OCR A2 Law - The Law of Contract - Formation of a Contract - Offer (1)

Intro/Define: The essay/problem/dilemma involves the law on Contract, in particular the Law of Invitations to Treat (ITT). When forming a contract, 4 essential elements are needed. They are: Offer, Accpetance, Considerations and Intention. It's necessary to draw a distinction between and offer, which is a definite promise to be legally bound - and an ITT, which is merely an openinig of negotiations - not capable of being accepted.

1. Goods in shops/shelves: The concept of ITT's have been recognised by the judges in a variety of situations. One of the ways an ITT has been recongnised through goods on shelves/shops. In this particular area the "Shopping Principles" apply. These are, display of goods in shops are ITT's. The offer is made when the customer picks the item is scanned by the cashier. A case to illustrate this is the "Pharamaceutical Society of GB v Boots", here Boots introduced a self-service store which allowed people to purchase drugs without a pharmacist present. This was but ITT's, therefore, Boots were found not guilty. A further case to illustrate this is "Fisher v Bell", here the "offer" was to sell  flick knives displayed in a shop window, however, it was concluded that a flick knife amounted to an ITT and not an offer, and the defendant was found NOT Guilty.

AO2: This shows that the concept of ITT is as important as ever giving essential protection to those who sell goods. This is because it prevents the seller from entering into contracts which are deemed unlawful such as Alcohol and Solvents. Shops need to be able to display their items without threat of being prosecuted.