Case Study #1 John, who is in the electronics business, sold a car stereo system on credit to Miles, a 17 year old. The equipment cost $1,500 and Miles made an initial payment of $500 and agreed to pay the balance in 10 monthly instalments of $100 each. LONG Question and Answer: a.) Which of these parties must honour the contract? b.) Why can the other party get out of the contract? c.) What is the effect if the party who can end the contract, chooses to do so?

Case Study#2

Jamal bought a bakery business located in a strip mall in the west end of the city. The previous owner owed the landlord $4,500.00 in overdue rent. Jamal, the landlord, and the seller of the business agreed that Jamal was not responsible for the arrears of rent owed by the previous owner. The landlord was unwilling to enter into a lease longer than 18 months in case Jamal was not successful in turning the business around. Jamal's efforts over the 18 months paid off and the bakery became extremely successful. When it came time to renew the lease, the landlord offered a three-year term but would sign only if Jamal agreed to be responsible for the previous tenant's rent arrears. There were no appropriate rental properties available in the west end, which would require Jamal to relocate his bakery to the other side of the city where his bakery was not known. With one week to go until the current lease expired, Jamal, under protest, signed the lease agreeing to be responsible for the previous tenant's arrears of $4,500.00. When the landlord demanded payment of the arrears, Jamal refused to pay, telling him to look somewhere else for his dough. LONG Question and Answer: a.) On what grounds could the landlord bring a legal action against Jamal for the $4,500.00 arrears owed by the previous tenant? b.) Briefly explain whether Jamal has a defense if sued by the landlord for the outstanding arrears of $4,500.00? c.) In your opinion, if Jamal is paying the monthly rental fee but does not pay the arrears should the landlord be able to terminate the lease?

Case Study #3

Siegi was angry. This was the second year in a row that she had missed her son's school play because her employer suddenly had a rush order and the employees were expected to drop all personal plans and work "whatever hours" required to get the order prepared to be shippedand "whatever hours" often required 18 hours or more for two or three days straight. As well, there was no overtime paid, no vacation days in lieu of time worked, no bonus, and the employees were expected to cover their normal shifts as well. This happened several times during the year and the employer's explanation was always that it was not possible to predict when large orders might come in and if the employees don't want to work the time, they don't have to"someone else would be happy to have the opportunity to take your place." These thinly veiled threats didn't sit well with Siegi either. She had seen the movie Norma Rae! She may not be Sally Field, but she knew what had to be done. Siegi wants to create a union at her place of employment to deal with the awful working conditions and the blatant unfairness. (Did we mention her employer has two Porsche sports cars? One for summer and one for winter driving so the tires don't need to be changed.) She has come to you because her neighbour said you have taken a business course and know about employment matters. Advise Siegi on the requirements, processes, and timelines in your province for creating a union to represent the employees of a business. LONG Question and Answer: How are Union Formed, please discuss in Detail.

Case Study #4 Adele, head of human resources at Techstellung, was becoming concerned about Roza's work ethic. Roza had been with the company for five years and had been a competent if not stellar employee. However, following a bicycle accident several months ago, Roza's attitude toward her manager and her work had changed. For the past four months Roza seemed to take short breaks often and no-one knew where she went. When she returned, there was a peculiar odour that came from her breath and on her clothes. Roza's co-workers were complaining that she was not doing her share of the work anymore and they were having to cover for her. Roza's supervisor recognized the mystery odour as marijuana and tried to speak with her about her behaviour. Roza told him to "take a flying leap off a tall building" followed by some muttered words making rude suggestions. As a result of the supervisor's report on Roza's use of marijuana during work hours and her attempted conversation with Roza, Adele decided it was time to cut Roza loose and terminate her employment. Adele called Roza into her office and gave her the news that she was terminated immediately because of her conduct, her use of drugs during work hours, and her display of lack of respect to her manager. Further, there would be no termination pay. Roza became very upset and angry and claimed she was being unjustly treated due to her medical condition. Roza said her doctor had prescribed the use of marijuana to deal with intestinal problems that arose following her bicycle accident and now she was being fired for following her doctor's orders.

LONG Question and Answer: a.) Outline the issues raised by this fact situation for both Techstellung and for Roza. b.) Advise Adele as to the proper process to be followed in this case. c.) Would your advice to Adele change if Roza were not using marijuana under a doctor's prescription? If so, explain what changes you would make in your advice to Adele.