Lucy v. Zehmer Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia,1954. 196 Va. 493, 84 S.E.2d 516.

Facts: A.H Zehmer is denying the validity of a contract that he and his wife Ida both signed. The contract stated that the Zehmers would sell their Furguson Farm to Lucy for $50,000 complete. After some time Lucy sued Zehmer so he could go through with the sale. Zehmer argued the contract by saying he was drunk and the offer had been made in jest and hence was unenforceable. The trial court agreed with Zehmer, and Lucy appealed. Issues: Even if Zehmer was as high as a Georgia Pine, does this make his creation and signing of the contract invalid? Does the mere fact that alcohol was present make this contract invalid? Lucy and Zehmer discussed this deal for over forty minutes before it was signed. Lucy objected to the first contract because Zehmers wifes signature wasnt present. Zehmer then redrafted another contract and signed with his wife, is this enough evidence to prove Zehmers intentions were in good faith? Decision: If in fact Zehmer was as high as he claims he wouldnt be capable of creating such a contract. The presence of alcohol doesnt

make the contract invalid because both parties showed serious intent with the forty-minute discussion alone. Zehmer does display serious intention with good faith by his actions. Reason: The Supreme Court of Virginia reversed the trial courts decision and determined the contract was enforceable. This is because the first requirement of an offer was met by Zehmers actions. He clearly showed serious intent. The Zehmers were required by court order to follow through with the sale of the farm to the Lacys.