Exam 14: Contractual Capacity

The minority of states require that the minor, when effecting a disaffirmance of the contract, pay at least a reasonable amount for the use of the property or the amount by which the property depreciated while in the hands of a minor.

A binding promise or agreement requires that the parties to the agreement have contractual capacity.

In the Keser v. Chagnon case, the Colorado court found that disaffirmance two months after reaching majority was within a reasonable time and that, since Chagnon had obtained the contract by false representation of his age, he could not recover his full consideration upon disaffirmance.

Sixteen-year-old Todd's parents provide adequate food, lodging, and clothing for him, but he sees a sweater he wants and purchases it. In all states, the sweater is considered a necessary since it is an item of clothing.

If a minor sells property that the buyer then resells to a good faith purchaser for value and the minor then disaffirms the sales contract, under both the traditional view and the UCC, the minor can recover the property from the good faith purchaser for value since the minor has the power of avoidance and both purchasers had only voidable title.

Cheryl is a 17-year-old high school student who was elected homecoming queen and does part-time modeling to earn money for college. She has an important interview with a modeling agency and wants to make a good impression, so she withdraws $5,000 from her savings and buys a designer outfit and a fur coat for the interview. A week later, she returns the coat to the department store and says she would like her money back. The store is reluctant to take the items. What are Cheryl's rights? Explain.

Ratification can occur in which of the following ways?

Joanne, a minor, sold her laptop computer to Bruce, an adult. Bruce then sold the laptop to Anna, also an adult, who had no knowledge of the fact that the original owner was a minor. Under the Uniform Commercial Code, Joanne may:

Ratification of a contract, once effected, is final and cannot be withdrawn.

Intoxicated persons are liable in quasi-contract for necessaries purchased during their incapacity.

Percy, age 17, purchased a used mobile home from a mobile home dealer for $20,000. This price, however, is twice the reasonable value of that mobile home. Several months later, Percy wants to disaffirm the contract. If the mobile home is considered a necessary item:

Fourteen-year-old Marsha bought $120 worth of video games at a local store, using her own money. Her parents insisted that she return the items and get her money back. Which of the following is true?

Sally goes away to college at 17, lives on her own, and pays her own rent and electric bills. If she makes a contract to buy a television set, in most jurisdictions, she may assert her minority status and set aside the contract.

Mel is 17 years old but looks older than 18. He makes a contract to buy a car from Maisie, who is the age of majority. When Maisie finds out Mel's age, she may avoid the contract even if Mel did not misrepresent his age.

Discuss a minor's duty to a seller upon disaffirmance of a contract for the sale of goods.

Courts treat contracts of incompetents and intoxicated persons essentially the same, except they are stricter with intoxicated persons because of its voluntary nature.

Melody, age 17, makes a contract with Seung, who is an adult. Melody:

Cheryl, age 16, ordered a new dress to wear to the school prom. She has contracted to pay $500 when the dress arrives. Before the dress arrives, Cheryl decides that the dress is too expensive, and she now wishes to cancel the order. Cheryl:

If a person is unable to understand the nature and effect of entering into a contract, he or she can avoid it.

What are the ways in which a minor may disaffirm a contract? What is the effect of a minor's misrepresenting age in order to enter into a contract? Explain.