EXERCISE 7.3 Legal status of contracts

A contractor agrees in writing to build a triplex on Dudley’s vacant lot. After the contract has been signed, the contractor discovers the lot is zoned for single-family residential use only. What is the legal status of the contract?

Stanton agrees to buy Jefferson’s house for $280,000, but they don’t put their agreement in writing. What is the legal status of the contract?

A property owner is forced to sign a purchase agreement under threat of physical harm. What is the legal status of the contract?

Six months ago, Dunn was declared mentally incompetent by a court. Now Dunn has just signed a contract to sell his home. What is the legal status of the contract?

A broker, abusing the trust a property owner has placed in her, convinces the owner to list his home at a price he later determines to be well below market value. When he asks the broker to release him from the listing contract, the broker refuses. What is the legal status of the contract?

Miller is buying Gilman’s house for $650,000. They have signed a written purchase agreement. Both parties have contractual capacity and freely consented to the terms of the contract. What is the legal status of the contract?

A seller, after accepting a written offer, decides not to go through with the sale of his property. Eleven years later, the prospective buyer decides that he will file an action to compel the seller to perform. What is the legal status of the contract?