What is necessary for the legality of a contract?

For a contract to be legally enforceable, it must have a legal object or purpose. This means that the subject matter of the contract must fall within the boundaries of the law. If the object of the contract is illegal or contrary to public policy, the contract cannot be enforced in a court of law. This principle serves to ensure that the agreements made are intended for lawful purposes, which upholds the integrity of the legal system and protects society from illegal transactions.

In addition to the legality of the object, contracts typically require other elements to be valid, such as mutual understanding and acceptance of terms. However, those alone do not suffice if the object of the contract itself is illegal. Thus, while mutual understanding and acceptance are important for the parties involved, they do not determine the overall legality of the contract as a whole. Similarly, formal written documents are not required for all types of contracts, as some can be valid even if they are oral, provided they meet the essential components of a contract. Therefore, the legality of the object is the foundational aspect that ensures a contract is valid and enforceable under the law.