What occurs when breach of contract is minor?
In common law, if breach is only minor. the non-breaching party is not discharged from terms and conditions of contract, but is entitled to damages
Implied agreement
To perform in a non-negligent manner, consistent with the standards of the profession
Breach of contract
Failure to perform substantially as agreed under contract
2 types of agreements
2. implied
What types of damages can a tax client recover?
Compensatory damages, but not punitive
List elements of recovery
Duty, breach, damages, Proximate cause
Define standard
That degree of judgement and skill possessed by a reasonable accountant under all circumstances
Define negligence
the performance of contract in a careless manner. Does not lead to punitive damages
Define actual fraud
Fraud is an intentional tort that is made with scienter or a knowledge to deceive
Define constructive fraud
Reckless disregard or gross negligence
What must be proven by contracting party to establish defense of fraud?
Describe the reasonable foreseeability approach to accountant liability
Accountant is liable to whomever they can reasonably foresee may use the f/s they certify or prepare
Describe privity approach of Ultra mares vs. Touche to accountant liability
Accountant is liable only to those with whom they are in privity of contract
List 3 primary approaches to accountant liability
Describe restatement “limited Class” approach to accountant liability
Accountant has 3rd party liability to a limited class of known or intended users of f/s whose specific identity need not be known by CPA
List types of assent defenses that can be used to invalidate the formation of a contract
Under what circumstances can a unilateral mistake become a defense?
When other party knew or should have known of a mistake
Describe formation mistake
When mistake is clerical/computational error so large that other party should have known
remedies for lack of mutual assent
elements for misrepresentation or fraud
elements that constitute a fraud
undue influence
occurrence in which one party induces another party to enter into a contract by overcoming his or her free will through an abuse of a position of confidence
duress
forcing of a party to enter into a contract under fear or threat of violence to that party or member of his or her family, or use of economic pressure to overcome party’s free will
2 types of contractual mistakes that can occur
2. Unilateral mistake ( not always a defense)