Problem
Contract Law Problem Scenario
Sir Basil and Lady Golddigger-Healthy-Bowel were unable to resolve their differences and have decided to divorce.
I. Clementine Werewolf-Smith, his wife's solicitor has written to Sir Basil stating her client would sell her half of the marital home, Healthy Bowel Hall and grounds, for £3million pounds. Sir Basil was furious and wrote back to Clementine Werewolf-Smith stating that his wife was deluded, it was a horrendous building in a swamp. Perhaps unwisely, he added if Ms Werewolf-Smith's client would take out a full page advert in the Yoghurt Producer's Weekly stating that she was controlling, status obsessed and selfish, he would sell to her his interest in the property for £50,000.
Today, Swamp Developments have made an offer of £50million for Healthy Bowel Hall and its estate, and Clementine Werewolf-Smith has faxed an acceptance of Sir Basil's offer of £50,000, along with a copy of the advert, meeting his conditions, that her client has paid for in the Yoghurt Producer's Weekly.
II. Sir Basil now wishes to accept Lady Healthy-Bowel's original offer. Advise him as to his legal position.
III. Sir Basil says that £50,000 for half of his magnificent Stately Home is ridiculous, and no-one could assume that he was serious. Advise Sir Basil as to whether he may have made an offer to his wife.
• It is Cleopatra-Maisiebelle-Chivogny Healthy-Bowel's 21st birthday, and she has asked for a white Bentley convertible. In the local garage, Sir Basil has seen a 1980 Austin Metro for sale for £1000. Last Wednesday, he emailed the garage saying he will give them £500 and if he didn't hear from them he would assume that the car was his and they should deliver it on Cleopatra-Maisiebelle-Chivogny's birthday. Advise Sir Basil if he can expect the car to be delivered as he has said?
• Cleopatra-Maisiebelle-Chivogny had told her friends she was getting a Bentley and is furious with her father and demanded that he buy her a unicorn. Shortly after, she finds an advertisement for three white ponies in 'Entitled Brat' magazine for £2000 and says she could accept one of those. Sir Basil messages the telling them to save him a pony, but by the time he arrives, the stable has agreed to sell them elsewhere. Can Sir Basil demand a pony?