Agreement by Conduct in Australia: Understanding the Basics
Agreement by conduct is a legal concept that refers to an agreement made between parties without a formal written or verbal agreement. This type of agreement is also known as an implied agreement, as it is established through the actions and behaviors of the parties involved. In Australia, agreement by conduct is recognized as a legally binding contract, provided that certain conditions are met.
To better understand agreement by conduct in Australia, let us first explore the key elements that comprise this type of agreement:
Mutual Intention: To establish an agreement by conduct, both parties must demonstrate a mutual intention to enter into a contract. This intention can be inferred from their actions, such as the exchange of goods or services, or any other behavior that suggests the parties are entering into a binding agreement.
Offer and Acceptance: The next key element is the offer and acceptance. In agreement by conduct, the offer is usually made through the actions or behavior of one party, and the acceptance is demonstrated by the actions of the other party. For example, if a customer walks into a store and picks up a product, the offer is made by the store, and the acceptance is demonstrated by the customer`s actions of picking up the product and proceeding to the checkout.
Consideration: Consideration refers to the exchange of something of value between the parties involved. In agreement by conduct, consideration can be established through the exchange of goods, services, money, or any other valuable asset. This element is crucial to ensure that both parties receive something of value in return for their obligations under the agreement.
Certainty: Finally, agreement by conduct must also demonstrate certainty in terms of the terms and conditions of the contract. The terms of the agreement must be clear and specific, so that both parties understand their obligations and responsibilities under the contract.
Once all of these key elements are present, agreement by conduct can be established as a legally binding contract in Australia. However, it is important to note that certain implied terms may also be present in the contract, depending on the specific circumstances of the agreement. For example, if an agreement is made between a consumer and a business, certain consumer protection laws may also apply, even if they are not explicitly stated in the contract.
In conclusion, agreement by conduct is a legitimate method of forming a legal contract in Australia, provided that all of the key elements are present. As a professional, it is important to understand this concept and its implications for businesses and consumers alike. By understanding the basics of agreement by conduct, you can help ensure that your clients are able to establish legally binding contracts that are fair and equitable for all parties involved.