Contract Law Overview
48 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the term for the person who makes an offer in contract formation?

  • Offeror (correct)
  • Offeree
  • Promisor
  • Acceptor
  • What does 'consensus ad idem' refer to in the context of a valid agreement?

  • Legal obligation
  • A written contract
  • Similarity of minds (correct)
  • Presence of an offeror
  • An agreement concerning a social outing does not become a contract because it lacks what element?

  • Consensus ad idem
  • Offer and acceptance
  • Enforceability by law (correct)
  • Witnesses
  • If two parties involved in an agreement have different understandings of the subject matter, what will be the effect on the agreement?

    <p>The agreement is void (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required for an agreement to be considered a legally enforceable contract?

    <p>Enforceability by law (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is an example of an agreement that is NOT a legally enforceable contract?

    <p>Agreement to go for a walk together (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All contracts are agreements, but all agreements are NOT necessarily contracts because:

    <p>Some agreements are only social. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic that distinguishes a business agreement from a social agreement?

    <p>The intention to create legal obligations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An agreement that restricts a person's ability to marry is considered:

    <p>Void, as it is against public policy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the case of Carew Co Ltd. v North Bengal, the agreement between two sugar manufacturers to allocate zones for procuring sugarcane was deemed:

    <p>Void, due to its nature as a restriction of trade. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If an agreement lacks clarity about the subject matter, such as failing to specify the type of oil in a sale, the agreement is:

    <p>Void, due to the lack of certainty. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An agreement to perform an impossible task, such as bringing a dead person back to life, is:

    <p>Void, due to the impossibility of performance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is generally true regarding the form of a contract under the Indian Contract Act?

    <p>Contracts can be oral, unless specified by law to be in writing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what circumstance is mere silence considered to be fraudulent?

    <p>When the circumstances of the case impose a duty to speak, or when silence itself is equivalent to speech. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered a valid contract?

    <p>An agreement where all the conditions are prescribed by law and is enforceable. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An agreement to restrict a person from engaging in their trade or profession is generally considered:

    <p>Void, as it is against fundamental rights to carry business. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Lalit sells a horse to Bablu knowing it is unsound, but says nothing. Is this considered fraud?

    <p>No, because mere silence about a fact is not fraud unless certain conditions are met. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Apple and Banana are traders, Apple has information that would affect Banana's willingness to contract. Is Apple bound to inform Banana?

    <p>No, because Apple's silence is not equivalent to speech and there is no duty to inform. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these correctly identifies the legal status of a wagering agreement?

    <p>Void and therefore illegal. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Bheem says to Ajay, 'If you do not deny it, I shall assume that the horse is sound.' Ajay says nothing. Is this an instance of fraud?

    <p>Yes, because Ajay's silence is an indication of agreement with Bheem, which is fraudulent if the horse is not sound. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what circumstance is a contract void due to bilateral mistake?

    <p>When both parties believe the contract can be performed, but it is impossible. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following exemplifies physical impossibility in a contract?

    <p>A contract made for a building which has been destroyed by fire, unbeknownst to both parties. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the material, what are the rights of an aggrieved party in cases of fraud?

    <p>The aggrieved party can avoid the contract, affirm it and request to be put in the original position, or claim damages. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a unilateral mistake?

    <p>A mistake about a contract term that is only made by one party. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A company issues a prospectus with false information about its wealth. A share broker purchases shares. What recourse does the share broker have according to the material?

    <p>The share broker can avoid the contract because the false statements constitute fraud. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key distinction between fraud and misrepresentation?

    <p>Fraud involves intentional falsehood, whereas misrepresentation involves unintentional falsehood. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what circumstance, is a unilateral mistake allowed as a defense to avoid a contract?

    <p>When the mistake resulted from the other party's fraudulent actions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, what happens when a person makes a unilateral mistake about the nature of the contract they are signing?

    <p>The contract is automatically void. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a person makes a false statement believing it to be true, is it an instance of fraud or misrepresentation?

    <p>It is considered misrepresentation, due to the unintentional nature of the false statement. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If someone intends to contract with 'Backbone', but mistakenly contracts with 'Chin', when would the contract be considered void?

    <p>If the identity of 'Backbone' was a material element of the contract and 'Chin' knew it. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option best describes a legal impossibility?

    <p>A contract impossible to perform due to a recently passed law. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the provided content, what was the legal outcome in the Foster v. example, when an old man of poor sight endorsed a bill of exchange whilst thinking it was a guarantee?

    <p>There was no contract because his mind did not accompany the signature. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which scenario are damages for loss of reputation typically recoverable?

    <p>When a banker wrongfully dishonors a customer's check. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary determinant when assessing damages for inconvenience and discomfort?

    <p>The extent of physical inconvenience and discomfort experienced. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'liquidated damages' refer to in contract law?

    <p>A pre-agreed amount of compensation payable in the event of a breach. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the case of the surveyor 'Table' and 'Chair', what type of damages would 'Chair' most likely be awarded?

    <p>Damages for his physical discomfort and hardship. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of liquidated damages?

    <p>They are a genuine pre-estimate of the damages agreed upon by the parties. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If 'Preety' caused damage to the Railway, what kind of damages would the Railway likely be eligible to claim from her?

    <p>Only nominal damages for the breach. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Besides damages for inconvenience and loss of reputation, which of these are claimable in the event of a breach of contract?

    <p>Difficulty of assessment and cost of a decree. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean when damages that are 'difficult of assessment' can still get claimed?

    <p>Even if damages are difficult to calculate, they can still be awarded. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the Alwar Shetty (1889) case, what was the primary factor that invalidated the young girl's consent?

    <p>The use of coercion by relatives to obtain her consent. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the case of Muthta v. Muthu Karuppa (1927), what made the release deed voidable?

    <p>The coercion exerted by holding back business records. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the provided text, what is the legal implication of a threat to commit suicide in the context of contract law?

    <p>It is legally considered as an act of coercion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the case of ChikhamAmiraju v. Seshamma (1917), what was the basis for invalidating the release deed?

    <p>The coercion resulting from a threat of suicide. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the text define as 'duress' in the context of coercion?

    <p>Actual or threatened violence against a person or specified relations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the case of Xavier kidnapping David's son, why is the promissory note not enforceable?

    <p>Because David's consent was obtained through coercion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Section 19, what is the primary effect of coercion on an agreement?

    <p>It makes the agreement voidable at the option of the aggrieved party. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a person has paid money under coercion, what legal obligation do they have?

    <p>They are legally obligated to repay the money under coercion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Offer and Acceptance

    • An offeror makes an offer, and the offeree accepts it.
    • Consensus ad idem (similarity of minds) is crucial; both parties must agree on the same thing.
    • If there's a difference in understanding (e.g., offer for one house, acceptance for another), the agreement is void.
    • An agreement must be enforceable by law to be a contract.

    Agreements and Contracts

    • Not all agreements are contracts. Social agreements (e.g., going for a stroll) lack the intent to create legal obligations.
    • Business agreements typically intend to create legal obligations.
    • Certain agreements are expressly declared void by the Indian Contract Act (Sections 24-30), including those in restraint of trade or legal proceedings.

    Certainty and Possibility

    • Contract wording must be clear and unambiguous. Uncertainty renders an agreement void.
    • An agreement must be possible to perform; impossible contracts are unenforceable.
    • Contracts don't need to be written, but certain agreements, like those for immovable property, require written and registered form.

    Types of Contracts (Validity)

    • Valid Contract: Meets all legal requirements, enforceable.
    • Void Contract: Does not have legal effect from the start either because of lack of consensus or some other factors.

    Coercion

    • Coercion: Involves the use or threat of violence (or threats to property) to force someone into an agreement.
    • Threats of suicide constitute coercion.
    • An agreement made under coercion is voidable (can be cancelled).
    • If money or property was exchanged under coercion, it must be returned.

    Fraud

    • Fraud: A dishonest act with intent to induce a person into a contract.
    • Mere silence, even about important facts, isn't necessarily fraud unless special circumstances exist (duty to speak or silence equivalent to speech).
    • Examples: a seller concealing a horse's unsoundness vs. buyer explicitly relying on seller's silence for assuming soundness
    • Fraud makes the contract voidable.

    Misrepresentation

    • Misrepresentation: False statement believed to be true (or unknowingly false), making the contract voidable.
    • Parties may not use unilateral mistake as a defense, except in specific cases where mistake is fundamental (e.g., mistake about the person or the nature of a contract.).

    Bilateral Mistake and Impossibility

    • Physical impossibility: A contract is void if performance isn't possible (e.g., a cancelled procession).
    • Legal impossibility: A contract is void if it demands an illegal action.

    Unilateral Mistake

    • Unilateral mistake: A mistake by one party, typically not a valid defence for avoiding a contract.
    • Exceptions exist for fundamental and material mistakes. If one party knows of the mistake of the other party, the contract is void

    Damages in Breach of Contract

    • Loss of reputation damages: Generally not recoverable (except for a banker who dishonours a cheque)
    • Inconvenience and discomfort damages: Recoverable for physical hardship
    • Difficulty of assessment; mitigation of damages; cost of decree: Other factors in assessing damages.
    • Liquidated damages: Pre-agreed damages in case of contract breach. This is a valid estimate, rather than a penalty.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Legal Aspects of Business PDF

    Description

    Explore the fundamental principles of contract law, including offer and acceptance, the necessity of consensus, and the enforceability of agreements. Understand how legal obligations differ between social and business agreements as well as the significance of clarity in contract wording.

    More Like This

    Contract Law Overview
    79 questions

    Contract Law Overview

    SweetheartMandelbrot1035 avatar
    SweetheartMandelbrot1035
    Overview of Contract Law
    20 questions

    Overview of Contract Law

    MarvellousFeynman avatar
    MarvellousFeynman
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser