Tom Jones owns and operates Jones Goodtime Emporium, an adult entertainment establishment. Jones wants to create an adult Internet system for the Emporium that offers customers adult theme videos and “live” chat room programs using performers at the club. On May 10, Jones signed a work order authorizing Smith Consulting Group “to deliver a working prototype of a customer chat system, demonstrating the integration of live view, and the chatting in a Web browser.” In exchange for creating the prototype, Jones agreed to pay Smith $64,697.
On May 20, Jones signed an additional work order for $12,934 for Smith to install a customized firewall system. The work orders stated that Jones makes monthly installment payments to Smith, and both parties expected the work to finish by September.
Problem:
Due to unforeseen problems, largely attributable to system configuration and software incompatibility, the project required more time than anticipated. By the end of the summer, the Web site was still not ready, and Jones had fallen behind in the payments to Smith. Smith was threatening to cease work and file suit for breach of contract unless the bill was paid. Rather than make further payments, Jones wanted to abandon the Web site project.
What You Are To Accomplish:
Using the information that you have learned from your readings, please answer the questions below. Do NOT just write a one sentence answer, rather be specific and complete with your answers.
Also, do not write an essay where you have merged all of the answers together making it difficult for the reader to find and then interpret your answers. That is, do not make the Instructor search through and interpret your narrative answers, as an essay, to see if it fits the questions listed in a random order. Just list the questions and provide an answer below each question. Provide an analysis of your statements as to reasons why and describe why you recommend this course of action. Support your conclusions by facts you have researched. Please use appropriate grammar in your discussion and cite any references.
Here are the questions for the Supplemental Case:
- Is the court likely to decide that the transaction between Jones and Smith is covered by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)? Please explain why or why not?
- Would a court be likely to consider Jones a merchant under the UCC? Please explain why or why not?
- Did the parties have a valid contract under the UCC? Explain.
4) Suppose that Jones and Smith meet in October in an attempt to resolve the problem. At that time, the parties reach an oral agreement that Smith continues to work without demanding full payment of the past-due amounts resulting in Jones paying Smith $5,000 per week. In this case, assume that the contract comes under the UCC. If this is true, is the oral agreement enforceable? Please explain why or why not?
