Indiana Law School 1L Study Guide for Contracts
I. Introduction to Contract Law
A. Definition of a Contract: A contract is a legally enforceable agreement between two or more competent parties, with mutual obligations, which can be verbal, in writing, or implied by conduct.
B. Elements of a Contract: The key elements include offer, acceptance, consideration, mutual assent, and legal purpose.
C. Types of Contracts: Distinguish between bilateral and unilateral contracts, express and implied contracts, executory and executed contracts.
II. Formation of Contracts
A. Offer
1. Definition: A clear and definite proposal made by one party (offeror) to another (offeree).
2. Requirements: The offer must be communicated, must be intended to create legal relations upon acceptance, and must be certain and complete.
B. Acceptance
1. Definition: A manifestation of assent to the terms of the offer.
2. Mirror Image Rule: Acceptance must be an unequivocal assent to the terms of the offer.
C. Consideration
1. Definition: Something of value given in exchange for a promise, which can be a benefit to the promisor or a detriment to the promisee.
2. Adequacy and Sufficiency: While the adequacy of consideration is not typically questioned, there must be a sufficiency of consideration.
D. Mutual Assent
1. Definition: Parties must reach a meeting of the minds on the terms of the contract.
2. Objective Theory: The outward manifestation or objective appearance of agreement is the primary basis for determining mutual consent.
E. Defenses to Formation
1. Lack of Capacity: Minors, intoxicated persons, and mentally incapacitated individuals may lack the capacity to contract.
2. Duress, Undue Influence, Misrepresentation, and Fraud: These factors can invalidate apparent consent.
III. Statute of Frauds
A. Definition: Requirement that certain contracts be in writing to be enforceable.
B. Applicability in Indiana: Indiana requires real estate contracts, contracts that cannot be completed within one year, and guarantees to be in writing.
IV. Performance and Breach
A. Duty to Perform: Obligations each party must fulfill as per the contract terms.
B. Conditions: Events that must occur before a party is obligated to perform.
C. Breach of Contract: Failure to perform as stipulated in the contract.
D. Anticipatory Repudiation: When a party indicates they will not perform before the performance is due.
E. Remedies for Breach: Includes damages (compensatory, punitive, nominal, and liquidated) and equitable remedies (specific performance and injunction).
V. Contractual Terms and Interpretation
A. Parol Evidence Rule: Prohibits or controls the use of outside evidence to interpret or modify the written terms of a contract.
B. Implied Terms: Terms that are not expressly stated but are implied by law or by the conduct of the parties.
VI. Termination of Contracts
A. Discharge by Performance: Fulfillment of contractual obligations by both parties.
B. Discharge by Agreement: Mutual agreement to end the contract.
C. Discharge by Operation of Law: Occurs due to impossibility, impracticability, frustration of purpose, or illegality.
VII. Third Parties and Contracts
A. Assignments: Transfer of contractual rights to a third party.
B. Delegations: Transfer of contractual duties to a third party.
C. Third Party Beneficiaries: Parties who are not part of the original contract but stand to benefit from its performance.
VIII. Case Law
A. Bailey v. West (1969)
Issue: Whether an oral agreement for the sale of land was enforceable under the Statute of Frauds.
Rule: Contracts for the sale of land must be in writing to be enforceable.
Analysis: The court found the oral agreement unenforceable because it did not comply with the Statute of Frauds.
Conclusion: The court ruled in favor of the defendant, West, because the contract was not properly reduced to writing.
B. Hamer v. Sidway (1891)
Issue: Whether a promise made in exchange for forbearance can constitute valid consideration.
Rule: Consideration can consist of a promise to refrain from doing something that one has a legal right to do.
Analysis: The court held that the nephew’s forbearance was sufficient consideration for the uncle’s promise.
Conclusion: The court enforced the uncle’s promise, holding that the contract was valid and the nephew was entitled to the promised sum.
IX. Conclusion
This study guide covers the fundamental aspects of contract law relevant to Indiana. It is essential to understand the principles, legal elements, and enforceable standards of contracts, as well as the case law that has shaped Indiana contract law. For a successful exam performance, students should apply the IRAC method to hypothetical scenarios, ensuring a clear demonstration of the ability to identify issues, comprehend relevant rules, analyze contract law problems, and articulate coherent conclusions.