Offer And Acceptance In Contract Law Uk In Wake
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Regardless of whether the contract is verbal or written, it has to include: an offer. an acceptance. an intention to create a legal relationship. a consideration (usually monetary).
An acceptance is a final and unqualified expression of assent to the terms of an offer. Again, there must be an objective manifestation, by the recipient of the offer, of an intention to be bound by its terms. An offer must be accepted in ance with its precise terms if it is to form an agreement.
Felthouse v Bindley 1862 EWHC CP J35 - Silence cannot amount to acceptance. However, silence can qualify as acceptance if it is accompanied by conduct. This is a form of implied acceptance, which is gathered by examining the whole course of conduct of the parties.
The offeror, or person making the offer, must have the intention to be bound by what they are offering. The offeree, or person receiving the offer, must know about the offer and accept it for it to be accepted. This type of contract is only valid if a mutual agreement between both parties is involved.
An acceptance is a final and unqualified expression of assent to the terms of an offer. Again, there must be an objective manifestation, by the recipient of the offer, of an intention to be bound by its terms. An offer must be accepted in ance with its precise terms if it is to form an agreement.
You cannot unknowingly accept a contract. No one else can accept for you (in business law, there are exceptions made for a business owner's agent) You must communicate your acceptance directly to the offeror. The offeror cannot take silence for acceptance.
Generally, in our law, silence is not considered as an acceptance but there are definitely some exceptions everywhere. Theoretically, acceptance is an expression of mind either in active or passive conduct of the offeree. Loose theories of estoppel and moral duties are not necessary.
You can absolutely change your mind, especially as you haven't signed the contract. Don't be afraid to state the reasons why too. Just be prepared not to have the opportunity to work at that company for a while (from the sounds of it, you're not missing out on much).
Clients will often presume that verbal agreements are not binding. However, as a general rule, the law considers that verbal agreements are legally binding.