Contract Law Fundamentals
Published on 17. October 2007
Book
Hardback
288 pages
978-0-13-114748-5 (ISBN)
Description
Designed for the new paralegal, Contract Law Fundamentals, 1e is a case book and was written to reflect the black-letter law of contracts. It takes a straight forward approach and helps readers develop an understanding of the essence of contract law. A variety of edited cases are included throughout the book, and reflect classic contract law and contemporary rulings in different industries and states.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Pearson Education (US)
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 206 mm
Width: 255 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
649 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-13-114748-5 (9780131147485)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Adam Epstein is an Associate Professor of Finance and Law in the College of Business Administration at Central Michigan University. He has published numerous articles in the areas of sports law and business law, and has represented numerous professional athletes over the years including several national champions and Olympic athletes. This is his third textbook.
Content
Chapter 1: The Basics
Introduction
Contract
Freedom of contract
Sanctity of a contract
Meeting of the Minds
Bilateral and Unilateral Contracts
Contract drafting
Objective Theory of Contracts
Common Law v. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code)
Restatement of Contracts
Valid, Void, Voidable
Express or Implied
Implied-in-fact
Implied-in-law (Quasi Contracts)
Quantum Meruit
Oral Contracts
Plain Meaning Rule
Executory v. Executed
Formal v. Informal contracts
Collective Bargaining Agreements
Personal Services Contracts
Contract Riders
Waivers
Termination of a Contract
Contract Defenses
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Harms v. Northland Ford Dealers, 602 N.W.2d 58 (S.D. 1999)
Case 2: Hill-Shafer Partnership v. The Chilson Family Trust, 799 P.2d 810 (Ariz. 1990).
Exercise: Examination of Musical Artist Contract Rider
Chapter 2: The Agreement
Introduction
The Offer
Definiteness
Communication of the Offer
Automatic Termination of an Offer
Auctions
Other Auctions
Mailbox Rule
Rewards
Option Contracts
Charitable Subscriptions
Acceptance
Silence
Letter of Intent
Quantum Meruit
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits:
Case 1: Lucy v. Zehmer, 84 S.E.2d (Va. 1954)
Case 2: Sefton v. Hewitt, 2004 NY Slip Op 50580U
Exercise: Examination of Agreement to Mediate.
Chapter 3: Consideration
Consideration
Pre-existing Duty Rule
Past Consideration
Illusory Promises
Post-Contract Issues
Accord and Satisfaction:
Release:
Forbearance:
Rescission:
UCC:
Cancel at Anytime
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Cooper v. Smith, 800 N.E.2d 372 (Ohio 2003)
Case 2: Hamer v. Sidway, 27 N.E. 256 (N.Y. 1891)
Exercise: Sponsorship Agreement
Chapter 4: Legality and Capacity
Introduction
Legality
Commission of a Crime
Usury
Gambling
Sabbath (Sunday) Laws
Licensing
Exculpatory clauses
Covenants not to sue/Covenants not to compete
Restraints of Trade
Capacity
Minors
Ratification
Competence
Intoxication
Necessaries
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Fres-Co Sys. USA, Inc. v. Bodell, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 28140 (E.D. Pa. Nov. 15, 2005)
Case 2: Hendersonv. Quest Expeditions, Inc. 174 S.W.3d 730 (Tenn. 2005)
Exercise: Employment Contract Analysis
Chapter 5: Defenses
Introduction
Fraud
Caveats
Duress
Mutual Mistake
Raffles v. Wichelhaus
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Gibson v. Publishers Clearing House, 2000 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 15227 (W.D. Mich. Sept. 29, 2000)
Case 2: Donovan v. RRL Corporation, 27 P.3d 702 (Cal. 2001)
Exercise: Participant Waiver
Chapter 6: The Statute of Frauds
Introduction
Statute of Frauds
Exceptions
Parol Evidence Rule (4-corners rule)
Exceptions
Rules of Construction
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Leonard v. PepsiCo., Inc., 88 F.Supp.2d 116 (S.D.N.Y. 1999)
Case 2: Coca-Cola Co. v. Babyback's Int'l, Inc., 841 N.E.2d 557 (Ind. 2006)
Exercise: Prenuptial Agreement
Chapter 7: Third Parties
Introduction
Privity of Contract
Assignment
Delegation
Third Party Beneficiaries
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Hoffman v. Red Owl Stores, 133 N.W.2d 267 (Wis. 1965)
Case 2: Donnalley v. Sterling, 689 S.E.2d 639 (Ga. App. 2005)
Exercise: Non-Assignment clause in a web hosting agreement: is it sufficient?
Chapter 8: Performance, Completion and Discharge
Introduction
Conditions
Condition Precedent
Condition Subsequent
Condition Concurrent
Performance
Unclean Hands Doctrine
Contract Clauses
Statute of Limitations
Bankruptcy
American Bankruptcy
The Bankruptcy Process
BAPCPA
The Means Test
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits:
Case 1: Silvestri v. Optus Software, 814 A.2d 602 (N.J. 2001)
Case 2: America's Favorite Chicken Co. v. Samaras, 929 S.W.2d 617 (Tex. 1996)
Exercise: Cosignor Form
Chapter 9: Breach of Contract and Remedies
Introduction
Remedies
Damages
Compensatory Damages
Consequential Damages
Liquidated Damages
Punitive Damages
Mitigation of Damages:
Waiver of Breach
Specific Performance
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits:
Case 1: Mohammed Al-Safin v. CircuitCity, 394 F.3d 1254 (9th Cir. 2004)
Case 2: RockinghamCountyv. Luten Bridge Co., 35 F.2d 301 (4th Cir. 1929)
Exercise: TBD
Chapter 10: Electronic Contracts
Electronic Contracts
Online Offers
Software
Licensing
E-signatures
UETA
UCITA
Partnering Agreement
Attribution
Mass-market license
Access contract
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Durick v. Ebay, Inc., 2006 Ohio App. LEXIS 4773 (Ohio Ct. App., Sept. 11, 2006)
Case 2: Hotels.com, L.L.P. v. Canales, 195 S.W.3d 147 (Tex. App. 2006)
Exercise: Prepare a case brief regarding the validity of arbitration claims in light of E.E.O.C. v. Waffle House, Inc., 534 U.S. 279 (2002)
Chapter 11: The Uniform Commercial Code
Introduction
The UCC
Articles
Sale of Goods
Pre-UCC
Article 2
Hybrid Sales
2003 Amendments
Electronic Deals
Outmoded Terms
Other Changes
Article 2A
Offers and the UCC
Merchant's Firm Offer
Acceptance and the UCC
Consideration and the UCC
Statute of Frauds and the UCC
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Newmark v. Gimbels, Inc., 258 A.2d 697 (N.J. 1969)
Case 2: Webster v. Blue Ship Tea Room, Inc., 198 N.E.2d 309 (Mass. 1964)
Exercise:
Chapter 12: Shipping and Delivery Issues
Introduction
Delivery
Identification of Goods
Existing Goods
Future Goods
Part of a Larger Mass
Risk of Loss
Shipment contract
Destination contract
Terms for Shipment Contracts
Bill of Lading
Imperfect Title
2003 Amendments
Insurable Interest
Bailment
Consignment
Conditional Sales
Sale or Return
Sale on Approval
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits:
Case 1: Wilsonv. Brawn of California, Inc., 2005 Cal. App. LEXIS 1393 (Cal. App. 1st Dist. 2005)
Case 2: Garlock v. Multiple Parking Services, Inc., 1980 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 2228 (N.Y. City Ct. 1980)
Exercise: Consignment Agreement
Chapter 13: Performance of UCC Contracts
Introduction
Perfect Tender Rule
Buyer's Obligations
Good Faith
Duty of Cooperation
Adequate Assurance of Performance
Place of Delivery
Installment Contracts
Commercial Impracticability
Destruction of Goods
Payment for the Goods
Letters of Credit
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Case 1: Star Mach. v. Ford Motor Co., 1998 U.S. App. LEXIS 15392 (6th Cir. Mich. July 7, 1998)
Case 2: Chainworks, Inc., v. WEBCO Industries, Inc., 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9194 (2006)
Exercise: Explore various letters of credit online.
Chapter 14: UCC Remedies
Introduction
Seller's Remedies
Seller's Resale of Goods
Buyer's Remedies
Cover
Lemon Laws
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Barry & Sewall Ind. Supp. Co. v. Metal-Prep of Houston, Inc., 912 F.2d 252 (8th Cir. 1990)
Case 2: Zine v. Chrysler Corp., 600 N.W.2d 384 (Mich. 1999)
Exercise:
Chapter 15: Warranties
Introduction
Warranty of Title
Express Warranty
Implied Warranty
Third Parties
Disclaimers
Statute of Limitations
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
Consumer Protection Statutes
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Golden v. Gorno Bros., Inc., 410 F.3d 879 (6th Cir. 2005)
Case 2: OgdenMartin Systems of Indianapolis, Inc. v. Whiting Corp., 179 F.3d 523 (7th Cir. 1999)
Exercise: Consumer Protection Act examination
Chapter 16: Contract Drafting Suggestions and Techniques
Introduction
Plain English
Consumer Protection
Old English
Use Proper English
Ambiguities
Appearance Counts
Use the 3 P's
The Initial Draft
Develop a Framework
Final Drafting Considerations
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: United Servs. Auto. Ass'n v. ADT Sec. Servs., 2006 Ky. App. LEXIS 284 (Ky. Ct. App. Sept. 8, 2006)
Case 2: B.L. Harbert International, L.L.C. v. Hercules Steel Co., 441 F.3d 905 (11th Cir. 2006)
Exercise: Personal Appearance Contract
Introduction
Contract
Freedom of contract
Sanctity of a contract
Meeting of the Minds
Bilateral and Unilateral Contracts
Contract drafting
Objective Theory of Contracts
Common Law v. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code)
Restatement of Contracts
Valid, Void, Voidable
Express or Implied
Implied-in-fact
Implied-in-law (Quasi Contracts)
Quantum Meruit
Oral Contracts
Plain Meaning Rule
Executory v. Executed
Formal v. Informal contracts
Collective Bargaining Agreements
Personal Services Contracts
Contract Riders
Waivers
Termination of a Contract
Contract Defenses
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Harms v. Northland Ford Dealers, 602 N.W.2d 58 (S.D. 1999)
Case 2: Hill-Shafer Partnership v. The Chilson Family Trust, 799 P.2d 810 (Ariz. 1990).
Exercise: Examination of Musical Artist Contract Rider
Chapter 2: The Agreement
Introduction
The Offer
Definiteness
Communication of the Offer
Automatic Termination of an Offer
Auctions
Other Auctions
Mailbox Rule
Rewards
Option Contracts
Charitable Subscriptions
Acceptance
Silence
Letter of Intent
Quantum Meruit
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits:
Case 1: Lucy v. Zehmer, 84 S.E.2d (Va. 1954)
Case 2: Sefton v. Hewitt, 2004 NY Slip Op 50580U
Exercise: Examination of Agreement to Mediate.
Chapter 3: Consideration
Consideration
Pre-existing Duty Rule
Past Consideration
Illusory Promises
Post-Contract Issues
Accord and Satisfaction:
Release:
Forbearance:
Rescission:
UCC:
Cancel at Anytime
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Cooper v. Smith, 800 N.E.2d 372 (Ohio 2003)
Case 2: Hamer v. Sidway, 27 N.E. 256 (N.Y. 1891)
Exercise: Sponsorship Agreement
Chapter 4: Legality and Capacity
Introduction
Legality
Commission of a Crime
Usury
Gambling
Sabbath (Sunday) Laws
Licensing
Exculpatory clauses
Covenants not to sue/Covenants not to compete
Restraints of Trade
Capacity
Minors
Ratification
Competence
Intoxication
Necessaries
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Fres-Co Sys. USA, Inc. v. Bodell, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 28140 (E.D. Pa. Nov. 15, 2005)
Case 2: Hendersonv. Quest Expeditions, Inc. 174 S.W.3d 730 (Tenn. 2005)
Exercise: Employment Contract Analysis
Chapter 5: Defenses
Introduction
Fraud
Caveats
Duress
Mutual Mistake
Raffles v. Wichelhaus
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Gibson v. Publishers Clearing House, 2000 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 15227 (W.D. Mich. Sept. 29, 2000)
Case 2: Donovan v. RRL Corporation, 27 P.3d 702 (Cal. 2001)
Exercise: Participant Waiver
Chapter 6: The Statute of Frauds
Introduction
Statute of Frauds
Exceptions
Parol Evidence Rule (4-corners rule)
Exceptions
Rules of Construction
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Leonard v. PepsiCo., Inc., 88 F.Supp.2d 116 (S.D.N.Y. 1999)
Case 2: Coca-Cola Co. v. Babyback's Int'l, Inc., 841 N.E.2d 557 (Ind. 2006)
Exercise: Prenuptial Agreement
Chapter 7: Third Parties
Introduction
Privity of Contract
Assignment
Delegation
Third Party Beneficiaries
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Hoffman v. Red Owl Stores, 133 N.W.2d 267 (Wis. 1965)
Case 2: Donnalley v. Sterling, 689 S.E.2d 639 (Ga. App. 2005)
Exercise: Non-Assignment clause in a web hosting agreement: is it sufficient?
Chapter 8: Performance, Completion and Discharge
Introduction
Conditions
Condition Precedent
Condition Subsequent
Condition Concurrent
Performance
Unclean Hands Doctrine
Contract Clauses
Statute of Limitations
Bankruptcy
American Bankruptcy
The Bankruptcy Process
BAPCPA
The Means Test
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits:
Case 1: Silvestri v. Optus Software, 814 A.2d 602 (N.J. 2001)
Case 2: America's Favorite Chicken Co. v. Samaras, 929 S.W.2d 617 (Tex. 1996)
Exercise: Cosignor Form
Chapter 9: Breach of Contract and Remedies
Introduction
Remedies
Damages
Compensatory Damages
Consequential Damages
Liquidated Damages
Punitive Damages
Mitigation of Damages:
Waiver of Breach
Specific Performance
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits:
Case 1: Mohammed Al-Safin v. CircuitCity, 394 F.3d 1254 (9th Cir. 2004)
Case 2: RockinghamCountyv. Luten Bridge Co., 35 F.2d 301 (4th Cir. 1929)
Exercise: TBD
Chapter 10: Electronic Contracts
Electronic Contracts
Online Offers
Software
Licensing
E-signatures
UETA
UCITA
Partnering Agreement
Attribution
Mass-market license
Access contract
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Durick v. Ebay, Inc., 2006 Ohio App. LEXIS 4773 (Ohio Ct. App., Sept. 11, 2006)
Case 2: Hotels.com, L.L.P. v. Canales, 195 S.W.3d 147 (Tex. App. 2006)
Exercise: Prepare a case brief regarding the validity of arbitration claims in light of E.E.O.C. v. Waffle House, Inc., 534 U.S. 279 (2002)
Chapter 11: The Uniform Commercial Code
Introduction
The UCC
Articles
Sale of Goods
Pre-UCC
Article 2
Hybrid Sales
2003 Amendments
Electronic Deals
Outmoded Terms
Other Changes
Article 2A
Offers and the UCC
Merchant's Firm Offer
Acceptance and the UCC
Consideration and the UCC
Statute of Frauds and the UCC
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Newmark v. Gimbels, Inc., 258 A.2d 697 (N.J. 1969)
Case 2: Webster v. Blue Ship Tea Room, Inc., 198 N.E.2d 309 (Mass. 1964)
Exercise:
Chapter 12: Shipping and Delivery Issues
Introduction
Delivery
Identification of Goods
Existing Goods
Future Goods
Part of a Larger Mass
Risk of Loss
Shipment contract
Destination contract
Terms for Shipment Contracts
Bill of Lading
Imperfect Title
2003 Amendments
Insurable Interest
Bailment
Consignment
Conditional Sales
Sale or Return
Sale on Approval
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits:
Case 1: Wilsonv. Brawn of California, Inc., 2005 Cal. App. LEXIS 1393 (Cal. App. 1st Dist. 2005)
Case 2: Garlock v. Multiple Parking Services, Inc., 1980 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 2228 (N.Y. City Ct. 1980)
Exercise: Consignment Agreement
Chapter 13: Performance of UCC Contracts
Introduction
Perfect Tender Rule
Buyer's Obligations
Good Faith
Duty of Cooperation
Adequate Assurance of Performance
Place of Delivery
Installment Contracts
Commercial Impracticability
Destruction of Goods
Payment for the Goods
Letters of Credit
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Case 1: Star Mach. v. Ford Motor Co., 1998 U.S. App. LEXIS 15392 (6th Cir. Mich. July 7, 1998)
Case 2: Chainworks, Inc., v. WEBCO Industries, Inc., 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9194 (2006)
Exercise: Explore various letters of credit online.
Chapter 14: UCC Remedies
Introduction
Seller's Remedies
Seller's Resale of Goods
Buyer's Remedies
Cover
Lemon Laws
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Barry & Sewall Ind. Supp. Co. v. Metal-Prep of Houston, Inc., 912 F.2d 252 (8th Cir. 1990)
Case 2: Zine v. Chrysler Corp., 600 N.W.2d 384 (Mich. 1999)
Exercise:
Chapter 15: Warranties
Introduction
Warranty of Title
Express Warranty
Implied Warranty
Third Parties
Disclaimers
Statute of Limitations
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
Consumer Protection Statutes
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: Golden v. Gorno Bros., Inc., 410 F.3d 879 (6th Cir. 2005)
Case 2: OgdenMartin Systems of Indianapolis, Inc. v. Whiting Corp., 179 F.3d 523 (7th Cir. 1999)
Exercise: Consumer Protection Act examination
Chapter 16: Contract Drafting Suggestions and Techniques
Introduction
Plain English
Consumer Protection
Old English
Use Proper English
Ambiguities
Appearance Counts
Use the 3 P's
The Initial Draft
Develop a Framework
Final Drafting Considerations
Chapter Summary
Chapter Terms
Discussion and Review Questions
Internet Pursuits
Case 1: United Servs. Auto. Ass'n v. ADT Sec. Servs., 2006 Ky. App. LEXIS 284 (Ky. Ct. App. Sept. 8, 2006)
Case 2: B.L. Harbert International, L.L.C. v. Hercules Steel Co., 441 F.3d 905 (11th Cir. 2006)
Exercise: Personal Appearance Contract