Certain individuals lack the legal capacity to form binding agreements. These include minors (those under the legal age of majority), individuals deemed mentally incompetent by a court, and those significantly intoxicated at the time of agreement formation. For example, a contract signed by a 16-year-old for a high-value purchase could be voidable. This protection prevents exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
The principle of contractual capacity safeguards fundamental fairness within legal systems. It recognizes that genuine agreement requires understanding and volition, which certain individuals may lack due to age, mental state, or incapacitation. Historically, these protections evolved to address power imbalances and prevent unscrupulous actors from taking advantage of others. This principle underscores the ethical considerations inherent in contract law.
