2024 Contract Law Question 1 — LawShortcut Independent Model Answer

Scenario summary

Lauren is opening a small bookshop in the centre of town called Reading Leaves. She advertises in the local newspaper: “Opening Offer! Signed First Editions of Famous Novels - €100 each. Limited Availability. Starts at 9am. First Come First Served.”

Lucy is first through the door and picks out one of the books, but at the counter her debit card will not work. She asks Lauren to set the book aside until lunchtime, when she will return with cash. To show that she means it, Lucy leaves a necklace of hers with Lauren, on the footing that if she does not come back for the book, Lauren can keep the necklace.

After Lucy goes, Colm comes in, sees the book being held back, and asks to buy it for €500, saying it is worth at least that. Lauren says the book is reserved, but that he can have it for the €500 if Lucy does not return. Colm leaves his email address and mailing address.

A short while later Lauren decides to sell to Colm regardless of the arrangement with Lucy. She emails him that she is sending the book for the agreed €500, and texts Lucy that she will not be selling to her. Lucy had lost her phone earlier and never receives the text.

Lucy returns at 3pm and is horrified to find the book gone. Lauren’s answer is that Lucy did not return in time, lunchtime having long passed, and that she may keep the necklace because Lucy broke her promise. Lucy leaves furious, saying she will speak to her lawyer.

Later that day Colm emails to say he no longer wants the book — but Lauren has already posted it. She replies that it is too late, that he is bound by an enforceable contract, and that he must send the €500 at once because the book has been despatched.

Candidates are asked to advise Lauren as to her position under the law of contract.

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.