Active learning ideas
The Law of Contracts is the foundation of the commercial world. Based on the Indian Contract Act, 1872, this topic guides students through the lifecycle of an agreement, from the initial offer and acceptance to the final performance or breach. Students learn that for an agreement to become a contract, it must have lawful consideration, competent parties, and free consent.
Activity 01
Students act out scenarios involving 'Undue Influence' (e.g., a teacher and student) or 'Coercion'. The rest of the class must identify which element of free consent is missing and if the contract is voidable.
What makes an agreement a legally enforceable contract?
Activity 02
Provide students with advertisements, price tags, and auction notices. They must investigate whether these constitute a legal 'offer' or merely an 'invitation to treat' based on case law like Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co.
What is the role of 'free consent' in contract law?
Activity 03
A student 'influencer' fails to post an ad for a brand. Students play the roles of lawyers for both sides, arguing over whether the breach was material and what damages should be awarded.
What remedies are available for a breach of contract?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
All agreements are contracts.
Only agreements enforceable by law are contracts. Social or domestic agreements (like a promise to take a friend to dinner) usually lack the intention to create legal relations. Think-Pair-Share exercises help students draw the line between social and legal promises.
A contract must always be in writing to be valid.
In India, oral contracts are generally valid unless specifically required by law to be in writing (like property transfers). Simulating oral negotiations helps students see the validity and the evidentiary challenges of verbal agreements.
Methods used in this brief
Law of Property
Introduces the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, focusing on movable and immovable property. Covers concepts like sale, lease, mortgage, and gift.
8 methodologies
Law of Torts
Defines tortious liability, distinguishing it from criminal liability and breach of contract. Covers intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability.
8 methodologies
Introduction to Criminal Laws
Provides an overview of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Discusses stages of crime, mens rea, and actus reus.
8 methodologies