A surety could avoid liability for a principal’s default by using the principal’s
bankruptcy as a defense.
Answer:
Ralph and Ann engaged Sue, a realtor, to sell their variety store. Sue represented to
buyer Mike that “this was a typical general store,” selling gas, oil, hardware, beer, and
groceries. She reported that the store had an annual gross income of over $1 million.
Sue failed to inform Mike that one-third of the store’s profit was attributable to an
accompanying lawn and garden equipment distributorship that Ralph and Ann were not
including in the sale. When Mike visited the business, Sue directed him away from the
garage area where the lawn and garden equipment was stored. Throughout all of these
negotiations, Ralph and Ann were unaware of Sue’s misrepresentations. After
purchasing the store, Mike learned of the importance of the equipment sales from Ralph
and Ann. Are Ralph and Ann liable for Sue’s misrepresentation? If yes, what can they
do to avoid liability?
Answer:
Capacity to contract is presumed and a party claiming incapacity bears the burden of