THE E-COMMERCE DIMENSION Is a mistake such as the one in this case likely to occur when software is used to draft a document? Why or why not?

THE ETHICAL DIMENSION What may have motivated the defendants in this case to assert that there was no mistake in the deed? Discuss.

In June 2005, Eric and Debra Hance agreed to buy Garry and Wanda Drake’s home in Monroe, North Carolina. The contract described the property as “#15 Legacy Lake.” The deed, however, listed “lot 15, Legacy Lake” and “lot 11, Legacy Lake.” Lot 15 is the property on which the home sits. Lot 11 is a vacant lot across the street. After the sale, the deed was filed with the appropriate state office. Eight months later, when the Drakes tried to sell lot 11 to a third party, they learned that it had been listed on the Hances’ deed. The Drakes told the Hances, who denied that any mistake had been made. Claiming that they had intended to sell only lot 15, the Drakes filed a suit in a North Carolina state court against the Hances. The attorney who closed the sale testified that the deed was drafted improperly. The court reformed it. The Hances appealed.