Module 3 included an overview of the different and various legal remedies that are available to both
Question:
Module 3 included an overview of the different and various legal remedies that are available to both the seller (lessor) and the buyer (lessee) in the event of breach of a sales (lease) contract. The nonbreaching party is not limited to seeking only one remedy under the Uniform Commercial Code, as the remedies for breach are cumulative in nature. This would suggest flexibility in how and to what extent the nonbreaching party may seek redress.
Keeping the various remedies available to each of the parties to a sales (lease) contract in mind, please address the following in the initial discussion post:
- Could any of the legal remedies available to the seller (lessor) and the buyer (lessee) be considered commercially impractical for the nonbreaching party to pursue? Explain why or why not.
- What informal remedies or other solutions might you think a party could undertake to address, or lessen the impact, of a potential breach of contract action?
My ANSWER:
There are instances where the legal options accessible to a seller or buyer may no longer be feasible from a commercial standpoint. Commercial impracticability occurs when the execution of a contract becomes excessively burdensome or costly due to unforeseen circumstances, rendering it unreasonable for either party to fulfil their contractual duties. While the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and common law offer different methods to address breaches of contract, pursuing them may be considered commercially impractical given specific circumstances.
Obtaining monetary compensation through legal proceedings may not be feasible from a commercial standpoint if the expenses associated with litigation outweigh the potential amount to be recovered. The inclusion of legal fees, court expenses, and the considerable time commitment required for litigation can render it economically unviable, particularly for claims of lesser value.
In cases where the subject matter is unique, specific performance (compelling the breaching party to fulfil contractual obligations) may be required. However, this remedy may not always be practical, particularly if the individual goods or services are no longer available or performance is not possible. Terminating the contractual agreement and pursuing compensation may present challenges from a commercial standpoint if it adversely affects existing business connections or if the process of finding substitute goods or services proves to be time-consuming and expensive. The non-breaching party is generally required to mitigate damages by taking reasonable steps to minimize losses resulting from the breach. However, the costs associated with mitigation may be commercially impractical if they outweigh the potential benefits.
Potential breach of contract can be addressed or mitigated through informal remedies or alternative solutions that the involved parties may choose to consider.
Parties may engage in negotiation or mediation to reach a mutually agreeable solution. This can be a faster and cheaper alternative to litigation while preserving business relationships.
Parties may consider renegotiating contract terms to accommodate changing circumstances, such as adjusting delivery schedules, payment terms, or quantities. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) techniques, such as arbitration, can offer a more efficient and economical approach to resolving conflicts that are separate from the conventional litigation process.
To avoid the expenses and intricacies involved in pursuing formal legal action, the party that has not breached the contract may opt to relinquish specific contractual rights or relieve the other party from certain obligations through a waiver or release. Collaborative problem-solving entails the joint efforts of individuals to identify innovative resolutions that cater to the concerns of all parties involved, promoting a more amicable approach to resolving conflicts.
Ultimately, the selection of remedies and solutions will be contingent upon the particular circumstances of the breach, the characteristics of the contract, and the readiness of the parties to reach a harmonious resolution.
Smith and Roberson Business Law
ISBN: 978-0538473637
15th Edition
Authors: Richard A. Mann, Barry S. Roberts