Asked by Jasmine Queen-O'Connell on Jul 16, 2024

verifed

Verified

What was the result in the Lucy v.Zehmer case (referenced in the textbook) involving whether allegations of joking regarding the sale of land prevented the formation of a contract?

A) The court ruled that the contract would not be enforced because one of the parties was subjectively joking.
B) The court ruled that the contract would not be enforced because one of the parties was joking and a reasonable person should have known that.
C) The court ruled that the contract would not be enforced because the parties had been consuming alcohol.
D) The court ruled that the agreement would be enforced because of the outward manifestations of agreement.
E) The court ruled that the contract would be enforced because of what the parties said,regardless of whether an objective person would have thought joking was involved.

Lucy V. Zehmer

A landmark legal case in contract law where the Virginia Supreme Court held that a written agreement to sell land, made despite the seller's apparent intoxication, was enforceable.

Joking

The action of telling jokes or acting in a humorous manner, often to entertain others.

Outward Manifestations

External expressions or actions by a party indicating intent to adhere to the terms of an agreement or contract.

  • Explain and provide examples of contractual intent and why it is essential for the establishment of a valid offer.
verifed

Verified Answer

SC
Steph CosbyJul 17, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
The court held that the parties had entered into a binding agreement,and the court enforced the agreement.This case demonstrates that the courts look at the circumstances surrounding the alleged making of a contract and focus on the outward manifestations of a person's intent,as gauged by an objective,reasonable person standard.It clearly sends the message that people need to be careful when joking about entering into a contract because a person who jokes too well might find herself or himself bound to an agreement that she or he did not really intend to make.