Colorado 1L Study Guide for Contracts
I. Introduction to Contracts
A. Definitions and Key Concepts
1. Contract: A legally enforceable agreement creating obligations enforceable by law.
2. Offer: A proposal made by one party (offeror) to another (offeree) indicating a willingness to enter a contract.
3. Acceptance: The offeree’s expression of agreement to the terms of the offer.
4. Consideration: Something of value given by both parties to a contract that induces them to enter into the agreement.
5. Capacity: The legal ability to enter into a contract.
6. Legality: The requirement that the contract’s purpose and terms must conform to the law.
B. Sources of Contract Law
1. Common Law: Case law governing contracts for services, real estate, and employment.
2. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): A set of laws governing commercial transactions, including the sale of goods.
II. Formation of Contracts
A. Offer
1. Requirements: It must be definite and have the intent to be bound.
2. Termination: Offers can be terminated by revocation, rejection, counteroffer, expiration, or operation of law.
B. Acceptance
1. Mirror Image Rule: The acceptance must match the offer exactly.
2. Mailbox Rule: Acceptance is generally effective upon dispatch when sent in a reasonable manner.
C. Consideration
1. Elements: There must be a bargain for exchange between the parties, and what is exchanged must have legal value.
D. Defenses to Formation
1. Incapacity: Parties must have the ability to understand the contract.
2. Duress: A contract is not valid if entered into under force or threat.
3. Undue Influence: Improper persuasion that coerces someone to enter into a contract.
4. Misrepresentation and Fraud: False statements that induce agreement can invalidate a contract.
5. Illegality: If the subject matter or performance of the contract is illegal, it is void.
III. The Statute of Frauds
A. Purpose: To prevent fraud and perjury by requiring certain contracts to be in writing.
B. Contracts Covered: Contracts involving land, contracts that cannot be performed within one year, the sale of goods over $500 (per UCC), surety guarantees, and consideration of marriage.
C. Exceptions: Partial performance, admissions in court, and promissory estoppel.
IV. Performance and Breach
A. Complete Performance: Full execution of all contractual duties.
B. Substantial Performance: Performance that meets essential contract terms and provides the main purpose of the contract.
C. Material Breach: A breach that goes to the essence of the contract, allowing the non-breaching party to suspend performance and sue for damages.
D. Anticipatory Repudiation: An assertion or action by a party indicating they will not perform a future obligation.
V. Remedies for Breach of Contract
A. Legal Remedies (Damages)
1. Expectation Damages: Puts the non-breaching party in the position they would have been in if the contract were performed.
2. Consequential Damages: Foreseeable damages that result from the breaching party’s failure to perform.
3. Reliance Damages: Reimburses the non-breaching party for expenses incurred from relying on the contract.
4. Liquidated Damages: Specific damages agreed upon within the contract itself.
B. Equitable Remedies
1. Specific Performance: A court order requiring performance of contractual duties.
2. Injunction: A court order preventing a party from performing a specific act.
3. Rescission: Termination of the contract and return of the parties to their pre-contractual position.
VI. Case Law
A. Lucy v. Zehmer (1954) – Issue: Whether the parties had a meeting of the minds necessary to form a contract. Rule: Contracts must be judged by outward expressions rather than secret intentions. Analysis: Despite claims of jest, the outward expressions indicated a serious intention to sell. Conclusion: A contract was formed.
B. Hamer v. Sidway (1891) – Issue: Whether forbearance can constitute valid consideration. Rule: A party’s forbearance of a legal right can serve as valid consideration. Analysis: The uncle’s promise of money in exchange for the nephew’s forbearance constituted a valid contract. Conclusion: Consideration was present, and the nephew was entitled to the promised sum.
VII. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
A. Article 2: Governs the sale of goods and modifies common law contract principles where specified.
B. Contracts for the Sale of Goods: The UCC requires a different analysis for the sale of goods, especially concerning contract formation and performance.
VIII. Conclusion
This study guide provides an overview of key contract law principles that are relevant in Colorado. Students should supplement this guide with detailed case briefs, class notes, and statutory text, especially regarding Colorado-specific variations or emphases in contract law. Additionally, hands-on practice with hypotheticals and past exam questions will be crucial for mastering the material ahead of the final semester exam.