Contract Law: Terms vs. Representations
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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes terms from representations in a contract?

  • Terms are always written, while representations are only spoken.
  • Terms are only conditions, while representations can be warranties.
  • Terms are binding provisions of a contract, while representations are not. (correct)
  • Terms cannot be implied, while representations can.

What is a collateral contract?

  • A separate contract that is written and includes all terms.
  • A contract that supersedes the main contract.
  • An oral statement made before a written contract that is binding. (correct)
  • A contract that includes implied terms only.

Which of the following describes an implied term in a contract?

  • A term explicitly stated by the parties.
  • A condition that must be met for the contract to be enforceable.
  • A term that is only valid if it is included in writing.
  • A term inferred by law or custom rather than explicitly stated. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a classification of terms in a contract?

<p>Affirmations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When determining whether a statement is a term or representation, which factor is considered?

<p>The timing of the statement made. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of terms can be included in a contract according to the classifications provided?

<p>Warranty and conditions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the parol evidence rule?

<p>It prohibits the use of oral statements to modify a written contract. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding terms of a contract?

<p>Implied terms are derived from law or custom. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a longer time between a statement and the conclusion of a contract indicate?

<p>The statement is likely a representation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the case of Bannerman v White, why was the statement regarding sulphur usage considered important?

<p>It affected the price of the hops. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the exclusion of a statement from a written contract usually suggest?

<p>The statement is likely a representation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor is crucial when evaluating the nature of a statement made in a contract?

<p>The knowledge and expertise of the statement maker. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Dick Bentley Productions Ltd v Harold Smith Motors Ltd, what was the issue with the mileage statement?

<p>The actual mileage was significantly higher than represented. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it indicate when the maker of a statement has greater expertise than the receiver?

<p>The statement is likely a term. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the relationship between the time a statement is made and legal enforceability?

<p>The timing indicates whether the statement is a term or a representation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would a buyer likely do if they were informed that sulphur had been used in the hop treatment after having already agreed on the price?

<p>Ask for a refund or renegotiate the price. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Terms vs. Representations

Statements made during contract negotiations can be either terms (binding) or representations (not binding).

Collateral Contract

A separate contract related to the main contract, often an oral promise made before a written agreement, and is binding.

Pre-contractual Statements

Statements made during contract negotiations. They can be either terms (binding) or representations (non-binding).

Express Terms

Specific conditions explicitly stated by the parties, either verbally or in writing.

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Implied Terms

Conditions not explicitly stated in the contract but inferred by law or custom.

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Representation

A statement made during negotiations that does not form a binding part of the contract.

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Contracting Terms

Specific provisions creating the contract.

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Distinguishing Terms

Determining if a statement is a contract term involves looking at when the statement was made, its importance, inclusion in the written contract, and other related factors.

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Representations vs. Terms

Representations are statements made before a contract, but are not crucial to the agreement, while terms are essential parts of the contract.

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Time Gap (Statement to Contract)

The longer the time between a statement and a contract, the more likely the statement is a representation; the shorter the time, the more likely it's a term.

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Importance of Statement

A statement's importance in the agreement affects its classification. Crucial statements lean towards being a term, less crucial statements towards being a representation.

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Written Contract Exclusion

If a statement isn't included in a written contract, it's more likely a representation.

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Maker's Knowledge/Expertise

The maker's knowledge and expertise compared to the recipient's is crucial. A maker with superior knowledge leans towards a term.

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Routledge v McKay (Example)

A case illustrating how time between statement (motorcycle model) and contract (purchase) influences classification.

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Bannerman v White (Example)

A case where the importance of a statement (sulphur use in hops) was paramount, making it a term.

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Dick Bentley case (Example)

A case example where a car dealer's expertise made a mileage statement a legally binding term, despite the buyer relying on registration details.

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Study Notes

Contents of Contract - Introduction

  • Contract negotiations are common
  • Are statements made during negotiations part of the contract?
  • Yes, if it is a term
  • No, if it is a representation
  • Collateral contracts: specific statements that become a separate contract
  • Oral statements binding before written contracts
  • Terms vs. Collateral contracts -- key differences
  • Method for distinguishing terms and representations

Pre-Contractual Statements

  • Statements before a finalized contract
  • Representational vs. terms
  • Key differences for determining if a statement is a term or representation
    • When the statement was made
    • Its importance
    • Inclusion into the final written contract
    • Knowledge and expertise of the maker

Terms vs. Representations

  • When the statement was made:

    • Statements made closer to the contract are more likely to be terms
    • Statements further away are more likely representations
  • Importance of the statement:

    • More significant statements likely terms
    • Less significant statements likely representations
    • Example: Bannerman v White - statement about sulphur use crucial for the deal
  • Inclusion in written contract:

    • Omitted statements likely representations
    • Included statements are more likely terms
    • Example: Routledge v McKay - model year omission was not a contract term
  • Knowledge and expertise of maker: 

    • Makers with greater knowledge/expertise likely to give binding terms, lack of knowledge/expertise leans towards representations
  • Examples:

    • Dick Bentley Productions Ltd v. Harold Smith Motors Ltd - statement about car mileage was crucial to the contract, implying a term.
    • Oscar Chess Ltd v. Williams - information in the logbook (seller lack of expertise) was not a significant contract term.

Parol Evidence Rule (Exceptions)

  • Rule generally prevents evidence that contradicts a written contract
  • Exceptions when the rule does not apply.

Terms of the Contract

  • Classifications of terms (conditions, warranties, innominate)
  • Implied terms (inferred by law or custom)
  • Exemption clauses (limiting liability)

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Description

This quiz explores the nuances of contract law, specifically focusing on the differences between terms and representations in contract negotiations. Participants will learn how pre-contractual statements can impact the final agreement and the criteria for distinguishing between terms and collateral contracts. Test your understanding of these legal principles!

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