Question

Laura resolved to pull a prank on Billy. She revealed to her friends that she would pretend to offer Billy $300 for his old laptop computer. She knew that Billy needed money and that his computer had a market value of just $50. When Laura offered Billy $300 for his computer, she explained her interest by saying, "I think there's a collector's item underneath all those dents and scuffs" Billy blushed but immediately replied, "I accept your offer and will deliver the computer to you tomorrow." Laura said, "Ta ta till then!" and walked away. When Billy presented Laura with the computer the next day, Laura and her assembled friends burst into laughter. "You doofus!" Laura tittered, "Nobody wants your junky laptop! I was just pulling a prank--and you fell for it." Billy stormed off. Based on these facts, did a contract exist? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Based on the facts a legal contract did exist. Billy was made to "reasonably believe" that Laura was offering a legitimate offer which he accepted. An individual can not claim a contract was a "prank" when the words and conduct of the individual reasonably demonstrated a valid offer. I would read Lucy v. Zehmer which is quite similar to this case.