The Law To Know

Free living map

How a Contract Is Formed: A Living Map

This map shows how the main ideas of contract formation fit together in the common-law approach. An offer can be accepted, answered with new terms (a counter-offer that ends the original offer) or end by revocation, rejection or lapse. A matching acceptance creates agreement. For the law to enforce the agreement it generally needs consideration, parties with capacity, a lawful purpose and, for some kinds of contract, a signed writing. Press Play to watch the map build, click an idea for its definition and the usual trap, or trace one of three short cases. It is a simplified teaching map; contract law differs between countries.

is accepted bymet with new termsrevoked, lapses or rejectedrejects the first offercreatessupportsmust be presentif the law requires it

Hover over an idea to light up what it connects to, click it for its definition, minimum requirements, an example and the usual trap, press Play to watch the map build step by step, or trace a short case through it.

Simplified teaching map, in general terms. Check the law where you work. On a small screen, scroll the map sideways.

Learn it properly

The full lecture, exercises and quiz behind this map are in Contract Law: Contract Formation, and that module is free to read.

More living maps