2020 Contract Law Question 2 — LawShortcut Independent Model Answer
Angela runs up a €400 bill at Pierre's restaurant while drinking on prescription medication, having in fact won only €100 on the lottery. The question turns on the second limb of the intoxication test — whether Pierre knew she was incapable — and on why a mistaken motive is no defence.
Scenario summary
Angela has eaten at the Bake Shack Restaurant for five years. She is well known to its owner, Pierre, and the two have become good friends.
Calling in one day, Angela whispered to Pierre that she had won the lottery and did not want that known. She produced the ticket and asked him to mind it for her until the prize was claimed. She also asked for a meal on credit, and Pierre agreed.
Roughly a week later Angela came back for the ticket, saying she would collect her winnings that day. To celebrate she meant to stand dinner for the whole restaurant, and said she would pay Pierre everything she owed once the winnings were in hand. Pierre noticed the smell of alcohol on her, but took it that she had simply had a small celebratory drink.
By the next day Angela had no recollection of any of it: she had taken alcohol while on prescription medication. Her win, moreover, was only €100, and Pierre’s bill came to €400.
Candidates are asked to advise Angela as to her liability in contract law to Pierre.
This is a LawShortcut scenario summary written in our own words. For the exact examined wording, use the official King’s Inns paper linked above.
What this model answer covers
Issues and structure addressed in the full LawShortcut model answer:
- Issue 1 — Intoxication: is the €400 order voidable?
- Issue 2 — The two dealings: the credit meal and the €400 dinner
- Issue 3 — The lottery shortfall: mistaken motive
- Overall advice to Angela
- Where the 25 marks live — 13 intoxication test, 4 two dealings, 4 mistaken motive, 4 structure and advice
- Common ways to lose marks
- Authorities relied on
- The reusable answer structure
Read the complete LawShortcut model answer to this question — reading the question, issue spotting, the applicable law, application to the facts and conclusions — inside the King’s Inns Contract Law Model Answer Vault.
Part of the King’s Inns Contract Law Model Answer Vault — 30 independently authored model answers, 2020—2025.
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