Topics in Contract Law

1. Introduction

  • 1.1. Overview and Sources of Contract Law

2. Formation

  • 2.1. Offer and Acceptance
    • 2.1.1 Mutual Assent
    • 2.1.2 Invitations to Negotiate and other Expressions that are not Offers
    • 2.1.3 Written Agreement Contemplated v. Written Memorialization
    • 2.1.4 Letters of Intent and Other Formal Preliminary Agreements
    • 2.1.5 Express and Implied Contracts
    • 2.1.6 Bilateral and Unilateral Contracts
    • 2.1.7 Offer
    • 2.1.8 Duration of Offers
    • 2.1.9 Option Contracts and Firm Offers
    • 2.1.10 Acceptance
    • 2.1.11 Formation of Contracts under UCC Art. 2
    • 2.1.12 Battle of the Forms (UCC 2-207)
    • 2.1.13 Indefiniteness
    • 2.1.14 Mailbox Rule
  • 2.2. Consideration
    • 2.2.1. The Bargain Theory
      • 2.2.2.1 Gift Promises
      • 2.2.2.3 Past Consideration (Moral Obligation)
      • 2.2.3.1 Output and Requirement Contracts
      • 2.2.3.3 Commitment (Lady Duff-Gordon)
      • 2.2.3.4 Satisfaction Clauses
      • 2.2.4.2 Reliance (Promissory Estoppel)
  • 2.3. Defenses
    • 2.3.1. Void, Voidable, and Unenforceable Contracts
    • 2.3.2. Illegal Promises
    • 2.3.3. Lack of Capacity
    • 2.3.4. Duress and Undue Influence
    • 2.3.5. Unjust Terms (Unconscionability)
    • 2.3.6. Fraud and Misrepresentation
    • 2.3.7. Misunderstanding and Mistake
    • 2.3.8. Statute of Frauds

3. Performance and Breach

  • 3.1. What are the Obligations?
    • 3.1.1. Parol Evidence Rule
    • 3.1.2. Interpretation
    • 3.1.3. Implied Terms (Gap-fillers)
    • 3.1.4. Good Faith
    • 3.1.5. Promises
    • 3.1.6. Warranties
    • 3.1.7. Representations
  • 3.2. Have the Obligations been discharged?
    • 3.2.1. Modification
    • 3.2.2. Accord & Satisfaction
    • 3.2.3. Unanticipated Events
    • 3.2.4. Rescission
    • 3.2.5. Waiver
    • 3.2.6. Release
  • 3.3. Conditions: Does an event have to occur before an obligation is due?
    • 3.3.1. Definition and Classification
    • 3.3.2. Conditions and Promises Distinguished
    • 3.3.3. Excuse of the Effect of Conditions
  • 3.4. Breach
    • 3.4.1. Material and Immaterial Breach
    • 3.4.2. Perfect Tender Rule
    • 3.4.3. Installment Contracts (UCC 2-612)
    • 3.4.4. Breach by Anticipatory Repudiation
    • 3.4.5. Assurances (UCC 2-609)

4. Remedies

  • 4.1. Remedies for Breach of Contract
    • 4.1.1 Specific Performance
    • 4.1.2 Expectation Damages
    • 4.1.3 Certainty
    • 4.1.4 Foreseeability
    • 4.1.5 Mitigation
    • 4.1.6 Measuring Expectation: The Cost of Completion
    • 4.1.7 Substantial Performance
    • 4.1.8 Reliance
    • 4.1.9 Restitution
    • 4.1.10 Liquidated Damages
  • 4.2. UCC Remedies

5. Third Parties

  • 5.1. Third Party Beneficiaries
  • 5.2. Assignment and Delegation

6. Additional Topics

  • 6.1. UCC
  • 6.2. Drafting Contracts
  • 6.3 Choice of Law