Contract Law

Communication Methods in Contract Law

Modern communication methods like mobile phones and emails are crucial in contract law.

• An offer may expire after a reasonable period or have an expiry date.

• Courts decide on the postal acceptance rule based on case circumstances.

Revocation of Offers

An offeror can revoke their offer before acceptance, even if a specific period is mentioned.

• Revocation must be communicated directly or through a reliable source to the offeree.

Termination of Offers

An offer can be terminated by the offeror before acceptance, leading to a breach if accepted post-termination.

• Termination methods include rejection, counteroffer, unreasonable lapse of time, revocation, death of a party, or before performance in a unilateral contract.

Death and Rejection in Contract Law

Death of a party ends an offer, and rejection can be express or implied.

Unilateral Contracts

Offers in unilateral contracts can be terminated by the offeror before performance begins.

• Once performance starts, the offer cannot be retracted.

Counter-offers

A reply with new terms is a counter-offer, not acceptance. The original offeror can accept or reject it.

Acceptance and the Postal Rule

Acceptance must be communicated. The Postal Rule applies if both parties contemplate post use.

• Exceptions exist, like in Adams V Lindsell…