Smith v. Boyd
Supreme Court of Rhode Island
553 A.2d 131 (1989)
Relevant factsFree
After detailed negotiations over their home purchase, the Smiths (plaintiffs) had broker Carter fill in a standard purchase agreement reflecting terms discussed with the Boyds (defendants), who had always previously used written purchase offers with the same broker in prior sales; the same day, the Durigans (defendant-interveners) made a written offer that the Boyds accepted instead, prompting the Smiths' suit for specific performance, which the trial court granted.
IssueFree
Whether the party seeking enforceability of an oral contract has the burden of demonstrating the opposing party's objective intent to be bound by the agreement when both parties understand that the contract will be in writing.