What characterizes mutual agreement in a contract?

Mutual agreement in a contract, often referred to as "meeting of the minds," is defined by the complete agreement on the terms set forth in the contract by all parties involved. This means that each party fully understands and accepts the essential details and conditions of the contract. For a contract to be enforceable, there must be a clear manifestation of mutual assent to the same terms, indicating that both parties are on the same page regarding their rights and obligations.

In contrast, an initial understanding may not represent full agreement, as it could simply be a preliminary discussion without commitment to the final terms. Acceptance of varying terms suggests a lack of consensus, which does not uphold the principle of mutual agreement, since the parties are not agreeing on identical terms. Involving a mediator might facilitate discussions or help resolve disputes, but does not necessarily guarantee that mutual consent has been reached regarding the contract's terms. Thus, the hallmark of mutual agreement is indeed the complete agreement on all terms articulated in the contract, making it the defining characteristic of a binding contract.