What does free consent in a contract imply?

Free consent in a contract fundamentally implies that the parties involved enter into the agreement voluntarily, without coercion or manipulation. This includes being free from undue influence or duress, which means that no party is forced or pressured into the contract against their will. Having free consent is essential for the validity of a contract, as it ensures that both parties are making informed decisions based on their own free will.

In contrast, while being aware of the terms of an agreement is important, just understanding the terms does not ensure that consent is free; it must also be voluntary. The ability to revoke an agreement does not equate to the idea of free consent either, as contracts may have binding terms that prevent one party from simply withdrawing without consequences. Additionally, a blanket agreement to all potential outcomes does not demonstrate true understanding or willing acceptance of those outcomes, particularly if the consent was not freely given.

Thus, the emphasis on entering into a contract without undue influence or duress captures the essence of what free consent truly means in contract law.