Wally Wants to Sell His Used Computer to Susan for $400

question 24

Essay

Wally wants to sell his used computer to Susan for $400. Susan says that she will think about it. Wally tells Susan on Monday that if she wants the computer, she must call him on his cell phone by 6 p.m., the next day. That next morning Susan decides she does want the computer, but she has misplaced Wally's cell phone number. She finds his address in an old campus directory. Therefore, she drops a note to him through U.S. mail telling him that she wants the computer. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, before he gets Susan's acceptance, Wally sells the computer to Alice. When Wally calls Susan to tell her the bad news, Susan tells Wally that she accepted the contract and that under the Mailbox Rule, he is liable to her for damages computed by the difference between $400 and the amount it costs her to obtain a similar computer. Who will win in the dispute between Wally and Susan and why?

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Definitions:

Ego

In psychoanalytic theory, the part of the personality responsible for dealing with reality, balancing the demands of the id and superego.

Impulsive

Acting without forethought or consideration of the consequences, typically driven by immediate desires or emotions.

Illogical

Lacking sense or clear, sound reasoning.

Emotional

Pertaining to feelings or affective states, often influencing behavior, thought processes, and physical states.