Contracts Book

Contents Casebook Correlation Capsule Summary 1: Introduction to Contract Law Chapter Overview A. Sources of Contract Law B. Overview of Contract Doctrine C. Framework for Analyzing the Enforcement of Promises Part 1: Which Promises Should the Law Enforce? 2: Formation: Promises, Assent (Offer and Acceptance), and Definiteness Chapter Overview A. Promise B. Definiteness (or Certainty) C. Overview of Assent D. Identifying an Offer E. Special Problems with Offers F. The Duration of an Offer G. Acceptance H. Preliminary Agreements Review Questions and Answers 3: Consideration and Its Alternatives A. Rationale for the Bargain Requirement B. Elements of Consideration: Bargained for Exchange C. Common Misconceptions D. Exception for Delivered Gifts E. Exception for Past Consideration and Moral Obligation F. Preexisting Duty G. Exception for Action in Reliance (or Promissory Estoppel) H. Formality as an Exception to the Consideration Requirement Review Questions and Answers 4: The Role of Writings: Statutes of Frauds Chapter Overview A. Rationale B. Statutes of Frauds C. Writings Required by the Parties Review Questions and Answers 5: Introduction to Defenses: Factors That Interfere with Arm's-Length Bargaining Chapter Overview A. Framework of Defenses B. Procedural Framework C. Terminology: Void versus Voidable Review Questions and Answers 6: Incapacity Chapter Overview A. Rationale B. Infancy C. Mental Illness or Defect D. Intoxication Review Questions and Answers 7: Improper Pressure Chapter Overview A. Duress B. Undue Influence Review Questions and Answers 8: Misrepresentation Chapter Overview A. Rationale B. Fraudulent or Material Misrepresentation C. Nondisclosure and Concealment D. Misrepresentation Concerning the Content of the Agreement Review Questions and Answers 9: Mistake of Basic Assumption Chapter Overview A. Mutual Mistake B. Unilateral Mistake Review Questions and Answers 10: Unconscionability: Efforts to Avoid Unfair Contracts Chapter Overview A. Unconscionability in Context B. Contracts of Adhesion: The Role of Form Contracts C. Judicial Treatment of Form Contracts D. Elements of Unconscionability E. Alternative Views F. Putting the Rhetoric in Context: Procedural versus Substantive Unconscionability Review Questions and Answers 11: Public Policy Limits on Contracts Chapter Overview A. In General B. Contracts Within a Family: Status versus Contract C. Contracts in Restraint of Trade Review Questions and Answers Part 2: When Should the Law Intervene? 12: Interpretation: What Does the Contract Require? Chapter Overview A. General Techniques of Interpretation B. Inferences C. Canons of Construction D. Filling Gaps in the Agreement Review Questions and Answers 13: Effect of Parties' Mistakes on Interpretation: Misunderstanding and Mistake of Integration Chapter Overview A. Misunderstanding B. Mistake of Integration and Reformation Review Questions and Answers 14: Parol Evidence: Limitations on Interpretation and Gap Filling Chapter Overview A. Rationale B. The Basic Rule C. Integrated Writings D. Conditional Contracts E. Interpretation F. Exception for Torts G. Exception for Contract Defenses H. Exception for Modification Review Questions and Answers 15: Conditions: Is Performance Due? Chapter Overview A. Nonperformance and Breach B. Condition Defined C. Effect of Conditions D. Excusing Conditions: Waiver, Modification, and Estoppel E. Classifying Conditions Review Questions and Answers 16: Material Breach: Does Nonperformance Justify Termination? Chapter Overview A. Rationale