Formation of a Valid Contract Elements Requirements and Comparative Perspectives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59022/ijlp.543Keywords:
Contract Formation, Offer And Acceptance, Consideration, Cause Of Contract, Comparative Contract Law, Smart Contracts, Digital AcceptanceAbstract
Valid contract formation requires offer, acceptance, and either consideration or genuine cause. This research compares formation requirements across common law and civil law systems. Common law jurisdictions require measurable consideration, while civil law relies on cause. Formation timing also differs, with postal rule and receipt rule producing different outcomes. Digital communication complicates traditional distinctions between instantaneous and non-instantaneous acceptance methods. Smart contracts and artificial intelligence further challenge conventional offer and acceptance doctrine. This research applies qualitative, doctrinal analysis of statutes and scholarly literature. Findings reveal convergence alongside meaningful divergence between the two legal traditions. Both systems share the goal of protecting genuine, serious contractual intention. Emerging technologies expose gaps existing formation doctrine cannot yet fully address. These findings offer guidance for businesses, lawyers, and policymakers worldwide. This research contributes a comparative framework addressing traditional and modern formation challenges. Contract formation law must continue evolving to address digital and automated commerce.
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