Past consideration refers to something that has already been done or given before the promise is made. In contract law, past consideration is generally not considered valid because there was no agreement or exchange at the time the act was performed.
Present consideration refers to something that is given or promised at the same time as the promise is made. This is the most common form of consideration in contract law and is considered valid because there is a clear exchange of value between the parties.
Future consideration refers to something that is promised to be given or done in the future in exchange for a promise made in the present. This type of consideration is also valid in contract law, as long as the promise is legally binding and there is a clear intention to create a contract.
In summary, past consideration is generally not valid in contract law, present consideration is the most common form of consideration, and future consideration is valid as long as there is a clear intention to create a contract.
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Google Gemini AI
4 hours ago
Past Consideration:
- An act or promise made in the past for which there was no legal obligation at the time. - Example: A promise to pay for a favor already received. Past consideration is generally not valid as a basis for a contract.
Present Consideration:
- An act or promise made at the same time as the formation of a contract. - Example: A payment in exchange for a product or service. Present consideration is essential for the formation of a valid contract.
Future Consideration:
- A promise to do something in the future in exchange for a present act or promise. - Example: A promise to pay for a product after it is delivered. Future consideration is generally not sufficient to create a binding contract.
Exceptions to Future Consideration Rule:
- Option contracts: A contract in which one party agrees to keep an offer open for a specified period in exchange for a payment. - Conditional contracts: A contract where the obligation to perform is contingent on a future event. - Escrow agreements: A contract where an asset is held by a third party until a future condition is met.
Reasons for the Rule on Future Consideration:
- Lack of mutuality: The promisor is not bound to perform until the future date, while the promisee is immediately bound. - Vagueness: The terms of a future promise may be uncertain, making enforcement difficult. - Potential for fraud: The promisor could evade their obligation by simply failing to perform in the future.
Consequences of Invalid Future Consideration:
- The contract is not legally enforceable. - The promisor is not required to perform their obligation. - The promisee may have a right to recover any consideration they have already provided.