Book Opener

Ratification of Minors’ ContractsAfter reaching the age of majority, a person can ratify , or approve,contracts made during minority (see Figure 7.3). Ratification ends theprivileges that a person had while still a legal “child.” Ratification canonly be done upon reaching majority, and it may be accomplished orally,in writing, or by one’s actions. Ratification need not consist of a formalprocess in which one writes a letter or takes deliberate action to renewa contract. In fact, a number of actions or behaviors constitute ratificationof a contract made in minority. Using or selling items obtained bycontract after reaching the age of majority has the effect of ratifying thecontract. Making an installment payment on an item or keeping an itemfor a reasonable period of time after reaching majority is also consideredratification.Example 2. Colleen Gregory bought a car when she was 17 yearsold. She made a down payment and promised to pay the balancein installments over the next two years. After she reached 18, shecontinued to make her installment payments. Gregory’s act ofmaking payments after reaching majority was a ratification. Shecould no longer return the car and demand the return of hermoney. Even if she had made no payments, she would be boundto the contract if she had kept the car for a reasonable time afterreaching the age of majority.H1-B Worker StatusTechnology companies face a thinning pool of qualified workers fromwhich to hire. These companies are looking overseas for skilled programmers.At the same time, they are lobbying the government to loosen currentrestrictions on H1-B visas. H1-B is a category under the U.S. Immigration andNaturalization Act. It allows foreign nationals to enter the United States andwork for a limited time. The work the foreign nationals do must fall within aspecialized field. Programmers and other technicians in the computer fieldcan enter the United States under this law. Technology workers who do nothave H1-B visas lack the legal capacity to contract with employers to work inthe United States. (Source: Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services)Connect Search the Internet to find out more about H1-B restrictions.154 Unit 2: Entering Into Contracts