LibGuides: Business Law: Contracts

Contract Law

“Commerce and manufactures can seldom flourish long in any state which does not enjoy a regular administration of justice, in which the people do not feel themselves secure in the possession of their property, in which the faith of contracts is not supported by law…”

- The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith

The legal enforcement of contracts is central to business. A legally binding contract generally requires three elements:

Offer

An offer is a proposal in which one party seeks a good or service from another in exchange for something of value (such as money, goods, or services).

Acceptance

The second party must agree to the offer. There can be no contract without the second party's consent.

Consideration

Consideration is the thing of value that the first party offers the second. Consideration has to be of genuine value to be legally binding.

A Short and Happy Guide to Business Contracts by Rachel Barnett
ISBN: 9781647086008

Publication Date: 2021-03-04

"Contracts play a large part in advising companies as they transact business in todays unique environment. This book modernizes the teaching of contract law by providing a current perspective on negotiating contracts, thoughtfully explaining complex legal concepts and providing useful practitioner tips and insights based on decades of hands-on experience. Written by an experienced General Counsel and lecturer at Columbia Law School, [this book] empowers readers to learn the main terms found in nearly all business contracts. The newly released updated version explores in greater depth contract clauses that have become particularly relevant in recent times, such as force majeure clauses and data security and privacy terms, as well as many other key provisions that have become a focal point during these unique and unprecedented times. [This book] is a must read for anyone who wants to truly understand how practitioners negotiate business contracts and avoid common pitfalls. It will be an essential playbook that will be kept on your desk and referenced frequently when learning how to draft effective business contracts"--
Contract Law: Flowcharts and Cases, a Visual Guide to Understanding Contracts by Frank Doti
Call Number: KF801.A7 D68 2016

This book contains schematic flowcharts that visually plot the rules of contract law. Also included are selected cutting edge recent cases applying the rules. The flowchart approach helps students sort out in a visual manner the trickier contract rules of law in a unique and organized fashion.
Contracts (Hornbook Series) by Joseph Perillo
Call Number: KF801 .C26 2014

ISBN: 9780314287700

Publication Date: 2014-08-21

The author provides a detailed treatment of the basic rules, principles, and issues in contracts. Topics covered include offer and acceptance, parol evidence and interpretation, consideration, promissory estoppel, contracts under seal, capacity of parties, conditions, performance, and breach. The author also discusses damages, avoidance and reformation, third-party beneficiaries, assignments, and the statute of frauds. The discharge of contracts and illegal bargains are also the subject of separate chapters.
Government Contracts in a Nutshell by Steven Feldman
Call Number: KF850 .K49 2016

Summarizes the Federal Acquisition Regulation System (FARS), improper business practices and personal conflicts of interest, publicizing contract actions, outsourcing/privatization, and competition requirements. Addresses acquisition plans, contractor qualifications, contract delivery, and performance. Explains socio-economic policies, commercial items, options, sealed bidding, and negotiation. Reviews general contracting requirements, intellectual property, cost accounting standards, cost principles, financing, protests, disputes, and appeals. Explores research and development contracting, construction and architect-engineer contracts, inspection and warranty, value engineering, delays, suspension of work, modifications, subcontracting, and government contract termination.