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DeepDive for Lucy v. Zehmer

196 Va. 493, 84 S.E.2d 516 (1954)

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Lucy v. Zehmer | Case Brief DeepDive
Majority opinion, author: Buchanan, J.
Level 1
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This case involves a dispute over the sale of a farm between W. O. Lucy and J. C. Lucy (complainants) and A. H. Zehmer and Ida S. Zehmer (defendants). The complainants seek specific performance of a contract for the sale of the Ferguson farm for $50,000, which was written and signed by the defendants. The defendants claim that the contract was not serious and was made in jest, but the complainants argue that it was a valid agreement. The authenticity of Zehmer's signature and the seriousness of the agreement are in question, as Zehmer had consumed a significant amount of alcohol on the night in question. Witnesses have conflicting testimonies, and clear evidence is needed to support the defendants' defense. The lower court dismissed the complainants' bill, and the appeal is based on this action.

Zehmer's alleged intoxication does not invalidate the contract, as his detailed testimony and other evidence contradict his claim. The appearance of the contract, the lengthy discussion before signing, and the fact that Mrs. Zehmer also signed it suggest that the transaction was serious. Lucy's actions, such as financing the purchase and hiring an attorney to examine the title, support his belief that the contract was binding. The law looks to a person's outward expression of intention rather than their secret intentions. The contract is binding regardless of whether it resulted from a serious offer and acceptance or a serious offer and acceptance in secret jest. The defendants' argument against enforcing the contract is not supported by any usual grounds for opposing specific performance, and the purchase price was deemed fair. The case is being sent back to the lower court to require the defendants to fulfill their contractual obligations as requested by the plaintiffs.

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20:08
I haven’t mentioned anything about tuition or scholarships. I’ll be honest a lack of scholarship won’t in any way dissuade me but I was advised by a friend who is a lawyer not to say anything because maybe I’ll get lucky and get a little something. In my next LOCI, towards the end of this month if I don’t get any update before then, would you recommend I tell them that explicitly?
20:10
Also since you’re a current student who kinda went through the same thing I am… do you think another LoR would strengthen my app at this point or would Dean Andy and the committee not care (or worse would it backfire)
20:10
i'm only a fake lawyer, but that is what I did, and then I was still able to apply for aid and I got it.
20:11
I sent one LOCI with the WL, but then after some pondering I did a "will go right away regardless of aid" to GULC, UVA, and Mich. GULC responded in like maybe a week
20:11
I’ll say it in my next one. My next LOCI was just gonna be “I’m still interested and have another LoR from a supervisor at my job” so saying that I will attend regardless of aid and I’m willing to wait through August probably be slightly stronger
20:12
obviously every year and person is different, but I wasn't on the top waitlist either
20:12
I sent a soft LOCI in the form of an email with my initial WL, and then an official one when I got the feeler email last week. But because of that email I rushed editing it down and now feel like I left out important details like the point regarding aid etc
20:13
once you do the aid thing, there's really nothing more they can get from you, but I do think knowing they don't even have to pay you is big
20:13
you're all good, if you just say what you said you would, and say "after consideration, i'd go for no dollars" I think that'd be good
20:14
show youre thinking about it and would drop everything. maybe wouldn't even say you can wait, put the onus on them to risk losing your money too lol
20:14
… do you think it is worth emailing them over or would that be a bad look considering I JUST submitted a LOCI
20:14
Like I sent my LOCI on the 23rd
20:15
I just know everyone says to not be overbearing and kinda annoying and don’t want to come across too desperate. Idk where the balance is so, just as an aside I appreciate your insight btw ty
20:18
hey no prob this process was so awful I like to help. I heard the same advice but i'm not sure if overbearing would count 3 total emails. Because once you send this one, there's really nothing left to say other than like once a month "hey still want to." Overbearing is probably more constant emails and calls. If I remember correctly, their deposit deadline hasn't passed yet? I waited until the day after their deadline (could prob do day of) just to be right on top of mind when they know some people aren't going now and I can just take their spot
20:23
I think tomorrow (or technically tonight at like midnight so it’s top of the inbox) what I’ll do is email them saying, “hey, I know the initial deposit deadline was yesterday and I am sure your office is busy preparing to review waitlisted applicants so I apologize for not saying this in my prior correspondence. In my previous letter I was so excited to talk about all the things I look forward to potentially taking part in that I wanted to make sure my position is fully clarified. Regardless of aid, I would withdraw from all other institutions and agree to a binding deposit should I be fortunate enough to receive an offer of admission. Thanks” basically? Sorry I just kinda need reassurance it’s been keeping me up at night haha
20:27
Cuz in my LOCI last week all I really said regarding that was "Should I receive an offer of admission from your esteemed institution, I would without question accept immediately." I spent most of my LOCI discussing what I was excited about and a substantial work update
which school is this
20:28
GULC
cool just curious
best of luck!
20:30
Thank you manifest I appreciate the support
20:30
hey you're all good last year my brain basically broke. I would skip the acknowledgment of the deadline and apologies. i'd basically just start at "Regardless of aid..." you can say more if you want, but really that's what they're looking for. They just lost people to other schools and are looking to fill those spots
20:31
you know what i'll see if i can find what my email said lol
trees1234567
20:31
you could probably leave the sentence before regardless of aid as your starting sentence
trees1234567
20:32
but would agree with William that the rest is fluff they don't really care for
20:32
And, and I'm sorry to be beating a dead horse, does anyone think it's "too soon" to be following up?
trees1234567
20:32
better to be clear and direct than leave them guessing
20:32
"I'd like to start by thanking you again for both the interview and spot on the waitlist. After some consideration I have decided that Georgetown is my top pick and I would commit to attending if admitted regardless of possible scholarship. In particular, no other school I am interested in has what Georgetown has with Curriculum B. I like history and I minored in philosophy, plus I feel that context is an important and often lacking aspect of legal education, so this curriculum sounds fantastic. GULC is also unique in class size, and I believe that more students means a higher chance of high quality connections than any other school. Add in the numerous clinics and programs I mentioned in my "Interest in Georgetown" essay, and there is truly nowhere I would rather be. Thank you for your consideration."
trees1234567
20:33
In the above letter I was so excited to talk about all the things I look forward to potentially taking part in that I wanted to make sure my position is fully clarified. Regardless of aid, I would withdraw from all other institutions and agree to a binding deposit should I be fortunate enough to receive an offer of admission.
20:33
that was the whole thing, and was my second LOCI, a third LOCI a week later really will be ok
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