Contract Law Fundamentals
Adam Epstein, Central Michigan University

ISBN-10: 013114748X
ISBN-13: 9780131147485

Publisher: Prentice Hall
Copyright: 2008
Format: Cloth; 288 pp
Published: 09/10/2007

Suggested retail price: $86.80
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For courses in Contracts.

 

Designed for the undergraduate paralegal, legal studies or business law student, Contract Law Fundamentals, 1e is both a textbook and a case book and was written to reflect the black-letter law of contracts. Appropriate as a stand-alone or supplemental resource, it takes a straight forward approach and helps students develop an understanding of the essence of contract law. A variety of edited cases are included throughout the book, and reflect classic contract law and contemporary rulings in different industries and states.  

 

Hallmark Features

 

Combined textbook and casebook—reflects the black-letter law of contracts.

  • Helps students develop an understanding of the language of contracts and an appreciation for the legal issues surrounding them.  

No-frills, straight forward approach—makes this text ideal for the undergraduate paralegal, legal studies and the business law student.

  • Includes chapter objectives, key terms, cases and exercises that clarify the essence of contract law.  

Edited cases—appear throughout the text.

  • Enhance chapter content with real-world examples.
  • Gives students a broader perspective and allows them to read actual cases rather than just small excerpts from cases.  

Classic contract law cases and contemporary cases are included:   

  • Harms v. Northland Ford Dealers, 602 N.W.2d 58 (S.D. 1999)
  • Hill-Shafer Partnership v. The Chilson Family Trust, 799 P.2d 810 (Ariz. 1990).
  • Lucy v. Zehmer, 84 S.E.2d (Va. 1954)
  • Sefton v. Hewitt, 2004 NY Slip Op 50580U  
  • Cooper v. Smith, 800 N.E.2d 372 (Ohio 2003)
  • Hamer v. Sidway, 27 N.E. 256 (N.Y. 1891)
  • Fres-Co Sys. USA, Inc. v. Bodell, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 28140 (E.D. Pa. Nov. 15, 2005)
  • Henderson v. Quest Expeditions, Inc. 174 S.W.3d 730 (Tenn. 2005)
  • Gibson v. Publishers Clearing House, 2000 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 15227 (W.D. Mich. Sept. 29, 2000)
  • Donovan v. RRL Corporation,  27 P.3d 702 (Cal. 2001)
  • Leonard v. PepsiCo., Inc.,  88 F.Supp.2d 116 (S.D.N.Y. 1999)
  • Coca-Cola Co. v. Babyback’s Int’l, Inc., 841 N.E.2d 557 (Ind. 2006)
  • Hoffman v. Red Owl Stores, 133 N.W.2d 267 (Wis. 1965)
  • Donnalley v. Sterling, 689 S.E.2d 639 (Ga. App. 2005)
  • Silvestri v. Optus Software, 814 A.2d 602 (N.J. 2001)
  • America’s Favorite Chicken Co. v. Samaras, 929 S.W.2d 617 (Tex. 1996)
  • Mohammed Al-Safin v. CircuitCity, 394 F.3d 1254 (9th Cir. 2004)
  • RockinghamCounty v. Luten Bridge Co., 35 F.2d 301 (4th Cir. 1929)
  • Durick v. Ebay, Inc., 2006 Ohio App. LEXIS 4773 (Ohio Ct. App., Sept. 11, 2006)
  • Hotels.com, L.L.P. v. Canales, 195 S.W.3d 147 (Tex. App. 2006)
  • Newmark v. Gimbels, Inc., 258 A.2d 697 (N.J. 1969)
  • Webster v. Blue Ship Tea Room, Inc., 198 N.E.2d 309 (Mass. 1964)
  • Wilson v. Brawn of California, Inc., 2005 Cal. App. LEXIS 1393 (Cal. App. 1st Dist. 2005)
  • Garlock v. Multiple Parking Services, Inc., 1980 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 2228 (N.Y. City Ct. 1980)
  • Star Mach. v. Ford Motor Co., 1998 U.S. App. LEXIS 15392 (6th Cir. Mich. July 7, 1998)
  • Chainworks, Inc., v. WEBCO Industries, Inc., 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9194 (2006)
  • Barry & Sewall Ind. Supp. Co. v. Metal-Prep of Houston, Inc., 912 F.2d 252 (8th Cir. 1990)
  • Zine v. Chrysler Corp., 600 N.W.2d 384 (Mich. 1999)
  • Golden v. Gorno Bros., Inc., 410 F.3d 879 (6th Cir. 2005)
  • Ogden Martin Systems of Indianapolis, Inc. v. Whiting Corp., 179 F.3d 523 (7th Cir. 1999)
  • United Servs. Auto. Ass'n v. ADT Sec. Servs., 2006 Ky. App. LEXIS 284 (Ky. Ct. App. Sept. 8, 2006)
  • B.L. Harbert International, L.L.C. v. Hercules Steel Co., 441 F.3d 905 (11th Cir. 2006) 

Exercises end each chapter and include activities such as:

  • Examination of Musical Artist Contract Rider
  • Examination of Agreement to Mediate
  • Employment Contract Analysis
  • Prenuptual Agreement
  • Consignment Agreement
  • Consumer Protection Act Examination

 

 

Chapter 1: The Basics

Introduction

Contract

Freedom of contract

Sanctity of a contract

Meeting of the Minds

Bilateral and Unilateral Contracts

Contract drafting

Objective Theory of Contracts

Common Law v. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code)

Restatement of Contracts

Valid, Void, Voidable

Express or Implied

Implied-in-fact

Implied-in-law (Quasi Contracts)

Quantum Meruit

Oral Contracts

Plain Meaning Rule

Executory v. Executed

Formal v. Informal contracts

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Personal Services Contracts

Contract Riders

Waivers

Termination of a Contract

Contract Defenses

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Internet Pursuits

Case 1: Harms v. Northland Ford Dealers, 602 N.W.2d 58 (S.D. 1999)

Case 2: Hill-Shafer Partnership v. The Chilson Family Trust, 799 P.2d 810 (Ariz. 1990).

Exercise: Examination of Musical Artist Contract Rider

 

Chapter 2: The Agreement

Introduction

The Offer

Definiteness

Communication of the Offer

Automatic Termination of an Offer

Auctions

Other Auctions

Mailbox Rule

Rewards

Option Contracts

Charitable Subscriptions

Acceptance

Silence

Letter of Intent

Quantum Meruit

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Internet Pursuits:

Case 1: Lucy v. Zehmer, 84 S.E.2d (Va. 1954)

Case 2: Sefton v. Hewitt, 2004 NY Slip Op 50580U  

Exercise: Examination of Agreement to Mediate.

 

Chapter 3: Consideration 

Consideration

Pre-existing Duty Rule

Past Consideration

Illusory Promises

Post-Contract Issues

Accord and Satisfaction:

Release:

Forbearance:

Rescission:

UCC:

Cancel at Anytime

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Internet Pursuits

Case 1: Cooper v. Smith, 800 N.E.2d 372 (Ohio 2003)

Case 2: Hamer v. Sidway, 27 N.E. 256 (N.Y. 1891)

Exercise: Sponsorship Agreement

 

Chapter 4: Legality and Capacity

Introduction

Legality

Commission of a Crime

Usury

Gambling

Sabbath (Sunday) Laws

Licensing

Exculpatory clauses

Covenants not to sue/Covenants not to compete

Restraints of Trade

Capacity

Minors

Ratification

Competence

Intoxication

Necessaries

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Internet Pursuits

Case 1: Fres-Co Sys. USA, Inc. v. Bodell, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 28140 (E.D. Pa. Nov. 15, 2005)

Case 2: Henderson v. Quest Expeditions, Inc. 174 S.W.3d 730 (Tenn. 2005)

Exercise: Employment Contract Analysis

 

Chapter 5: Defenses

Introduction

Fraud

Caveats

Duress

Mutual Mistake

Raffles v. Wichelhaus

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Internet Pursuits

Case 1: Gibson v. Publishers Clearing House, 2000 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 15227 (W.D. Mich. Sept. 29, 2000)

Case 2: Donovan v. RRL Corporation,  27 P.3d 702 (Cal. 2001)

Exercise: Participant Waiver

 

Chapter 6: The Statute of Frauds

Introduction

Statute of Frauds

Exceptions

Parol Evidence Rule (4-corners rule)

Exceptions

Rules of Construction

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Internet Pursuits

Case 1: Leonard v. PepsiCo., Inc.,  88 F.Supp.2d 116 (S.D.N.Y. 1999)

Case 2:  Coca-Cola Co. v. Babyback’s Int’l, Inc., 841 N.E.2d 557 (Ind. 2006)

Exercise: Prenuptial Agreement

 

Chapter 7: Third Parties

Introduction

Privity of Contract

Assignment

Delegation

Third Party Beneficiaries

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Internet Pursuits

Case 1: Hoffman v. Red Owl Stores, 133 N.W.2d 267 (Wis. 1965)

Case 2: Donnalley v. Sterling, 689 S.E.2d 639 (Ga. App. 2005)

Exercise: Non-Assignment clause in a web hosting agreement: is it sufficient?

 

Chapter 8: Performance, Completion and Discharge

Introduction

Conditions

Condition Precedent

Condition Subsequent

Condition Concurrent

Performance

Unclean Hands Doctrine

Contract Clauses

Statute of Limitations

Bankruptcy

American Bankruptcy

The Bankruptcy Process

BAPCPA

The Means Test

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Internet Pursuits:

Case 1: Silvestri v. Optus Software, 814 A.2d 602 (N.J. 2001)

Case 2: America’s Favorite Chicken Co. v. Samaras, 929 S.W.2d 617 (Tex. 1996)

Exercise: Cosignor Form

 

Chapter 9: Breach of Contract and Remedies

Introduction

Remedies

Damages

Compensatory Damages

Consequential Damages

Liquidated Damages

Punitive Damages

Mitigation of Damages:

Waiver of Breach

Specific Performance

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Internet Pursuits:

Case 1: Mohammed Al-Safin v. CircuitCity, 394 F.3d 1254 (9th Cir. 2004)

Case 2:  RockinghamCounty v. Luten Bridge Co., 35 F.2d 301 (4th Cir. 1929)

Exercise: TBD

 

Chapter 10: Electronic Contracts

Electronic Contracts

Online Offers

Software

Licensing

E-signatures

UETA

UCITA

Partnering Agreement

Attribution

Mass-market license

Access contract

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Internet Pursuits

Case 1: Durick v. Ebay, Inc., 2006 Ohio App. LEXIS 4773 (Ohio Ct. App., Sept. 11, 2006)

Case 2: Hotels.com, L.L.P. v. Canales, 195 S.W.3d 147 (Tex. App. 2006)

Exercise: Prepare a case brief regarding the validity of arbitration claims in light of E.E.O.C. v. Waffle House, Inc., 534 U.S. 279 (2002)

 

Chapter 11: The Uniform Commercial Code

Introduction

The UCC

Articles

Sale of Goods
Pre-UCC

Article 2

Hybrid Sales

2003 Amendments

Electronic Deals

Outmoded Terms

Other Changes

Article 2A

Offers and the UCC

Merchant’s Firm Offer

Acceptance and the UCC

Consideration and the UCC

Statute of Frauds and the UCC

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Internet Pursuits

Case 1: Newmark v. Gimbels, Inc., 258 A.2d 697 (N.J. 1969)

Case 2: Webster v. Blue Ship Tea Room, Inc., 198 N.E.2d 309 (Mass. 1964)

Exercise:

 

Chapter 12: Shipping and Delivery Issues

Introduction

Delivery

Identification of Goods

Existing Goods

Future Goods

Part of a Larger Mass

Risk of Loss

Shipment contract

Destination contract

Terms for Shipment Contracts

Bill of Lading

Imperfect Title

2003 Amendments

Insurable Interest

Bailment

Consignment

Conditional Sales

Sale or Return

Sale on Approval

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Internet Pursuits:

Case 1: Wilson v. Brawn of California, Inc., 2005 Cal. App. LEXIS 1393 (Cal. App. 1st Dist. 2005)

Case 2:  Garlock v. Multiple Parking Services, Inc., 1980 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 2228 (N.Y. City Ct. 1980)

Exercise: Consignment Agreement

 

Chapter 13: Performance of UCC Contracts 

Introduction

Perfect Tender Rule

Buyer’s Obligations

Good Faith

Duty of Cooperation

Adequate Assurance of Performance

Place of Delivery

Installment Contracts

Commercial Impracticability

Destruction of Goods

Payment for the Goods

Letters of Credit

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Case 1: Star Mach. v. Ford Motor Co., 1998 U.S. App. LEXIS 15392 (6th Cir. Mich. July 7, 1998)

Case 2: Chainworks, Inc., v. WEBCO Industries, Inc., 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9194 (2006)

Exercise: Explore various letters of credit online.

 

Chapter 14: UCC Remedies 

Introduction

Seller’s Remedies

Seller’s Resale of Goods

Buyer’s Remedies

Cover

Lemon Laws

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Internet Pursuits

Case 1: Barry & Sewall Ind. Supp. Co. v. Metal-Prep of Houston, Inc., 912 F.2d 252 (8th Cir. 1990)

Case 2: Zine v. Chrysler Corp., 600 N.W.2d 384 (Mich. 1999)

Exercise:

 

Chapter 15: Warranties

Introduction

Warranty of Title

Express Warranty

Implied Warranty

Third Parties

Disclaimers

Statute of Limitations

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

Consumer Protection Statutes

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Internet Pursuits

Case 1: Golden v. Gorno Bros., Inc., 410 F.3d 879 (6th Cir. 2005)

Case 2: Ogden Martin Systems of Indianapolis, Inc. v. Whiting Corp., 179 F.3d 523 (7th Cir. 1999)

Exercise: Consumer Protection Act examination

 

Chapter 16: Contract Drafting Suggestions and Techniques

Introduction

Plain English

Consumer Protection

Old English

Use Proper English

Ambiguities

Appearance Counts

Use the 3 P’s

The Initial Draft

Develop a Framework

Final Drafting Considerations

Chapter Summary

Chapter Terms

Discussion and Review Questions

Internet Pursuits

Case 1:  United Servs. Auto. Ass'n v. ADT Sec. Servs., 2006 Ky. App. LEXIS 284 (Ky. Ct. App. Sept. 8, 2006)

Case 2: B.L. Harbert International, L.L.C. v. Hercules Steel Co., 441 F.3d 905 (11th Cir. 2006)

Exercise: Personal Appearance Contract

 

 

Adam Epstein is an Associate Professor of Finance and Law in the College of Business Administration at Central Michigan University. He has published numerous articles in the areas of sports law and business law, and has represented numerous professional athletes over the years including several national champions and Olympic athletes. This is his third textbook.  

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