Tricia and Troy are starting a pharmacy. After meeting with their attorney and accountant, they decide they want to begin using the simplest form of business organization they can. However, their primary concern is personal liability. They don’t want to jeopardize their personal assets for business obligations. They’ll also need to obtain financing to get the business started. A few investors have expressed some interest, but they’ll invest their money only if they receive some stake in the business or some possibility of return for their investment. The investors want to have no part in running the business and want to be sure they have no liability for business debts. What form of business organization would you recommend? Why? Explain why other forms of business organizations wouldn’t meet their needs.
Jason and Kellen go out for a night on the town. After a few drinks, Jason laughingly tells Kellen that if Kellen asks the waitress out, he will pay him $1,000. Jason and Kellen have made these types of bargains several times before, and they’ve never been enforced. Kellen asks the waitress out and asks for the money. Jason declines. If Kellen sues for breach of contract, will he win? Why or why not?
Larry makes lewd comments about Nicole, his employee, that reasonably annoy and disturb Nicole. Nicole complains to Larry and threatens to sue for sexual harassment. Larry tells her she doesn’t have a case because Larry hasn’t asked her for sexual favors or touched her inappropriately. Does Nicole have a case? Why or why not?
Terrence, an adult, enters into a contract with Bobby, a 16-year-old. Before either party changes position, Bobby’s parents find out and tell Terrence the deal is off. Can Terrence enforce the contract?
Shannon is 27 years old and has lived in a mental institution since she was 18 years old. Fred visits her one afternoon and tells her that, because she has had such a difficult life, he will give her $10,000. Shannon says she accepts Fred’s offer. Fred doesn’t follow through. Does a contract exist? Why or why not?
Jake thinks he has a sexual harassment claim based on federal law against his employer. Jake resides in Texas, and his employer also resides in Texas. Jake’s damages are $60,000. Can Jake sue in federal court? Why or why not?
Bob writes a check to Zeke for $500 for a TV set. Zeke endorses the check over to Sally as a birthday present. Sally deposits the check. Bob discovers that the TV is defective and that Zeke misrepresented the condition of the TV to induce Bob to buy it. Bob stops payment on the check. Will Sally be able to enforce payment of the check? Why or why not? What change in the facts could strengthen Sally’s ability to enforce payment of the check?
