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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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16:11
but like I can't even motivate myself to study anymore. I'm so worn out between finishing the school year and you know, life lol
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
16:13
yeah it sounds like overall life burn out
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you might have to start deprioritizing things that aren’t absolutely critical because it sounds like you’re spread too thin
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
16:15
do you have time to spend a week eating junk food and watching reality TV sometime in the near future?
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
16:15
or maybe like 3 days at least
how do you feel about where youre at w PT
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Yeah I should this weekend - I can binge watch Bridgerton and then take a practice test on Sunday
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
16:19
that sounds solid
16:19
PTs have been pretty good - scoring consistently 169-172
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if it’s possible to get pulled of WL that score should be fine
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I hope so. Fingers crossed!!
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16:20
apple sauce
amlaw
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i'm so tired of waitlists
amlaw
16:53
my lsat is way above median
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trees1234567
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Harvard II reported on LSA
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trees1234567
17:01
also CLS WL II on LSA
If you did not get an HLS feeler is it over for you?
I don't think they're necessarily done
i have no idea and havent been following the hls wl, but i would be surprised if they were done at this point in the WL season
Inshallah
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18:53
inshallah!!!
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