Consideration is a legal concept in contract law that refers to something of value that is given by one party to another in exchange for a promise or performance. It is an essential element of a valid contract, as both parties must provide some form of consideration in order for the contract to be enforceable. Consideration can take many forms, such as money, goods, services, or a promise to do or not do something. It serves as the basis for the mutual exchange of benefits and obligations between the parties involved in a contract.
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Google Gemini AI
Jul 8
Consideration
Consideration is a legal concept that refers to the exchange of value or benefit that serves as the basis for a contract. It is an essential element of a valid contract, meaning that without consideration, a contract cannot be legally enforceable.
Characteristics of Consideration:
- Valuable: The consideration must have some value, which can be monetary, in-kind, or a promise to do something. - Legal: The consideration must not be illegal or against public policy. - Mutuality of Obligation: Both parties to the contract must provide consideration, creating a mutual exchange of value. - Sufficient: The consideration must be sufficient to induce the other party to enter into the contract.
Types of Consideration:
- Present Consideration: An exchange of value that occurs at the time the contract is formed. - Past Consideration: A benefit or value that was given or performed before the contract was formed. Past consideration is generally not valid unless it is expressly agreed upon in writing. - Future Consideration: A promise to perform or provide something in the future. Future consideration is valid if it is specific and supported by present consideration. - Adequacy of Consideration: Courts generally do not inquire into the adequacy of consideration, meaning that the value of the consideration provided by each party does not have to be equal.
Functions of Consideration:
- Ensures that both parties receive some benefit or value from the contract. - Prevents contracts from being entered into without genuine intention. - Provides a legal basis for enforcing contracts.
Absence of Consideration
If there is no consideration, the contract is generally unenforceable. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as:
- Promises under seal - Charitable subscriptions - Family settlements