Lucy v. Zehmer

1. Why does the court require objective intention to contract? The contrasting term to objective is subjective, meaning "peculiar to a particular individual." Why isn't subjective intent preferable; after all, if you want to know what someone means, can't you ask them?

2. Can you identify three separate contentions Zehmer makes to defend against Lucy's action? Why were they unsuccessful? Do you agree with the court's ruling?

3. Lucy testified that there had been an oral agreement to buy the farm for $20,000 "seven or eight years ago." Why do you suppose Lucy had not sued to enforce that agreement?