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Articles 1 - 30 of 30
Full-Text Articles in Law
Contracts--Change Of Circumstances-Constructive Promise
Contracts--Change Of Circumstances-Constructive Promise
Michigan Law Review
In 1921 plaintiff and defendant entered into a contract whereby defendant agreed to give plaintiff "one-half of all moneys" which should be received "from any revivals of" the play" 'Alias Jimmy Valentine' including productions in New York City, 'on the road,' or 'in stock.' " Plaintiff's share was to be mailed direct to him under division orders from wherever the play was being produced, accompanied by box office statements. It was stipulated that "all contracts . . . or other arrangements . . . affecting the title to the dramatic rights ( exclusive of motion picture rights) . . . …
Contracts - Assignment- Unsealed Assignment Of Sealed Instrument
Contracts - Assignment- Unsealed Assignment Of Sealed Instrument
Michigan Law Review
Defendants sold and conveyed their grocery business by a bill of sale under seal and covenanted not to engage in a like business within a one-mile radius for a period of three years. The purchaser assigned the bill of sale by an instrument not under seal to the plaintiffs. When the defendants opened a competing business in violation of their agreement, the plaintiffs filed a bill in equity asking that the defendants be restrained. Held, that an injunction should issue, notwithstanding the bill of sale was sealed while the assignment was not. Adamowicz v. Iwanicki, (Mass. 1934) 190 …
Effects Of Inflation On Private Contracts: Germany, 1914-1924, John P. Dawson
Effects Of Inflation On Private Contracts: Germany, 1914-1924, John P. Dawson
Michigan Law Review
The German experience with inflation is unique not only in the magnitude of the ultimate disaster but in the wealth and variety of the record which it left behind. From that experience we may still learn much. The problems presented at successive stages of the German inflation differ in degree but not in kind from those which appear in any major shift in the general level of prices. The devices, legal and economic, for restoring an equilibrium thus destroyed must be essentially the same in any great country organized, as Germany was, for specialized, large-scale production. From a study of …
Contracts - Illegality - Effect Of Partial Illegality
Contracts - Illegality - Effect Of Partial Illegality
Michigan Law Review
It has long been accepted that the illegality of part of a contract does not necessarily make the entire contract unenforceable. However, it is difficult to predict in a given case whether or not the court will hold that recovery may be had upon the lawful part of the contract. It is often said that such recovery will be allowed when the illegal portion of the contract can be clearly separated from the lawful part, but .even when stated in such broad terms - so broad in fact that it is of little help in solving the problem - the …
The Vendee's Lien- On Land And Chattels
The Vendee's Lien- On Land And Chattels
Michigan Law Review
The vendee's lien is now firmly established as an equitable device to insure full restitution to the purchaser of land on his rescission for the vendor's fraud or default. It first appeared in a dictum in an early English case where it was suggested as a possible analogy to the implied vendor's lien for the purchase money. But it was 1855 before the question was presented squarely to an English court of record, and 1860 when the House of Lords definitely approved it. Long before this, however, courts of equity in the United States had begun to μse this device …
Contracts --Anticipatory Breach- Denial Of Liability As A Repudiation
Contracts --Anticipatory Breach- Denial Of Liability As A Repudiation
Michigan Law Review
A life insurance policy provided that the insured was to be paid a certain sum per month in case of permanent disability. A dispute arose between the company and the insured as to the proper construction of the contract. The company expressed willingness to perform the contract as it construed it, but this was a refusal to pay the monthly disability income. The insured brought an action to recover total damages for anticipatory breach, of the contract to pay the permanent disability benefits. Held, that the insurer had not made such an unequivocal refusal to perform the contract as …
Limitation Of Actions-Husband And Wife-Suspension Of The Statute Of Limitations During Coverture
Limitation Of Actions-Husband And Wife-Suspension Of The Statute Of Limitations During Coverture
Michigan Law Review
Plaintiff sued in equity to recover for services rendered to her deceased husband for a period of six years prior to her marriage to him. Defendant, the executor of decedent, contended that she could not recover the portion of her claim which represented wages earned more than six years before a claim w.as filed with the estate. Held, the statute of limitations does not run on the claim of one spouse. against the other during the continuance of the marital state, irrespective of whether the claim arose before or during coverture. Therefore, plaintiff could now recover for the six …
The Varying Meaning And Legal Effect Of The Word "Void", Abraham J. Levin
The Varying Meaning And Legal Effect Of The Word "Void", Abraham J. Levin
Michigan Law Review
To interpret properly what has been said or written necessitates our going beyond the dictionary into the sphere of action and reality. In its narrowest sense the, meaning of a word is the single effect which is given to it in the specific case. Insofar as nature repeats itself are we able to build up concepts and symbols which function in substantially the same way in different cases. But the mind must always be ready to discard an accepted definition of a word symbol for the particular legal effect which the circumstances demand. The same word or symbol with the …
Wills-Contract Not To Contest
Michigan Law Review
A testatrix left the bulk of her estate to the plaintiff whom she named as her executor. Defendant, dissatisfied with his bequest, threatened to contest the will. Thereupon, the parties entered into a contract whereby the plaintiff agreed to give the defendant a piece of land and a sum of money in addition to his legacy in consideration of defendant's promise not to contest the will. Shortly thereafter defendant joined relatives of the decedent in opposing probate. In an action in equity to specifically enforce the agreement, held, that the contract was valid and that the defendant be permanently …
Constitutional Law-Validity Of Statute Exempting Insurance Benefits From Process For Debts
Constitutional Law-Validity Of Statute Exempting Insurance Benefits From Process For Debts
Michigan Law Review
C, a judgment creditor of W, instituted garnishment proceedings to recover the amount of the judgment out of moneys owed by the X insurance company to W as beneficiary of H's life insurance. Subsequently the Arkansas legislature passed a statute exempting all moneys paid or payable to any resident of the State as the insured or beneficiary designated under any life, sickness, or accident insurance policy, from liability or seizure under judicial process, and provided that such benefits should not be subjected to the payment of any debt. Held, by a unanimous decision of the United …
Contracts - Consideration - Agreement To Reduce Rent Reserved In Lease
Contracts - Consideration - Agreement To Reduce Rent Reserved In Lease
Michigan Law Review
Plaintiff sued defendants, who were trustees of a business trust, to enforce personal liability upon them for accrued rent due under a lease. When the lessee company, which was losing money because of the depression, threatened to vacate the premises, the plaintiff acquiesced in the lessee's demand that the rent be reduced for the balance of the term. Plaintiff sought to recover the amount due under the lease, claiming that the agreement for reduction was without consideration and therefore a nullity. Held, that in view of plaintiff's knowledge of the lessee's financial condition, the latter's agreeing to remain in …
Contracts - Fraud -Tests Of Materiality In Deceit And On Rescission For Fraud
Contracts - Fraud -Tests Of Materiality In Deceit And On Rescission For Fraud
Michigan Law Review
Current decisions abundantly show the usefulness and efficiency of remedies based on rescission in contracts induced by fraud, as compared with damage remedies. Modern improvements in the rescission remedies go far to explain their popularity. On the other hand, the tests for "materiality" of misrepresentations that are unavoidably connected with the action of deceit have restricted its utility. Both the advantages of rescission and the disadvantages of damage remedies appear most clearly in a period of rapidly fluctuating and uncertain values. These considerations seem to justify a comparative study of the tests of "materiality" evolved by recent decisions in actions …
Contracts - Fraud - Effect Of Provision In Contract That Representations Of Seller's Agent Are Not Binding
Michigan Law Review
Plaintiff sued on promissory notes given it by defendant in part payment of the purchase price for a dumptor. Defendant counterclaimed on the ground that he was induced to buy the dumptor because of fraudulent misrepresentations made by the plaintiff's agent. The contract contained the stipulation that "no representations made by an agent not included herein shall be binding," and therefore the plaintiff contended that the jury could not consider any of the false statements made by its agent. Held, said statement is ineffectual to preclude the defendant from asserting fraud. National Equipment Corp. v. Volden, (Minn. 1934) …
Insurance - Conditions Precedent To Existence Of Contract
Insurance - Conditions Precedent To Existence Of Contract
Michigan Law Review
The application for a non-medical-examination insurance policy, and the policy itself, contained the provision that the policy should not take effect if the insured should die before the date thereof or if, on such date, the insured should not be in sound health. At the time of delivery of the policy the insured was actually suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease, although this condition was unknown to him. A statute provided that the statements made in the application as to the physical condition of the insured should be valid and binding upon the insurance company "unless wilfully false …
Divorce - Alimony - Modification Of Decree - Impairment Of Obligation Of Contracts
Divorce - Alimony - Modification Of Decree - Impairment Of Obligation Of Contracts
Michigan Law Review
A decree of divorce, following the terms of a prior agreement between the parties, ordered the defendant husband to assign to the plaintiff an insurance policy and pay her $105 per month as long as she remained unmarried. Later, the court upon the defendant's petition reduced the monthly allowance to $90, finding that the defendant's earnings had been diminished and that his remarriage had precipitated new family obligations and debts. Upon appeal of both parties, held, that the court had the power to modify the decree to conform to the changed conditions of the parties, and this modification did …
Contracts - Offer And Acceptance -Termination Of Offer By Subsequent Higher Bid Of Another
Contracts - Offer And Acceptance -Termination Of Offer By Subsequent Higher Bid Of Another
Michigan Law Review
The receiver of an insolvent bank received from one Lorensen bids of $4,500 for the building and $500 for the fixtures of the bank, the bid for the fixtures being conditioned on acceptance of the bid for the building. He received a subsequent bid of $4,600 for the building alone, no mention being made of the fixtures. Lorensen's bid for the fixtures was made on separate paper and was considered as distinct from his bid for the building. The receiver called on Lorensen, notified him of the higher bid {indicating that it had been received without qualification) and tried to …
Sales - Section 14, Uniform Conditional Sales Act - Removal To Other State Without Refiling
Sales - Section 14, Uniform Conditional Sales Act - Removal To Other State Without Refiling
Michigan Law Review
The plaintiff, vendor in a conditional sale contract, received notice of the removal of the goods by the vendee to another State, but failed to refile the contract in the other State as required by its statute. A creditor of the vendee attached the goods without notice of the conditional sale contract, but was given actual notice of it by the plaintiff during the prescribed filing period. In this action, the plaintiff sought to recover the goods from the attaching creditor. Held, the conditional sale contract was void as to the creditor in the absence of a refiling, notwithstanding …
Contracts-Wagers - New Consideration
Contracts-Wagers - New Consideration
Michigan Law Review
Plaintiff and defendant were engaged in illegal stock transactions at the end of which plaintiff owed defendant $11,961.05 and defendant owed plaintiff $7,600.00. In making out the check for his debt, plaintiff deducted for the $7,600.00 and wanted to give only $4,361.05 because defendant's check for the former sum, although it had been mailed, had not yet cleared. On defendant's assurance that the check would clear and be paid, plaintiff added $7,600.00 to the check which he gave to the defendant. Defendant promptly cashed plaintiff's check and stopped payment on his own. In a suit for the $7,600, to which …
The Equitable Lien As A Remedy For Breach Of Contract
The Equitable Lien As A Remedy For Breach Of Contract
Michigan Law Review
Modern decisions have developed the equitable lien as an important procedural device alongside the equitable remedies of constructive trust and subrogation, with both of which it is intimately connected. The equitable lien or charge, enforceable by foreclosure and sale, is in many situations the most convenient and flexible device for enforcing equitable obligations. A sphere of activity in which it has already proved useful, and in which its usefulness may increase, is in the field of breach of contract. The equitable lien here provides an intermediate ground between affirmative specific performance and complete rescission.
Legal Problems In National Merchandising, Richard Ford
Legal Problems In National Merchandising, Richard Ford
Michigan Law Review
An interstate sales organization encounters an infinite number of problems of legal tactics, some of which recur with great frequency, and are more or less common to every industry. For discussion in this paper the writer has selected a few such problems, chiefly from the electric refrigeration business; these are presented in the belief that they are typical of many lines of national merchandising.
Certain Evasive And Protective Devices Affecting Succession To Decedents' Estates, Alvin Evans
Certain Evasive And Protective Devices Affecting Succession To Decedents' Estates, Alvin Evans
Michigan Law Review
In Anglo-American law for many generations the power of an owner of property to determine the disposal of his estate at death has met with but comparatively few limitations. The statute creating this power was motivated by the assumption that the interest of the owner, reaching even beyond death, is paramount to other social interests. This power is an important item in a capitalistic system. And even if he does not exercise his power, the decedent may rest assured that another statute will do for him approximately what he may be supposed to have desired.
Equitable Contract Remedies - Denial Of Both Specific Performance And Rescission
Equitable Contract Remedies - Denial Of Both Specific Performance And Rescission
Michigan Law Review
Serious problems of doing justice between parties to a contract arise where on the one hand specific performance of the contract is refused on equitable grounds such as hardship, and on the other hand rescission of the contract is denied and the contract is allowed to stand as a binding legal obligation. The objects of the present comment are two: to examine critically the situations where this result has actually been reached, and to inquire whether there is any real advantage, in the administration of contract remedies, in recognizing an intermediate ground between specific performance and rescission.
Contracts - Liability Of The Assignee Of A Land Contract - Reformation By Extrinsic Evidence
Contracts - Liability Of The Assignee Of A Land Contract - Reformation By Extrinsic Evidence
Michigan Law Review
Defendant Campbell assigned a contract to purchase land from the plaintiff to the defendant bank, the evidence being undisputed that the assignment was additional security for an existing indebtedness of Campbell. A printed form containing a promise by the assignee to pay the purchase price was used. The name of the assignee was left blank in order that the name of a prospective purchaser could be filled in if an anticipated sale materialized. In an action to foreclose the land contract the vendor asked for a deficiency judgment against the defendant bank. Held, that the vendor was not entitled …
Corporations - Identity As Basis For Enforcing Contract Of Predecessor Against Successor - Fraud
Corporations - Identity As Basis For Enforcing Contract Of Predecessor Against Successor - Fraud
Michigan Law Review
The stockholders and officers of the Old South Engraving Company, wishing to escape a contract whereby that corporation was bound to hire only union labor, organized the Old South Photoengraving Corporation which purchased the business of the Engraving Company, giving therefor 9,000 of the issue of 12,000 no-par shares and issuing the rest to the stockholders of the Engraving Company in proportion to their holdings therein. It was announced that the Engraving Company would cease operating Saturday, June 4, and employees were given due notice. On Monday, June 6, the new company began operating at the same location with non-union …
Contracts - Rescission For Fraud - Necessity Of Restitution
Contracts - Rescission For Fraud - Necessity Of Restitution
Michigan Law Review
Defendant purchased an automobile from the plaintiff's assignor. While the car was in defendant's possession and prior to the start of the suit, the car was stolen from him and was later discovered in a wrecked condition. In a suit by plaintiff for the purchase price defendant sought to rescind for fraud, tendering the wrecked automobile. The contract contained a stipulation to the effect that the risk of loss or injury from any cause whatsoever was to be on defendant. Held, that defendant was not entitled to rescind because plaintiff could not be placed in status quo. American …
Constitutional Law - Force And Effect Of Clauses Providing For Payment Of Private Indebtedness In Gold
Michigan Law Review
Certain Belgium company bonds were issued providing for payment of interest "in sterling in gold coin of the United Kingdom of or equal to the weight and fineness existing on September 1, 1928." After England had left the gold: standard the issuing company sought to make interest payments in depreciated pounds. Plaintiff bondholder sought to enforce payment of sufficient depreciated currency to enable him to purchase on the day of payment gold in the same quantity as he would have received had payment been due September 1, 1928. The English House of Lords held for plaintiff, reversing the decision of …
Trade Restraints - Covenants Restricting Owner's Use Of His Premises
Trade Restraints - Covenants Restricting Owner's Use Of His Premises
Michigan Law Review
Plaintiffs and defendant were competing theatre proprietors, owning buildings on opposite sides of the street in X city. For a monetary consideration defendant covenanted to discontinue forever the use of his building as a public theatre. Plaintiffs sought an injunction upon defendant's breach, and defendant demurred on the ground that the covenant was in restraint of trade and not ancillary to any property interest conveyed and requiring protection. Held, injunction granted, for in Ohio a contract in reasonable restraint of trade is enforceable though not incidental to some other independent contract or conveyance; and, if such transaction is necessary, …
Trade Restraints - Inducing Breach Of Contract
Trade Restraints - Inducing Breach Of Contract
Michigan Law Review
Plaintiff had "exclusive requirement" contracts with 90% of the users of electricity in various communities in Texas. Defendant was in the business of selling municipal electric plants to communities under a plan whereby, on assurance that enough users would enter into exclusive contracts to make the plant a success, the defendant agreed to look for payment to the revenue of the plant only. Installation of a municipal plant would, therefore, necessitate breaches of the "exclusive requirement" contracts on the part of some of plaintiff's customers. Held, that plaintiff was not entitled to an. injunction restraining defendant from inducing plaintiff's …
Contracts - Fraud - Implied Representation Of Solvency
Contracts - Fraud - Implied Representation Of Solvency
Michigan Law Review
Defendant, a wholesale grocer, had been losing steadily for months by selling below cost, and had assets of $83,000 against liabilities of $140,000 on Nov. 21, 1929. On that date he accepted a 90-day trade acceptance drawn by claimant for cases of tomato paste which he had ordered, and which claimant now seeks to reclaim on the ground of fraud. On December 3 defendant obtained the goods, and the next day went into involuntary bankruptcy. Held, that the buyer's promise to pay implies belief in reasonable ability to pay, and that concealment of belief to the contrary is fraud …
Federal Practice-Entry Of Judgment Notwithstanding Verdict On Undisputed Evidence
Federal Practice-Entry Of Judgment Notwithstanding Verdict On Undisputed Evidence
Michigan Law Review
In an action on a contract the plaintiff claimed the entire contract price as damages on the theory of an anticipatory breach by the defendant. The trial court, however, on the undisputed facts, instructed the jury that the plaintiff could recover only the damages suffered prior to the first day of the present term of court. Held, by the Circuit Court of Appeals, that the trial court should have instructed the jury to return a verdict for the plaintiff for the entire contract price, but that a new trial was not necessary and the cause should be remanded to …