exceptions to the general rule of revocability.
What is an option?
Offeree can buy an option; offeror cannot revoke during the option period
If exercised, it results in the same outcome as any other irrevocable offer.
Define a Merchant’s Firm Offer under the UCC.
A merchant in the UCC universe can make a firm offer to buy or sell goods; requirements include:
* Merchant: someone who regularly deals in the type of goods at issue
* Firm offer must be written, contain an explicit promise not to revoke, signed by the offeror
* Time period: either as stated or a reasonable time not to exceed 3 months
This type of offer provides a binding, free option.
For Merchant’s Firm Offer, who must be a merchant?
Only the offeror; the offeree does not need to be a merchant
This allows flexibility in commercial transactions.
In a unilateral contract, when does the offer become irrevocable?
Once the offeree has started performance; cannot be revoked by the offeror
A unilateral contract arises from a promise that requests acceptance by an action.
Distinguish unilateral vs. bilateral contracts.
Understanding the difference is crucial for contract formation.
Under detrimental reliance, when is an offer irrevocable?
If offeree reasonably and detrimentally relies on the offer in a foreseeable manner
This is often seen in general contractor-subcontractor settings and is sometimes called ‘promissory estoppel’.