Validity, Termination and Remedies of Contract

27 important questions on Validity, Termination and Remedies of Contract

When is a contract invalid?

When something has been wrong with it from the outset (a defect). Making it void or voidable

What are the 3 reasons for a voidable contract?

1. Misrepresentation
2. Duress and economic duress
3. Undue influence

What are the 3 reasons for a void contract?

1. Mistake
2. Illegality
3. Contract in restraint of trade (in principle)
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What is the difference between a term and a representation?

A term is part of a contract, while a representation induces the contract but is not part of it.

What are the 3 requirements to bring legal action for misrepresentation?

1. Statement was a statement of fact
2. The statement must have been made before or at the time of the contract
3. The representation must have induced the other party to enter into the contract

What are the 3 types of misrepresentation in which the state of mind of the maker of the statement is taken into consideration?

1. Innocent misrepresentation (maker had reasonable ground to believe statement to be true)
2. Negligent misrepresentation (lack of reasonable care in making the statement)
3. Fraudulent misrepresentation (maker was aware of statement not being true or was reckless as to whether it was true)

How is a misrepresentation dealt with in tort?

1. Damages can be sought for fraudulent misrepresentation (tort of deceit) and negligent misstatement (tort of negligence)
2. No damages for innocent misrepresentation

What is economic duress?

When a person enters a contract because of severe economic coercion

What are the 4 types of mistakes that make a contract void?

1. Non est factum
2. Mistaken identity
3. Common mistake
4. Mutual mistake

What is a non est factum mistake?

When there is a mistake as to the nature of the document

What is a mistaken identity mistake?

When one party is mistaken as to the identity of the other party (hiring the wrong person)

What is a mutual mistake?

When the parties have misunderstood each other

What is illegality in contracts?

When a contract is for criminal purposes, prohibited by statue, or against public policy and morality

When are contracts in restraint of trade (non-compete agreements) not per definition void?

If it's reasonable between the parties and not against public interest

What are the 4 ways to discharge a contract?

1. By performance
2. By agreement
3. By breach
4. By frustration

What does discharge by agreement entail?

A contract ends automatically, or there is bilateral discharge where both parties have not performed and exchange promises to not enforce original contract

What does discharge by breach entail?

When a party performed defectively or failed to perform. In English law, the reason for breach is not important.

What is a notice of default?

Giving someone notice of the fact that they are in breach and giving them an amount of time to make it right

What does discharge by frustration entail?

If events occur after formation of contract that make it impossible to perform or make it commercially sterile (pointless due to external events)

What are the 4 reasons for discharge by frustration?

1. Destruction - of the subject matter of the contract
2. Inability - to achieve main object
3. Law changes/governmental actions
4. Death/permanent illness

What is summary dismissal?

When the employee is dismissed immediately, in the case of gross misconduct

When is damage proximate and loss by breach of contract can be claimed?

1. Direct loss - harm arises naturally from nature of contract
2. Indirect loss - that could've been reasonably foreseen by the breaker as at the time of the contract he was aware of the special circumstances that could lead to the additional loss

What are stipulated damages?

Clause in contract that pinpoints the amount of damages to be paid in the event of a breach

What is a liquidated damages clause?

Makes estimate of potential losses in case of a breach of contract

What are the 3 remedies for breach of Contract in Equity?

1. Quantum Meruit - reimbursement that the parties have agreed to
2. Specific performance - an order to make a party perform its contractual obligations
3. Injunction - order to stop a party breaking a negative stipulation in a contract (force someone to do something or stop someone doing something)

What are the 3 circumstances in which specific performance is awarded?

1. If the subject matter of the contract is unique
2. If the court is able to supervise performance
3. If it is equitable to grant an order

What is the difference between common law and statute law with regards to frustration?

In statute law, the money before the event is recoverable, while in common law the losses lie where they fall - the contract is only discharged after the frustrating event

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