Charlie looks after Brad's motorcycle shop for a weekend, and, on Brad's return, Brad promised to give Charlie $200 for his kind act. In this case, Charlie's act of looking after Brad's shop was gratuitous and past consideration for Brad's later promise of payment. If Brad fails to pay the $200, no contract exists for Charlie to enforce because no consideration can be shown except the past gratuitous act.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In contract law, consideration must be present for a contract to be enforceable, and past consideration (an act done before the promise was made) is generally not considered valid consideration. Since Charlie's act was completed before Brad promised payment, it is considered past consideration, which does not create a contractual obligation.

Charlie Looks After Brad's Motorcycle Shop for a Weekend, And