The substance of this book is derived from lectures presented to working paralegals as the fourth in a series of “foundation courses” intended to supplement their prior education and experience and to enhance their ability to more competently deal with tasks usually handled by lawyers. The course focuses on the many meanings of “consideration” and, through the use of case law, attempts to show the conceptual and societal underpinnings of contract formation and the legal basis for recognition and enforcement of promises.

            The perspective departs from the normal contracts course in that, first - The element of consideration is taken up in historical detail. Second - The use of consideration as the integrating factor leads to a critical analysis intended to show that some black letter law is of dubious origin, and that rules are often malleable when they meet the vagaries of diverse fact patterns. Third -  Some suggestions of  “what it means” are advanced that expand upon what is traditionally found in textbooks.