|
2#
楼主 |
发表于 8.9.2008 18:55:40
|
只看该作者
原味的如下
Burns and Co (through its Managing Director Lisa) enters into negotiations to lease premises
from Moe. The premises have not yet been built, and Moe needs some indication from the
market as to the likely occupancy before he constructs the building. During discussions, Lisa
assures Moe that Burns and Co definitely will lease the space but the final details can be
worked out later. Moe commences construction on this basis – he cannot wait any longer
because he has other contracts in place for future work. Moe then engages King Kong
Constructions to commence construction.
Three months later, there is a change of management at Burns and Co. The new Managing
Director Bart tells Moe that the company does not wish to lease premises from them, and
have made other arrangements. Representatives of Moe’s are annoyed because they have put
substantial time and effort in preparing for and attending many meetings between the
companies. They have already engaged King Kong to do the work. Moe decides to continue
with the project anyway, hoping that others will lease the space.
The contract between King Kong and Moe was drawn up quickly, without adequate attention
to detail. It was based on contracts Moe had used previously. It contains the following
features:
a. requires King Kong to inspect the site and conduct due diligence on the site
b. does not allow variations to the contract based on unexpected site conditions, such as
rock
c. makes no allowance for delays caused by wet weather
d. does not state which law will be applied to resolve any disputes in the contract
During construction, King Kong encounters bad weather, and claims extra expenses owing to
the delays and inconvenience caused to them. Moe refuses to pay this, claiming the contract
does not provide for it. They also discover rock and concrete beneath the surface of the
construction site. This will require extra work to remove, something they had not factored
into their price. They claim they were unaware they couldn’t claim a variation to the
contract for this. Again, Moe refuses to pay them anything extra, claiming he did not know
the rock and concrete was there.
1. Discuss Moe’s legal position against (a) Burns and Co (b) Lisa and Bart (personally);
and (c) King Kong Constructions. You should apply the law of each of the three
jurisdictions studied in each case. In other words, apply the law of Australia, the law of
China and the law of Germany to each dispute mentioned.
2. If this happened in reality, which law would govern the situation? Explain your
response. |
|