Communication of Acceptance in Contract Law

Communication of acceptance is a crucial element in the formation of a contract. It refers to the act of notifying the offeror that the offeree has agreed to the terms of the offer. In general, acceptance is complete when it is communicated to the offeror. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule, as explained below.

Acceptance is Complete Against A on 18th January 2008

In the given question, it is mentioned that the communication of acceptance is complete against A on 18th January 2008. This means that A is bound by the contract from that date onwards, and cannot revoke the offer. The reason for this is that A is the offeror, and the offer was accepted by the offeree (B) on 18th January 2008. Therefore, the acceptance is complete when it is communicated to A.

Acceptance is Complete Against B on 30th January 2008

The question also asks when the communication of acceptance is complete against B. The correct answer is 'B', which means that the acceptance is complete against B on 30th January 2008. This may seem confusing, as the acceptance was communicated to B on 18th January 2008. However, there is an exception to the rule that acceptance is complete when it is communicated to the offeror.

The exception is known as the 'postal rule' or 'mailbox rule'. According to this rule, acceptance is complete when it is posted, rather than when it is received by the offeror. This means that if the offeree sends an acceptance by post, it is effective as soon as it is posted, even if it is lost in transit or delayed. However, this rule only applies when it is reasonable to use the post as a means of communication.

In the given question, it is not mentioned how the acceptance was communicated to A and B. However, it can be assumed that it was communicated by post, as the question asks when the communication of acceptance is complete against B. Therefore, the acceptance is complete against B on 30th January 2008, which is the date when the acceptance would have been received by B in the ordinary course of post.

Conclusion

In conclusion, communication of acceptance is a crucial element in contract law. It is generally complete when it is communicated to the offeror, but there are exceptions to this rule, such as the postal rule. In the given question, the acceptance is complete against A on 18th January 2008 and against B on 30th January 2008, assuming that the acceptance was communicated by post.

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