Legality - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Legality

CHAPTER 12Slide2

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Quote of the Day

“Gambling is the child of avarice, the brother of iniquity, and the father of mischief.”George Washington, United States PresidentSlide4

Contracts that May Violate a Statute

WagersInvestmentsInsuranceLicensing StatutesUsury

These types of contracts will be discussed further on the next slides.Slide5

Wagers

A gambling contract is illegal unless it is specifically authorized by state statute.In some cases, wagers have been disguised as “investments” where the gambler places a bet on the price of stock, but never actually buys the stock.Someone taking out a policy on the life of another must have an insurable interest in that person -- or else it becomes a “wager” on their life.Slide6

Licensing Statutes

When a licensing requirement protects the public, any contract made by an unlicensed worker is unenforceable.When a licensing requirement is designed merely to raise revenue, a contract made by an unlicensed person is generally enforceable.

Usury laws prohibit charging excess interest on loans.

UsurySlide7

Contracts that May Violate Public Policy

Restraint of TradeExculpatory ClausesBailment CasesUnconscionable ContractsAdhesion ContractsThese types of contracts will be discussed further on the next slides.Slide8

Restraint of Trade

To be valid, an agreement not to compete must be ancillary to a legitimate bargain.Sale of a BusinessWhen a noncompete agreement is ancillary to the sale of a business, it is enforceable if reasonable in time, geographic area, and scope of activity.EmploymentA noncompete clause in an employment contract is enforceable when it protects trade secrets, confidential information or customer lists developed over a long period of time.Slide9

Exculpatory Clauses

Generally enforceable when the affected activity is in the public interest, such as medical care, public transportation, or some essential service.Generally unenforceable when it attempts to exclude an intentional tort or gross negligence.

the parties have generally unequal bargaining power.

it is not clearly written and readily visible.

Part of a contract that attempts to release you from liability for injury to another party.Slide10

Bailment Cases

Bailment means giving possession and control of personal property to another person. The person giving up possession is the bailor, and the one accepting possession is the bailee.Slide11

Unconscionable Contracts

An unconscionable contract is one that a court refuses to enforce because of fundamental unfairness.The two factors that most often led a court to find unconscionability were: oppression -- meaning that one party used its superior power to force a contract on the weaker party; and surprise --meaning that the weaker party did not fully understand the consequences of its agreement. Slide12

Adhesion Contracts

Adhesion contracts are standard form contracts prepared by one party and given to the other on a “take it or leave it” basis.They are generally enforced when the two parties are of equal power, but when the parties are unequal, the contract may be ruled unconscionable.Slide13

“No matter how profitable a particular contract clause may appear to be, it is worthless if it is illegal. Make sure your agreement is lawful.”