A 'voidable' contract differs from a 'void' contract in that a voidable contract:
Explanation
A voidable contract is a real, enforceable contract that one party has the power to disaffirm — for minority, fraud, duress, menace, undue influence or mistake, the grounds listed in Civil Code §1567 — and it stays in force until that party elects to rescind under Civil Code §1689. (b) describes a VOID contract, which has no effect from the outset, typically because its object is unlawful or impossible (Civil Code §1598, §1667). The difference matters because only a voidable contract can be ratified and then enforced. (c) states the consequence of voidness, not voidability, and misses that the party without the power to disaffirm stays bound throughout. (d) confuses voidability with the Statute of Frauds; an oral contract can be perfectly valid and a written one perfectly voidable.
Law Reference: Civil Code §1567, §1598, §1667, §1689This topic, taught in full in the CSLB Law & Business guide. CSLB Law & Business — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
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