
American Law Cafe
American Law Cafe: Exploring the Foundations of Law
Welcome to the American Law Cafe, your go-to podcast for breaking down the basics of fundamental law courses. Whether you're a current law student preparing for exams or a legal enthusiast eager to dive into the world of law concepts from contracts to criminal procedure and torts, this podcast simplifies complex legal principles into clear, engaging discussions. Join us each week as we unpack landmark cases, key doctrines, and real-world applications, making the law accessible and interesting for everyone passionate about justice and the rule of law.
Disclaimer: This podcast features originally owned content created by a human, generated with the assistance of AI tools, and carefully reviewed and edited by a human to ensure accuracy and quality. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice or assistance finding a lawyer, the Tennessee State Bar Association offers free lawyer referrals. You can find more information here: https://www.tba.org/?pg=find-an-attorney.
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American Law Cafe
Contract Damages Recap 101: The Price of a Broken Promise
🎧 Episode Summary:
Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive deep into the remedies available when a contract goes sideways. This essential 1L review breaks down the major types of contract damages and explains not only what they are—but why courts use them.
We begin by unpacking the “Big Three”: expectation, reliance, and restitution damages, using the unforgettable case of Sullivan v. O’Connor to show how each measure works in practice. Then, we turn to consequential damages, where Hadley v. Baxendale still reigns as the guiding star for foreseeability in breach-of-contract claims.
We’ll explore liquidated damages, when they’re enforceable, and when they cross the line into unenforceable penalties—as in the Sprint early termination fee case. You’ll also hear how nominal, emotional, and punitive damages function at the edges of contract law, and why courts rarely award anything that smells like punishment in a breach-of-contract case.
From disfigured noses to delayed crankshafts, this episode covers the full spectrum of contract damages—complete with case law, Restatement rules, and practical takeaways to help you tackle hypos with confidence.
Whether you're prepping for your Contracts final or brushing up on remedies, this episode is your go-to crash course. Thanks for joining us at the American Law Cafe.
🎶 Intro Music: "In Jazz Short" by moodmode / Vlad Krotov
📚 Content Created by Heather Mora
🎙️ Hosted on Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429305
Introductory Music for American Law Cafe. In Jazz Short by moodmode / Vlad Krotov.
🎶 Intro Music: "In Jazz Short" by moodmode / Vlad Krotov
📚 Content Created by Heather Mora
🎙️ Hosted on Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429305