contractul

Contractul, or the contract, is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties that creates rights and obligations enforceable by law. In civil law traditions, a contract arises from the mutual assent of the parties to a defined subject matter and purpose, and is governed by the substantive rules of contract law and the broader civil code.

Core elements include the parties' consent, the object (the thing or service the contract concerns), and the cause or reason for the obligation. Capacity to contract and a lawful object are also required; in many jurisdictions, certain contracts must be in a particular form.

Contracts can be bilateral (obligations on both sides) or unilateral (a promise with performance by one party). They can be onerous (each party gains and bears obligations) or gratuitous. Examples include sale, lease, loan, employment, and service contracts.

Performance is generally expected in good faith and within the agreed terms. If one party fails to perform, the contract may be breached, giving rise to remedies such as damages, specific performance, or cancellation. Some contracts include force majeure or frustration clauses that excuse performance under extraordinary events.

Validity depends on compliance with formal requirements, legality, and possibility. Some contracts must be in writing or registered; others may be oral. Most systems also impose prescription or limitation periods for bringing claims.