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Course materials for teaching contracts

Table of Contents

  1. 1. Introduction

    1. 1.1. Overview and Sources of Contract Law

  1. 2. Formation

    1. 2.1. Offer and Acceptance
      1. 2.1.1 Mutual Assent
      1. 2.1.2 Invitations to Negotiate and other Expressions that are not Offers
      1. 2.1.3 Written Agreement Contemplated v. Written Memorialization
      1. 2.1.4 Letters of Intent and Other Formal Preliminary Agreements
      1. 2.1.5 Express and Implied Contracts
      1. 2.1.6 Bilateral and Unilateral Contracts
      1. 2.1.7 Offer
      1. 2.1.8 Duration of Offers
      1. 2.1.9 Option Contracts and Firm Offers
      1. 2.1.10 Acceptance
      1. 2.1.11 Formation of Contracts under UCC Art. 2
      1. 2.1.12 Battle of the Forms (UCC 2-207)
      1. 2.1.13 Indefiniteness
      1. 2.1.14 Mailbox Rule
    1. 2.3. Defenses
      1. 2.3.1. Void, Voidable, and Unenforceable Contracts
      1. 2.3.2. Illegal Promises
      1. 2.3.3. Lack of Capacity
      1. 2.3.4. Duress and Undue Influence
      1. 2.3.5. Unjust Terms (Unconscionability)
      1. 2.3.6. Fraud and Misrepresentation
      1. 2.3.7. Misunderstanding and Mistake
      1. 2.3.8. Statute of Frauds
    1. 2.2. Consideration
      1. 2.2.1. The Bargain Theory
        1. 2.2.2.1 Gift Promises
        1. 2.2.2.3 Past Consideration (Moral Obligation)
        1. 2.2.3.1 Output and Requirement Contracts
        1. 2.2.3.3 Commitment (Lady Duff-Gordon)
        1. 2.2.3.4 Satisfaction Clauses
        1. 2.2.4.2 Reliance (Promissory Estoppel)

  1. 3. Performance and Breach

    1. 3.1. What are the Obligations?
      1. 3.1.1. Parol Evidence Rule
      1. 3.1.2. Interpretation
      1. 3.1.3. Implied Terms (Gap-fillers)
      1. 3.1.4. Good Faith
      1. 3.1.5. Promises
      1. 3.1.6. Warranties
      1. 3.1.7. Representations
    1. 3.2. Have the Obligations been discharged?
      1. 3.2.1. Modification
      1. 3.2.2. Accord & Satisfaction
      1. 3.2.3. Unanticipated Events
      1. 3.2.4. Rescission
      1. 3.2.5. Waiver
      1. 3.2.6. Release
    1. 3.3. Conditions: Does an event have to occur before an obligation is due?
      1. 3.3.1. Definition and Classification
      1. 3.3.2. Conditions and Promises Distinguished
      1. 3.3.3. Excuse of the Effect of Conditions
    1. 3.4. Breach
      1. 3.4.1. Material and Immaterial Breach
      1. 3.4.2. Perfect Tender Rule
      1. 3.4.5. Assurances (UCC 2-609)
      1. 3.4.4. Breach by Anticipatory Repudiation
      1. 3.4.3. Installment Contracts (UCC 2-612)

  1. 4. Remedies

    1. 4.2. UCC Remedies
    1. 4.1. Remedies for Breach of Contract
      1. 4.1.1 Specific Performance
      1. 4.1.2 Expectation Damages
      1. 4.1.3 Certainty
      1. 4.1.4 Foreseeability
      1. 4.1.5 Mitigation
      1. 4.1.6 Measuring Expectation: The Cost of Completion
      1. 4.1.7 Substantial Performance
      1. 4.1.8 Reliance
      1. 4.1.9 Restitution
      1. 4.1.10 Liquidated Damages

  1. 5. Third Parties

    1. 5.1. Third Party Beneficiaries
    1. 5.2. Assignment and Delegation

  1. 6. Additional Topics

    1. 6.1. UCC
    1. 6.2. Drafting Contracts
    1. 6.3 Choice of Law