Question

Quinn contracts to provide ten tons of scrap steel at $500 per ton to Rendered Materials, Inc. An unforeseen shortage of scrap steel suddenly develops, making it impossible for Quinn to fulfill the contract for less than $5,000 per ton. Quinn's best defense against performing the contract would be thata. ​procuring the steel would force Quinn into bankruptcy.b. ​the law has rendered performance of the contract illegal.c. ​performance of the contract is commercially impracticable.d. ​the specific subject matter of the contract has been destroyed.

Answer 1

Answer:

C) ​performance of the contract is commercially impracticable.

Explanation:

Contract law contemplates certain situations where performing the contract is either difficult or impossible and therefore the party is not liable for breaching the contract.

Commercial impracticability applies to contracts where the performance of at least one party is impracticable and cannot be accomplished.

In this case, Quinn cannot perform his duty since the price of scrap steel increased beyond any reasonable price contemplated in the contract. Since Quinn is not responsible for setting the price of scrap steel, he is not liable for breaching the contract.