Contract Law And Business
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Contract Law for Non-Lawyers course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Acceptance is a crucial concept in Contract Law, referring to the act of… #
It is a voluntary act, where one party agrees to be bound by the terms of the contract. Acceptance can be expressed or implied, and it is essential to determine whether acceptance has been validly given. For instance, if a company offers to sell a product to a customer, and the customer agrees to buy it, this is an example of acceptance. Related terms include offer, consideration, and intention to create legal relations.
Accounting is the process of recording and reporting financial tra… #
In a business context, accounting is essential for contract law, as it helps to determine the financial obligations and rights of parties to a contract. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, the accounting records will help to track the payments and receipts related to the contract. Related terms include financial statements, auditing, and taxation.
Agency is a legal relationship where one party, the agent, acts on behalf… #
In contract law, agency is important, as it can affect the rights and obligations of parties to a contract. For instance, if a company appoints an agent to negotiate a contract with a customer, the agent's actions can bind the company to the contract. Related terms include agent, principal, and authority.
Amendment is a change or modification to a contract #
In contract law, amendments can be made to a contract, but they must be agreed upon by all parties to the contract. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the customer wants to change the delivery date, this can be done through an amendment to the contract. Related terms include variation, waiver, and novation.
Anticipatory breach is a type of breach of contract where one party indic… #
In contract law, anticipatory breach can occur when one party repudiates the contract or indicates that they will not fulfill their obligations. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company indicates that it will not deliver the goods, this is an example of anticipatory breach. Related terms include breach of contract, repudiation, and termination.
Assignment is the transfer of rights or obligations under a contract #
In contract law, assignment can occur when one party transfers their rights or obligations under a contract to another party. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company assigns its rights under the contract to another company, this is an example of assignment. Related terms include novation, delegation, and subrogation.
Bankruptcy is a legal process where a company or individual is unable to… #
In contract law, bankruptcy can affect the rights and obligations of parties to a contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company goes bankrupt, the customer may be able to terminate the contract. Related terms include insolvency, liquidation, and winding up.
Breach of contract is a failure by one party to perform their obligations… #
In contract law, breach of contract can occur when one party fails to fulfill their obligations under the contract. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company fails to deliver the goods, this is an example of breach of contract. Related terms include repudiation, termination, and damages.
Capacity is the legal ability of a party to enter into a contract #
In contract law, capacity is essential, as it determines whether a party can bind themselves to a contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract with a customer who is a minor, the contract may be voidable due to lack of capacity. Related terms include minority, incapacity, and mental capacity.
Collateral is security provided by a party to guarantee the performance o… #
In contract law, collateral can take many forms, such as a mortgage or a guarantee. For example, if a company enters into a contract to borrow money from a bank, and the company provides a mortgage over its property as collateral, this is an example of collateral. Related terms include guarantee, indemnity, and security.
Consideration is something of value that is given by one party to… #
In contract law, consideration is essential, as it determines whether a contract is enforceable. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the customer agrees to pay for the goods, this is an example of consideration. Related terms include bargain, agreement, and promise.
Contract is a legally enforceable agreement between two or more pa… #
In contract law, a contract is a binding agreement that creates rights and obligations between parties. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, this is a legally enforceable agreement. Related terms include agreement, bargain, and covenant.
Contract law is the body of law that governs contracts #
In contract law, the principles and rules of contract law are essential, as they determine the rights and obligations of parties to a contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, the principles of contract law will govern the contract. Related terms include contract, agreement, and obligation.
Covenant is a promise or agreement to do something or refrain from… #
In contract law, covenants are essential, as they create rights and obligations between parties. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company promises to deliver the goods on time, this is an example of a covenant. Related terms include promise, agreement, and contract.
Damages is a monetary award given to a party who has suffered a lo… #
In contract law, damages are essential, as they provide a remedy for a party who has been injured by a breach of contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company fails to deliver the goods, the customer may be entitled to damages.
Delegation is the transfer of obligations under a contract #
In contract law, delegation can occur when one party transfers their obligations under a contract to another party. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company delegates its obligations under the contract to another company, this is an example of delegation. Related terms include assignment, novation, and subrogation.
Discharge is the termination of a contract #
In contract law, discharge can occur when a contract is terminated due to a breach or repudiation. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company fails to deliver the goods, the customer may be able to discharge the contract. Related terms include termination, breach of contract, and repudiation.
Duress is coercion or force used to induce a party to enter into a… #
In contract law, duress is a vitiating factor, as it can make a contract voidable. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the customer is forced to enter into the contract due to duress, the contract may be voidable. Related terms include undue influence, coercion, and vitiating factor.
Equitable remedy is a remedy that is available in equity #
In contract law, equitable remedies are essential, as they provide a remedy for a party who has been injured by a breach of contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company fails to deliver the goods, the customer may be entitled to an equitable remedy such as specific performance. Related terms include damages, injunction, and specific performance.
Estoppel is a doctrine that prevents a party from denying or as… #
In contract law, estoppel is essential, as it can prevent a party from denying or asserting something that is contrary to what they have previously stated or done. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company has previously represented that the goods will be delivered on time, the company may be estopped from denying this representation. Related terms include representation, warranty, and misrepresentation.
Exclusion clause is a clause that excludes or limits liabil… #
In contract law, exclusion clauses are essential, as they can limit the liability of a party for a breach of contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the contract includes an exclusion clause that limits the company's liability for damages, this is an example of an exclusion clause. Related terms include limitation clause, indemnity clause, and disclaimer.
Fiduciary duty is a duty of trust and confidence that is ow… #
In contract law, fiduciary duties are essential, as they create a relationship of trust and confidence between parties. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the customer, this is an example of a fiduciary duty. Related terms include trust, confidence, and loyalty.
Force majeure is an event or circumstance that is beyond the contr… #
In contract law, force majeure is essential, as it can excuse a party from performing their obligations under a contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and a natural disaster prevents the company from delivering the goods, this is an example of force majeure. Related terms include frustration, impossibility, and impracticability.
Fraud is a false representation that is made by one party to anoth… #
In contract law, fraud is a vitiating factor, as it can make a contract voidable. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company makes a false representation about the goods, this is an example of fraud. Related terms include misrepresentation, deceit, and vitiating factor.
Frustration is an event or circumstance that occurs after a contra… #
In contract law, frustration is essential, as it can discharge a contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and a change in the law makes it impossible to perform the contract, this is an example of frustration. Related terms include force majeure, impossibility, and impracticability.
Good faith is a principle that requires parties to act honestly an… #
In contract law, good faith is essential, as it creates a relationship of trust and confidence between parties. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company acts in good faith by disclosing all relevant information about the goods, this is an example of good faith. Related terms include honesty, fairness, and transparency.
Guarantee is a promise or agreement to pay a debt or perform an ob… #
In contract law, guarantees are essential, as they provide a remedy for a party who has been injured by a breach of contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company provides a guarantee that the goods will be delivered on time, this is an example of a guarantee. Related terms include indemnity, warranty, and collateral.
Implied term is a term that is not expressly stated in a contract… #
In contract law, implied terms are essential, as they can create rights and obligations between parties. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and it is implied that the goods will be of merchantable quality, this is an example of an implied term. Related terms include express term, contractual term, and implied condition.
Injunction is a remedy that is available in equity and that requir… #
In contract law, injunctions are essential, as they provide a remedy for a party who has been injured by a breach of contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company fails to deliver the goods, the customer may be entitled to an injunction requiring the company to deliver the goods. Related terms include damages, specific performance, and equitable remedy.
Insolvency is a state of financial distress where a company or ind… #
In contract law, insolvency is essential, as it can affect the rights and obligations of parties to a contract. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company becomes insolvent, the customer may be able to terminate the contract. Related terms include bankruptcy, liquidation, and winding up.
Intention to create legal relations is a requirement that must be met for… #
In contract law, intention to create legal relations is essential, as it determines whether a contract is binding. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the parties intend to create a legally binding agreement, this is an example of intention to create legal relations. Related terms include contractual intention, legal relations, and binding agreement.
Liquidation is a process where a company's assets are sold and its… #
In contract law, liquidation is essential, as it can affect the rights and obligations of parties to a contract. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company goes into liquidation, the customer may be able to terminate the contract. Related terms include insolvency, bankruptcy, and winding up.
Misrepresentation is a false statement that is made by one party t… #
In contract law, misrepresentation is a vitiating factor, as it can make a contract voidable. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company makes a false statement about the goods, this is an example of misrepresentation. Related terms include fraud, deceit, and vitiating factor.
Mitigation is the process of reducing or minimizing losses… #
In contract law, mitigation is essential, as it can reduce the amount of damages that a party is entitled to. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company fails to deliver the goods, the customer may be able to mitigate their losses by purchasing replacement goods. Related terms include damages, breach of contract, and repudiation.
Negligence is a failure to exercise reasonable care or skill #
In contract law, negligence is essential, as it can create liability for a breach of contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company fails to exercise reasonable care in delivering the goods, this is an example of negligence. Related terms include breach of contract, damages, and repudiation.
Novation is the replacement of a contract with a new contract #
In contract law, novation is essential, as it can create a new contract that replaces an existing contract. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the parties agree to replace the contract with a new contract, this is an example of novation. Related terms include assignment, delegation, and variation.
Obfuscation is the act of making something unclear or difficult to… #
In contract law, obfuscation is essential, as it can create uncertainty and ambiguity in a contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the contract includes unclear or ambiguous terms, this is an example of obfuscation. Related terms include ambiguity, uncertainty, and contractual interpretation.
Offer is a proposal or invitation to enter into a contract #
In contract law, offers are essential, as they create the possibility of a contract being formed. For example, if a company offers to sell a product to a customer, this is an example of an offer. Related terms include acceptance, consideration, and intention to create legal relations.
Penalty is a clause that imposes a penalty or fine on a party who… #
In contract law, penalties are essential, as they can create a deterrent against breaching a contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the contract includes a penalty clause that imposes a fine on the company if it fails to deliver the goods, this is an example of a penalty. Related terms include liquidated damages, forfeiture, and breach of contract.
Privity of contract is a doctrine that requires a party to have a direct… #
In contract law, privity of contract is essential, as it determines who can enforce a contract. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and a third party is affected by the contract, the third party may not be able to enforce the contract due to lack of privity. Related terms include contractual relationship, third party, and enforcement.
Recission is the act of cancelling or rescinding a contract #
In contract law, recission is essential, as it can create a remedy for a party who has been injured by a breach of contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company fails to deliver the goods, the customer may be able to rescind the contract.
Repudiation is a rejection or refusal to perform obligations under… #
In contract law, repudiation is essential, as it can create a breach of contract. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company repudiates the contract by refusing to deliver the goods, this is an example of repudiation. Related terms include breach of contract, termination, and damages.
Reputation is a party's goodwill or standing in the communi… #
In contract law, reputation is essential, as it can affect the enforceability of a contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company has a poor reputation, the customer may be able to terminate the contract. Related terms include goodwill, standing, and contractual enforceability.
Restitution is the act of restoring or returning something… #
In contract law, restitution is essential, as it can create a remedy for a party who has been injured by a breach of contract. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company fails to deliver the goods, the customer may be able to seek restitution by recovering the amount paid for the goods.
Security is a collateral or guarantee that is provided by a party… #
In contract law, security is essential, as it can create a remedy for a party who has been injured by a breach of contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company provides a mortgage over its property as security for the contract, this is an example of security. Related terms include collateral, guarantee, and indemnity.
Specific performance is a remedy that is available in equity and t… #
In contract law, specific performance is essential, as it can create a remedy for a party who has been injured by a breach of contract. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company fails to deliver the goods, the customer may be able to seek specific performance by requiring the company to deliver the goods. Related terms include damages, injunction, and equitable remedy.
Subrogation is the act of substituting one party for another party… #
In contract law, subrogation is essential, as it can create a new contract that replaces an existing contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company is substituted by another company, this is an example of subrogation. Related terms include assignment, delegation, and novation.
Termination is the act of ending or terminating a contract #
In contract law, termination is essential, as it can create a remedy for a party who has been injured by a breach of contract. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company fails to deliver the goods, the customer may be able to terminate the contract. Related terms include breach of contract, repudiation, and recission.
Undue influence is a type of pressure or coercion that is u… #
In contract law, undue influence is a vitiating factor, as it can make a contract voidable. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the customer is subjected to undue influence by the company, the contract may be voidable. Related terms include duress, coercion, and vitiating factor.
Unfair contract terms are terms that are unfair or unreasonable… #
In contract law, unfair contract terms are essential, as they can create a remedy for a party who has been injured by a breach of contract. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the contract includes unfair terms that favor the company, the customer may be able to challenge the terms in court. Related terms include unfairness, reasonableness, and contractual interpretation.
Variation is a change or modification to a contract #
In contract law, variations are essential, as they can create a new contract that replaces an existing contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the parties agree to vary the contract by changing the delivery date, this is an example of a variation. Related terms include amendment, waiver, and novation.
Waiver is the act of giving up or relinquishing a right or… #
In contract law, waiver is essential, as it can create a remedy for a party who has been injured by a breach of contract. For example, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the customer waives their right to claim damages for a breach of contract, this is an example of a waiver. Related terms include variation, amendment, and estoppel.
Warranty is a promise or guarantee that is made by one party to an… #
In contract law, warranties are essential, as they can create a remedy for a party who has been injured by a breach of contract. For instance, if a company enters into a contract to supply goods to a customer, and the company provides a warranty that the goods will be of merchantable quality, this is an example of a warranty. Related terms include guarantee, indemnity, and collateral.