Offer and Acceptance Revisionary Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the application of the objective test in determining the existence of an agreement?

  • Both parties subjectively believe they have reached an agreement, even though their outward conduct suggests otherwise to a reasonable person.
  • A party secretly intends to reject an offer but outwardly behaves as if they accept it, leading the other party to believe there is a contract. (correct)
  • A party initially rejects an offer but later changes their mind and attempts to accept before the offeror revokes, claiming the original rejection was not their true intention.
  • A party makes a clear and unambiguous offer, but the other party remains silent, leading to an implied acceptance based on industry custom.

The presence of outward agreement invariably indicates a mutual understanding and willingness to enter into a contract, thereby nullifying any need for further assessment.

False (B)

Briefly describe the significance of Lord Blackburn J's statement in Smith v. Hughes regarding the objective test in contract law.

Lord Blackburn J's statement emphasizes that a party's conduct, as perceived by a reasonable person, is more important than their actual intention when determining whether an agreement exists.

An offer demonstrates a __________ to contract on specific terms, indicating that it will become binding upon acceptance.

<p>willingness</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the indicator of agreement with its description.

<p>Outward Agreement = This refers to the visible or apparent manifestations of consensus between parties, observable through actions like the use of gestures signifying approval. Oral Agreement = This is a spoken agreement made through verbal communication, where parties express their intentions and terms, but are not written. Written Agreement = This is a formal document that details the terms and conditions agreed upon by the parties, providing a tangible record of the agreement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In contract law, acceptance is best defined as:

<p>The final and unqualified expression of assent to the terms of an offer. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to contract law, acceptance can only be demonstrated through explicit written statements, not through conduct.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key element distinguishes an 'enquiry' from a 'counteroffer' in contract negotiations?

<p>willingness to contract</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the case of Brogden v. Metropolitan Railway Co., acceptance of the contract was demonstrated through the parties' __________.

<p>conduct</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would be considered a counteroffer, effectively terminating the original offer?

<p>Expressing interest in the offer while suggesting a different price. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Once an offer is made, any question about the terms, no matter how minor, automatically constitutes a counteroffer.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following scenarios with their correct legal interpretation in contract law:

<p>A party responds to an offer by proposing a change to the quantity of goods to be purchased. = Counteroffer A party asks for details about the warranty included with a product before accepting the offer. = Enquiry Both parties behave as though a written contract is in effect, fulfilling its terms despite never formally signing it. = Acceptance by Conduct</p> Signup and view all the answers

In contract law, under what conditions is an offer considered legally accepted?

<p>When the offeree communicates unconditional agreement to every element of the offer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the definition established in NTHC Ltd v. Antwi, what is the critical element that defines an offer?

<p>An intention to be bound by specific terms upon acceptance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An invitation to treat demonstrates a definitive willingness to be bound by specific terms immediately upon acceptance.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the essential distinction between an offer and an invitation to treat regarding the intention to enter into a bargain?

<p>finality</p> Signup and view all the answers

The display of goods in a shop window with prices attached is generally considered an invitation to _______, not an offer.

<p>treat</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the contract type with its description:

<p>Bilateral Contract = A promise in exchange for another promise, creating mutual obligations. Unilateral Contract = A promise in exchange for the performance of a specific act, with acceptance occurring upon completion of the act.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a unilateral contract, when does acceptance legally take effect?

<p>Upon complete performance of the stipulated act (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a bilateral contract, both parties are mutually liable from the moment the contract is formed.

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

In the context of contract law, what differentiates a general offer from a specific offer?

<p>audience</p> Signup and view all the answers

Carlill v. Carbolic Smokeball is an example of a _______ offer, highlighting the concept of performing an action in response to a previous offer.

<p>general</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a unilateral contract?

<p>A company announces a reward of $1,000 for anyone who finds and returns their lost dog. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios represents an effective communication of acceptance in contract law?

<p>An offeree verbally agrees immediately upon hearing the offer. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An offeror can legally enforce a contract if the offeree remains silent, but acts in accordance with the contract's terms.

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

Briefly explain why silence is generally not considered a valid form of acceptance, referencing a relevant legal principle.

<p>Silence is generally not a valid form of acceptance because acceptance must be communicated to the offeror. An offeror cannot unilaterally impose a condition that silence constitutes acceptance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

When an offeror specifies a precise method of acceptance, the offeree _____ comply unless an alternative method is equally advantageous and acceptable to the offeror.

<p>must</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the legal principle with its correct description:

<p>Communication of Acceptance = The principle that acceptance must be made known to the offeror through words or conduct. Prescribed Method of Acceptance = The concept where an offeror specifies the exact means by which acceptance must occur. Effectiveness of Acceptance = The point at which acceptance takes legal effect, often upon receipt by the offeror. Silence as Acceptance = The general rule that an offeror cannot impose a condition that silence equals acceptance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what situation can an offeree use a different method of acceptance other than the one originally specified?

<p>The other method is not less advantageous to the offeror and does not compromise safety or speed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an offeree keeps silent but honors the terms of a contract where silence was suggested as acceptance, the offeror is legally bound.

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

Describe a scenario where an offeror attempts to use silence as a method of implied acceptance, and explain why a court may not uphold this.

<p>An offeror sends goods to another party with a note stating that if the goods are not returned within a week, it will indicate acceptance of a sale. A court may not uphold this because acceptance requires clear communication, and the offeror cannot impose terms where silence implies consent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the case of Felthoude v. Bindley, the uncle's attempt to impose silence as acceptance for the sale of a horse was deemed _____ because acceptance must be affirmatively communicated.

<p>invalid</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'effectiveness of acceptance' in contract law?

<p>The point at which legal effects of the acceptance take place. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Acceptance

Final and unqualified assent to the terms of an offer.

Acceptance by Conduct

Acceptance demonstrated through actions, not just words.

Counteroffer

A response to an offer that changes the original terms; it voids the original offer.

Enquiry

A request for more details that doesn't reject the original offer.

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Counteroffer

Offer is destroyed and considered void

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Enquiry

Shows a willingness to contract and accept the terms

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Counteroffer

Seeks to initiate an entirely new agreement on the same subject matter and destroys and rejects the initial offer

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Brogden v. Metropolitan Railway Co.

Agreement drafted but never formalized in writing; acceptance can be implied through consistent conduct between parties.

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Objective Test

Determines agreement based on how a reasonable person would perceive the parties' actions, not their hidden intentions.

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Indicators of Agreement

Demonstrates agreement through actions (e.g., signing a document) or words (oral or written).

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Offer (in Contract Law)

A clear expression of willingness to enter into a contract on specific terms, intending it to be binding upon acceptance.

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Willingness to Contract

Willingness to contract on stated terms, intending it to be binding upon acceptance.

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Binding Acceptance

The offer becomes a binding agreement once the offer is accepted.

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Communication of Acceptance

Acceptance must be communicated to the offeror through words or actions, not just intentions.

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Effectiveness of Acceptance

Acceptance takes legal effect when the offeror receives clear indication of assent from the offeree.

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Clear Expression of Assent

If the offeror does not perceive a clear expression of agreement from the offeree, the contract may be void.

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Prescribed Method of Acceptance

When the offeror specifies a method of acceptance, it must be followed to indicate acceptance.

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Alternative Acceptance Methods

If a method is suggested but not mandatory, an equally advantageous method can also be accepted.

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Offeror/Offeree Responsibilities

Offerors must clearly specify acceptance methods and offerees must respect them or act accordingly.

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Silence as a Method of Acceptance

An offeror cannot impose silence as a method of acceptance on the offeree.

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Offeree's Silence & Actions

Offerors are legally bound when the offeree keeps silent but honors the terms of the contract.

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Felthouse v. Bindley Case

An uncle couldn't sue when his nephew's horse was sold because silence can't be forced as acceptance.

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Postal Rule

In general the 'postal rule' dictates that an acceptance is valid the moment it is sent not when it is received.

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What is an Offer?

A statement (words or conduct) indicating a willingness to be bound by specific terms if accepted.

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Offer vs. Invitation to Treat

The key difference is the willingness to be bound. Offers show finality; invitations to treat initiate bargaining.

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Examples of 'Invitation to Treat'

Tender notices, display of goods with prices attached, newspaper advertisements (usually).

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What is a Unilateral Contract?

One promisor exchanges a promise for the performance of an act. Acceptance occurs upon completion of the act.

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What is a Bilateral Contract?

Both parties exchange promises. Acceptance occurs when promises are exchanged, creating immediate mutual obligation.

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What is a General Offer?

One party promises something in return for someone’s performance of a specific act. No one is obligated to take action, but if someone does, the promisor must hold up their end of deal.

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When does acceptance happen in unilateral contracts?

One promisor makes a promise in exchange for an action of another so contract is only in effect once the action has been done.

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When does acceptance happen in bilateral contracts?

Acceptance happens when the promises are clarified and are legally binding from that point onwards, as the promises depend on the other being fulfilled

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What is liability in bilateral contracts?

Both parties have some form of liability from the moment the contract is formed

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Describe general offers.

That general offers are unilateral and are often analysed in the context of the action being performed in response to a previous offer.

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Study Notes

  • Contract Law regulates voluntary agreements and enforceable agreements
  • Contract Law adheres to principles determining contracts' validity and applicable legal remedies

Common Law and Case Law

  • Contract Law is derived from Common Law, based on English judges' decisions
  • Case Law is established from judicial decisions and it helps to apply principles, and remedies to hypothetical problems

Key Contract Terms

  • Contract: A legally enforceable promise or set of promises recognized by law
  • Contractual Obligations: Obligations parties voluntarily undertake, not imposed by law
  • Breach of Contract: Plaintiff's claim that defendant didn't honor contract terms
  • Principles: Determine binding clauses, enforceability, and relevant legal remedies
  • Judicial Decision and Principles: Judicial decisions in precedents create principles such as in R v. Brown

Lawyers, Principles, and Case Law

  • Lawyers use legal principles in arguments based on case precedents
  • Case law is a single case, or a batch of cases establishing specific principles
  • Common Law and Case Law are interchangeable since cases lead to laws via judicial decisions

Types of Contracts

  • Contracts can be oral, unilateral, or written
  • Contract Law focuses on general principles applicable across contracts, regardless of subject matter and content
  • Legal limitations dictate contract types and violations can void contracts
  • The language of contracts affects interpretation

Central Doctrines

  • Doctrines are principles attesting to beliefs in a knowledge branch
  • Contract Law doctrines evolved from judicial decisions responding to industrial expansion, revolution in England, and the rise of capitalism
  • Freedom of Contract Doctrine: Parties can determine contract terms without court interference
  • The court regulates enforcement, but cannot interfere or influence terms

Issues with the Doctrine

  • Bargaining power deficiencies arise with standard form contracts, where individuals have little choice
  • Courts address liability clause issues affecting industries, and legislation like the "Unfair Contracts Act"

The Role of Courts in Contract Conflicts

  • Courts assess the promise, focusing on the exact promises made to determine contractual liabilities
  • Courts assess legal duty (legal requirements for contracts) and legal enforceability
  • Courts determine remedies to help the aggrieved party after determining the promise and legal duty

Contract Law Emphasis

  • Common law emphasizes the central notion of a "bargain"
  • Contract Law enforces promises made as part of a bargain
  • A bargain exchanges promises or a promise for performance, consisting of at least two parties

Topic II - Formation of Contract

  • Asserts that a "bare" or "naked" promise without anything given or promised in exchange isn't enforceable

Unit 1 - The Nature of Agreement

  • Indicators of agreement include outward appearance, oral, written, and inferred agreements
  • In Common Law, the fixed method is The Objective Test
  • Parties are judged not on their intentions but on the reasonable objective meaning of their words and conduct
  • The test analyzes the external appearance of the agreement, found in the concept of promise
  • Courts ask about "consensus ad idem" (meeting of minds)

Benefits of The Objective Test

  • Pragmatic way to determine agreements
  • Ensures certainty as parties know they will be judged on contract content
  • A party cannot avoid liability if the other party accepts an offer with one reasonable meaning
  • The offeror cannot enforce the contract if the offeree is misled by the offeror's conduct

Further Principles

  • A contract is unenforceable if the offeror makes an obvious mistake and the offeree is aware
  • The offeree cannot refuse a contract if mistaken about the subject matter's quality, unless the offeror caused it
  • A contract stands if both parties agree on terms and subject matter, even with different assumptions

Unit 2 - Offer and Acceptance

  • Bargains usually involve one party's terms accepted by the other
  • The court determines offer and acceptance with a deeper lens

What Constitutes an Offer?

  • A statement or conduct indicating willingness to contract on stated terms with the intention of becoming binding upon acceptance
  • NTHC Ltd v.Antwi defines an offer as an offeror's indication to be contractually bound if the offeree communicates acceptance

Qualifying as an Offer

  • Requires a clear indication of willingness to enter a bargain
  • Must provide provisions for the offeree to indicate acceptance
  • NTHC Ltd v. Antwi: Providing purchase details and indicating payment secures the purchase

Difference Between an Offer verses and Invitation to Treat

  • The main difference lies in the willingness to enter into a bargain
  • Offers have finality and become binding upon acceptance
  • NTHC Ltd v. Antwi and Tamplin v. James

Invitation to Treat

  • Invitations to Treat initiate bargaining with indefinite terms presented hoping to be offers
  • Examples: tender notices, displayed goods with prices, newspaper advertisements, catalogs, price lists, auction notices

Unit 1.3 Bilateral and Unilateral Contracts

  • Concluded contracts are either bilateral or unilateral between two parties
  • Determining the type depends on the concept of a promise
  • A unilateral contract happens when one making a promise is in exchange for a stipulated act, acceptance is only in effect after the act
  • A bilateral contract is made when a promisor makes a promise is in exchange for another promise

Unit 1.4 General Offers

  • General offers are either an offer to one person/first to act or to several people simultaneously
  • Carlill v. Carbolic Smokeball

Unit 1.5 Acceptance

  • Acceptance is the party's the presented and unqualified expression of assent
  • Acceptance can be through words, conduct, or writing
  • The court then considers the destroyed original offer

Acceptance by Conduct/Writing

  • Brogden v. Metropolitan Railway Co shows acceptance through conduct
  • Carlill v. Carbolic Smokeball shows acceptance by conduct

Unit 1.6 Acceptance

  • Has to be distinguished from Counter-Offers and Enquiries:
  • Acceptance must possess final, unqualified, and absolute assent to the proposed conditions to constitute an agreement
  • Suggesting modifications recognized as a counteroffer
  • Court views original destroyed offer
  • Cases: Hyde v. Wrench, Degbee v. Nsiah & Antonnelli, Butler Machine Tool Co. Ltd. v. Ex-cell-o Ltd.

Enquiries

  • Enquiries are distinguished from counteroffers using interpretation
  • An enquiry is a willingness to contract and accept the terms, while a counteroffer seeks to create a new agreement, destroying the initial offer

Unit 1.7 Communication of Acceptance

  • Acceptance must be communicated in words or conduct from the offeree not mental or intended

Unit 1.8 Prescribed Method of Acceptance

  • An offeror may indicate a method of indicating acceptance must be complied with
  • If offer doesn't state its the way to get acceptance, another way may be used if not less advantageous
  • The offerors can not prescribe a method for an offeree to communicate

Unit 1.9 Termination of Offers

  • An agreement is void when acceptance of an offer is rejected with certain circumnatances.
  • Rejection of Offer happens when its thrown out or a counteroffer is made, meaning the offeror can no longer accept
  • Lapse of Time happens when the specific time periods happen
  • The case of Aning v. Kingful,, A said that K had promised to marry her in three months but six had passed and she was unable to fulfill the promise

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