Basic Contract Law For Paralegals

by HELEWITZ JEFFREY A.

• ISBN13: 9780735546479
• ISBN10: 0735546479
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-10-01
• Publisher: Wolters Kluwer

Summary

This extensive revision of the No. 1 best-selling contracts book for paralegal students illuminates basic concepts and helps students develop the skills they will use in practice. the book facilitates effective teaching and learning through: a quick, simple, and straightforward introduction to all the basics of contracts law, specifically designed for paralegal students comprehensive coverage of key topics, As well as a chapter on drafting simple contracts clearly written text and lively examples that help students Understand The law well-crafted pedagogy chapter overviews, highlighted examples, key terms, review questions, sample clauses for analysis, edited cases, chapter summaries, and exercises at the end of each chapter ideal length for shorter courses Basic Contract Law for Paralegals, Fourth Edition, Is totally up-to-date: new section on UCC 2-A covering leases of personal property all new case summaries For The new millennium - all cases have been decided since 2000 additional new cases in the supplemental cases appendix completely updated appendix of sample contracts, with additional samples in the Instructor's Manual

Author Biography

Jeffrey A. Helewitz: City University of New York, School of Law, Touro College Law Center; Lecturer, Continuing Legal Education, Association of the Bar of the City of New York, New York County Lawyers' Association

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	xxi
Introduction	xxiii
Overview of Contracts	1	(28)
Chapter Overview	1	(1)
Contract Defined	2	(1)
Basic Contract Requirements	2	(4)
Offer	2	(1)
Acceptance	3	(1)
Consideration	3	(1)
Legality of Subject Matter	4	(1)
Contractual Capacity	4	(1)
Contractual Intent	5	(1)
Classification of Contracts	6	(6)
Type of Obligation: Bilateral or Unilateral	6	(1)
Method of Creation: Express, Implied, or Quasi-Contracts	7	(2)
Type of Form: Formal and Informal Contracts	9	(1)
Timing: Executory and Executed Contracts	10	(1)
Enforceability: Valid, Void, Voidable, and Unenforceable	11	(1)
Sample Clauses	12	(2)
Chapter Summary	14	(1)
Synopsis	15	(1)
Key Terms	15	(1)
Exercises	16	(1)
Cases for Analysis	17	(10)
Villareal v. Art Institute of Houston, Inc.	17	(5)
Questions	22	(1)
Magill v. Nelbro Packing Co.	23	(3)
Questions	26	(1)
Suggested Case References	27	(2)
Offer	29	(26)
Chapter Overview	29	(1)
Offer Defined	30	(3)
Present Contractual Intent	31	(1)
Communication to the Offeree	31	(2)
Certainty and Definiteness in the Terms of the Offer	33	(1)
Essential Terms of an Offer	33	(8)
Price	34	(1)
Subject Matter	35	(3)
Parties	38	(1)
Time of Performance	39	(1)
Two Related Concepts	40	(1)
Sample Offers	41	(1)
Chapter Summary	42	(1)
Synopsis	43	(1)
Key Terms	43	(1)
Exercises	44	(1)
Cases for Analysis	44	(8)
G.B. ``Boots'' Smith Corp. v. Cobb	44	(3)
Questions	47	(1)
Phil Watkins, P.C. v. The Krist Law Firm, P.C.	47	(5)
Questions	52	(1)
Suggested Case References	52	(3)
Acceptance	55	(28)
Chapter Overview	55	(1)
Acceptance Defined	56	(4)
Varying the Terms of the Offer	56	(2)
Silence as Acceptance	58	(1)
Who May Accept	59	(1)
Method of Acceptance	60	(4)
Acceptance of a Bilateral Contract	60	(1)
Mailbox Rule	61	(1)
Rejection of a Bilateral Contract	62	(1)
Rejection and the Mailbox Rule	62	(1)
Acceptance of a Unilateral Contract	63	(1)
Termination of the Ability to Accept	64	(4)
Revocation of Bilateral Contracts	65	(1)
Revocation of Unilateral Contracts	66	(1)
Termination by Operation of Law	67	(1)
Effect of Termination of Offer	68	(1)
Sample Clauses	68	(1)
Chapter Summary	68	(2)
Synopsis	70	(1)
Key Terms	70	(1)
Exercises	71	(1)
Cases for Analysis	71	(11)
Speedy Ketcherside v. McLane	71	(4)
Questions	75	(1)
Cook's Pest Control, Inc. v. Rebar	75	(7)
Questions	82	(1)
Suggested Case References	82	(1)
Consideration	83	(30)
Chapter Overview	83	(1)
Consideration Defined	84	(1)
Benefit Conferred	85	(1)
Detriment Incurred	85	(1)
What Is Not Consideration	85	(4)
Sufficiency of the Consideration	89	(1)
Promissory Estoppel	90	(2)
Special Agreements	92	(4)
Accord and Satisfaction	92	(1)
Charitable Subscription	93	(1)
Debtor's Promises	93	(1)
Guarantees	94	(1)
Formal Contracts	95	(1)
Sample Clauses	96	(1)
Chapter Summary	97	(1)
Synopsis	97	(1)
Key Terms	98	(1)
Exercises	99	(1)
Cases for Analysis	99	(13)
Kisicki v. Mid-America Financial Investment Corp.	99	(9)
Questions	108	(1)
Davis v. McCurry	108	(3)
Questions	111	(1)
Suggested Case References	112	(1)
Legality of Subject Matter and Contractual Capacity	113	(22)
Chapter Overview	113	(1)
Legality of the Subject Matter	114	(3)
Malum in Se	114	(1)
Malum Prohibitum	115	(2)
Contractual Capacity	117	(3)
Age	118	(1)
Mental Capacity	119	(1)
Alcohol and Drugs	119	(1)
Chapter Summary	120	(1)
Synopsis	121	(1)
Key Terms	121	(1)
Exercises	122	(1)
Cases for Analysis	122	(11)
Rawlings v. The John Hancock Mutual Life Ins. Co.	122	(7)
Questions	129	(1)
Bandal v. Baldwin	130	(2)
Questions	132	(1)
Suggested Case References	133	(2)
Contractual Intent	135	(20)
Chapter Overview	135	(1)
Contractual Intent Defined	136	(1)
Fraud and Misrepresentation	136	(2)
Duress	138	(3)
Mistake	141	(2)
Chapter Summary	143	(1)
Synopsis	143	(1)
Key Terms	144	(1)
Exercises	144	(1)
Cases for Analysis	145	(9)
Lancaster v. Lancaster	145	(5)
Questions	150	(1)
LaFournaise v. Montana Developmental Center	150	(3)
Questions	153	(1)
Suggested Case References	154	(1)
Contract Provisions	155	(34)
Chapter Overview	155	(1)
The Statute of Frauds	156	(6)
Contracts for an Interest in Real Estate	157	(1)
Contracts in Consideration of Marriage	158	(1)
Contracts Not to Be Performed Within One Year	159	(1)
Guarantees	160	(1)
Contracts for the Sale of Goods	160	(1)
Executor's Promise to Pay Decedent's Debts	161	(1)
What the Statute of Frauds Is Not	161	(1)
Covenants	162	(1)
Conditions	162	(4)
Conditions Precedent	163	(1)
Conditions Subsequent	164	(1)
Conditions Concurrent	164	(1)
Express Conditions	165	(1)
Implied-in-Fact Conditions	165	(1)
Implied-in-Law Conditions	166	(1)
Court Doctrines: Rules of Construction and the Parol Evidence Rule	166	(3)
Sample Clauses	169	(1)
Chapter Summary	170	(1)
Synopsis	171	(1)
Key Terms	171	(1)
Exercises	172	(1)
Cases for Analysis	172	(15)
Sagrino v. SCI Connecticut Funeral Services, Inc.	172	(8)
Questions	180	(1)
The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago v. Thorpe	180	(7)
Questions	187	(1)
Suggested Case References	187	(2)
The Uniform Commercial Code	189	(48)
Chapter Overview	189	(1)
General Background	190	(1)
Article I, General Provisions	191	(3)
Basic Guidelines	191	(1)
Law of the State Applies	191	(1)
Parties May Agree to Vary UCC Provisions	191	(1)
UCC Provisions Are to Be Liberally Construed	192	(1)
Obligations Imposed by Article I	192	(2)
Article II, Sales	194	(12)
General Background	194	(1)
Types of Contracts Covered by Article II	194	(1)
Goods	194	(2)
Leases	196	(1)
Contracts for the Sale of Goods Between Merchants	196	(2)
Contractual Provisions	198	(1)
Warranties	198	(2)
Risk of Loss	200	(3)
Remedies	203	(1)
Remedies Available to Seller	203	(1)
Remedies Available to Buyer	204	(1)
Written Assurances	205	(1)
Summary	205	(1)
Article II-A, Leases	206	(1)
Article IX, Secured Transactions	207	(5)
Secured Transaction Defined	207	(1)
Requirements to Create a Security Interest	208	(3)
Priorities	211	(1)
Sample Clauses	212	(1)
Chapter Summary	213	(1)
Synopsis	214	(1)
Key Terms	215	(1)
Exercises	216	(1)
Cases for Analysis	217	(18)
In re Hoskins	217	(8)
Questions	225	(1)
Hergert v. Bank of the West	225	(9)
Questions	234	(1)
Suggested Case References	235	(2)
Third Party Contracts	237	(36)
Chapter Overview	237	(1)
Third Party Beneficiary Contracts: Generally	238	(2)
Third Party Creditor Beneficiary Contracts	240	(3)
Third Party Donee Beneficiary Contracts	243	(3)
Assignment	246	(6)
Creating the Assignment	246	(2)
Consent of the Promisor	248	(1)
Effect of Assignment	249	(2)
Multiple Assignees	251	(1)
Delegation	252	(1)
Sample Clauses	253	(2)
Chapter Summary	255	(1)
Synopsis	256	(1)
Key Terms	256	(1)
Exercises	257	(1)
Cases for Analysis	257	(14)
Kinback Corp. v. Quaker Construction Management, Inc.	257	(5)
Questions	262	(1)
Imperial Hotels Corp. v. Dore	262	(9)
Questions	271	(1)
Suggested Case References	271	(2)
Discharge of Obligations	273	(30)
Chapter Overview	273	(1)
Methods of Discharge	274	(11)
Excuse of Conditions	274	(4)
Performance	278	(1)
Breach of Contract	279	(2)
Agreement of the Parties	281	(2)
Impossibility of Performance	283	(1)
Supervening Illegality	284	(1)
Death of the Parties or Destruction of the Subject Matter	284	(1)
Frustration of Purpose	285	(1)
Sample Clauses	285	(2)
Chapter Summary	287	(1)
Synopsis	287	(1)
Key Terms	288	(1)
Exercises	289	(1)
Cases for Analysis	289	(12)
OWBR LLC, d/b/a Outrigger Wailea Resort v. Clear Channel Communications, Inc.	289	(9)
Questions	298	(1)
Werner v. Ashcraft Bloomquist, Inc.	298	(3)
Questions	301	(1)
Suggested Case References	301	(2)
Remedies	303	(32)
Chapter Overview	303	(1)
Legal Remedies	304	(5)
Compensatory Damages	304	(2)
Punitive Damages	306	(1)
Consequential Damages	306	(1)
Liquidated Damages	307	(2)
Equitable Remedies	309	(5)
Injunction	310	(1)
Specific Performance	310	(1)
Rescission and Restitution	311	(1)
Reformation	312	(1)
Quasi-contractual Remedies	312	(1)
Quantum Meruit	312	(1)
Quantum Valebant	313	(1)
Waivers and Their Effect	313	(1)
Arbitration Provisions	314	(1)
Sample Clauses	314	(1)
Chapter Summary	315	(1)
Synopsis	316	(1)
Key Terms	317	(1)
Exercises	318	(1)
Cases for Analysis	318	(15)
Morabito v. Harris	318	(4)
Questions	322	(1)
State Farm Mut. Automobile Ins. Co. v. Kastner	322	(11)
Questions	333	(1)
Suggested Case References	333	(2)
Drafting Simple Contracts	335	(24)
Chapter Objective	335	(1)
Checklist of Clauses	336	(12)
Description of the Parties	337	(1)
Description of the Consideration	337	(3)
Security Agreement	340	(1)
Warranties	340	(1)
Title	341	(1)
Risk of Loss	341	(1)
Waivers	342	(1)
Assignments	342	(1)
Delegation	343	(1)
Terminology	343	(1)
Special Provisions and Clauses	343	(1)
Covenant Not to Complete	344	(1)
Duties	344	(1)
Pronouns	344	(1)
Severability	344	(1)
Successors	344	(1)
Time of the Essence	344	(1)
Trade Secrets	344	(1)
Work Product	344	(1)
Duration and Termination	345	(1)
Notice of Default	345	(1)
Remedies	346	(1)
Choice of Law	346	(1)
Arbitration	347	(1)
Submission to Jurisdiction	347	(1)
Signatures	347	(1)
Chapter Summary	348	(1)
Exercises	348	(2)
Cases for Analysis	350	(9)
Walsh v. Nelson	350	(5)
Questions	355	(1)
American Express Travel Related Services, Inc. v. Weppler	356	(1)
Questions	357	(2)
Appendix A SAMPLE CONTRACTS	359	(60)
Antenuptial Agreement (Simple Form)	360	(1)
Consulting Agreement	361	(2)
Employment Contract (Simple Form)	363	(2)
Employment Contract	365	(5)
Equipment Lease Agreement	370	(5)
General Partnership Agreement (Simple Form)	375	(2)
Limited Partnership Agreement	377	(19)
Real Estate Lease	396	(1)
Retainer Agreement	397	(7)
Shareholders Agreement	404	(8)
Subscription Agreement (Limited Partnership)	412	(4)
Work for Hire Agreement	416	(3)
Appendix B SUPPLEMENTAL CASES	419	(30)
Don King Productions, Inc. v. Douglas	419	(5)
Matter of Baby M	424	(11)
Hong v. Marriott Corp.	435	(4)
In re Peregrine Entertainment, Ltd.	439	(10)
Glossary	449	(8)
Index	457