Name the kinds of contracts courts often hold to be illegal because they violate public
policy.
Answer:
An underground water main burst in Manhattan and flooded the building where the
Acme electric company has an electricity supply substation. A fire resulted and
disrupted electric power for four days. This occurred during the biannual “Buyers
Week” when merchandisers from around the world were in town to visit fashion
showrooms and place orders for future seasons. Some 200 merchandisers brought suit
against Acme. Some of the businesses had no direct contractual relationship with Acme.
They argued that their lease agreements with their landlords, who were the direct
contracting entities with Acme, obligated them to pay a share of the electricity expenses
and therefore they could sue under the contracts between the landlords and Acme. Are
they correct?
Answer: