Assent
In one sentence
A party's agreement to the terms of a contract.
Plain English
Assent means one party agrees to what another party is proposing. It can be expressed clearly (saying 'yes' or signing a document) or implied through actions (like accepting delivery of goods). Both parties must assent to the same terms for a contract to form; if they disagree on key points, there is no assent and no binding contract.
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Example
When you click the 'I Agree' button on a software license, you are giving your assent to the terms. If you don't click it, you haven't assented and cannot use the software.
Used in a sentence
“The seller required written assent from the buyer before shipping the merchandise.”
Related terms
Contract Formation
The process by which parties create a legally binding agreement.
Contract
A legally binding agreement between two or more parties to do or not do something.
Implied-in-Fact Contract
A contract inferred from the parties' conduct and the circumstances of their dealings.
intent
The defendant's conscious purpose or knowledge that their actions would cause a particular result.
Acceptance
Agreeing to the exact terms of an offer, creating a binding contract.
Offer
A proposal to enter into a binding agreement on specific terms.
Consideration
Something of value exchanged by each party to make a contract binding.
Offeror
The person who makes an offer to enter into a contract.
This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.