In our day-to-day living, we make contracts all the time, whether or not we realise we are doing so. The simple act of buying a new book, purchasing a cup of coffee, or requesting an Uber ride each requires the formation of a contractual agreement. Whenever you buy something or agree to pay money for a service, you are making a contract, whether you sign a written agreement or not. This chapter provides an overview of how contracts are formed in Australia. A contract, generally speaking, is a legally enforceable agreement on a set of promises. The chapter begins by explaining the importance of entering into contractual relationships for individuals and businesses alike. Australia’s sources of contract law are identified. The chapter then examines each of the key elements required in order for a valid and binding contract to be formed. Next, it considers the equitable doctrine of promissory estoppel, which operates to protect parties in the event that one or more of the requisite elements of formation of a contract is missing. Finally, the chapter examines the impact of technology on the formation of contracts.

Nos. 18604, 18605.Argued April 9, 1965.Decided August 11, 1965.

J. SKELLY WRIGHT, Circuit Judge: J. HOUH, Circuit Judge.***

Appellants in these consolidated cases, Ms. Ora Lee Williams and Mr. and Mrs. William and Ruth Thorne, are residents of predominantly Black and lower-income neighborhoods in the District of Columbia’s northeast and northwest quadrants, respectively. Appellee Walker-Thomas Furniture Company operates retail furniture stores in neighborhoods like appellants’ throughout the District. Over the course of several years, appellants purchased several household items, large and small, from appellee in a series of transactions, the terms of which were set forth in the many written contracts signed by appellants. Each of these written contracts described the items purchased in each transaction and their value.

Enforceable promises occur when the promisor can no longer revise her promise because a promise is intended to, and has, changed the promisee's decisions.