Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom and Ireland

Key definition

Contract definition

What does Contract mean? In legal practice, a contract is the enforceable agreement by which parties set out promises and allocate risk, whether made orally, in writing or by conduct. The law of contract is principally case-law driven across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, with statutory interventions on formalities, construction and consumer protection. In England & Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland, formation generally requires offer, acceptance, consideration and an intention to create legal relations. In Scotland, consideration is not required; a contract is formed by agreement (consensus in idem) with the necessary intention, with writing only needed in defined cases. Key features...

International contract formation: requirements, pre-contract good faith, and electronic contracting and e-signature rules across selected jurisdictions

Published by a LexisNexis Commercial expert

Practice notes

This guide outlines the Requirements for forming Contracts across numerous international Jurisdictions. The table offers a quick‑reference overview of the criteria for binding contracts, and for individuals and partnerships, in a variety of countries. More comprehensive guidance on each overseas jurisdiction included in the table is provided in the sections below. For details on executing contracts in different jurisdictions, see Practice Note: Execution of contracts—jurisdictional guide. For details on executing deeds in different jurisdictions, see Practice Note: Execution of deeds—jurisdictional guide. For details on electronic signatures in different jurisdictions, see Practice Note: E‑signatures—jurisdictional guide. For information on contract formation under Scots law, see Practice Note: Key differences in the law of contract between Scots and English law. Please note that this is an introductory guide only, and local advice from appropriate legal professionals in the relevant country should be sought where appropriate.

Summary table

What are the basic requirements for the formation of a binding contract?
Is there any obligation to use good faith during pre‑contract negotiations?
Is it possible to conclude contracts electronically (for example, online)?
If yes, do any additional requirements apply?

Argentina

offer
acceptance
intention to create legal relations
Yes, see below.
Yes,...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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