Asked by Tiffany LaFrance on Jul 26, 2024
Verified
Mark and his wife Jean had recently built a country home on a one-acre lot. Initially overwhelmed by the size of the lawn Mark arranged for Stanley, a neighbouring farmer, to cut their lawn with his riding mower. The first cut was difficult and time consuming as there were many tall grasses and weeds to cut through. On this occasion, Stanley charged $300. One week later, Stanley cut the lawn again and charged Mark $200. Reflecting on the substantial expense this represented, Mark thanked Stanley for his services and informed him that he planned to purchase his own lawn mower and take over the job himself. Mark also told Stanley that if he were stuck in the future, he would call Stanley to help him out. Shortly thereafter Mark and Jean took a two-week vacation and on arriving home discovered that Stanley had mowed their lawn in their absence. There was an invoice stuck to their door stating $200 for mowing services and $100 for weed spraying. When questioned about the bill Stanley explained that he understood Mark wanted him to mow the lawn if he were unable to.
What legal issues does this situation raise and what arguments would be used by the parties involved?
Legal Issues
Legal issues refer to matters that are decided by or pertain to the law, including disputes, regulations, and compliance requirements.
Lawn Mower
A machine utilizing one or more revolving blades to cut grass to an even length, commonly used in garden and landscape maintenance.
Substantial Expense
A significant outlay of money, often categorized as higher than usual costs, that can impact financial positions or budgets.
- Ascertain the situations where promises evolve into legally obligatory agreements.
- Understand the judicial protections available to combat transactions deemed unconscionable and considerations found to be lacking.
Verified Answer
KC
Kassu ChathuJul 31, 2024
Final Answer :
This case explores the principles of consideration and quantum meruit. Students should point out that the act of lawn mowing while the residents were on vacation was a gratuitous act although the argument may be raised by Stanley that a prior agreement existed to provide the services. This argument would be based on the notion that a unilateral agreement existed that Stanley interpreted as an invitation to perform his services when Mark was unable to, in return for payment on a quantum meruit basis. The appropriate amount to be assessed as reasonable would be $200, the amount previously paid by Mark for the same service. The facts here do not adequately support this notion. Furthermore, it is clear that the weed spraying service was entirely gratuitous, and Mark need not make any payment for this. Students should outline the principles of these issues in discussing the arguments of the parties.
Learning Objectives
- Ascertain the situations where promises evolve into legally obligatory agreements.
- Understand the judicial protections available to combat transactions deemed unconscionable and considerations found to be lacking.