Contract law is a very important branch of the law for all of us because we contract with each other every day. The vast majority of the contracts pose no problems - they are usually a simple interchange of cash for goods - but when they get more complicated they can, and do, go wrong. This is less likely to occur when the parties to the deal understand what they are doing, what their rights and obligations are, and how to recognise potential problems.

The purpose of this section is to give you an outline, in simple terms, of contract law and to help you to understand when you need to get professional help. It is somewhat superficial but it should give you a basic understanding of what is needed to form a legally binding contract.