Contract
Contract: A promise or set of promises the law will enforce or recognize as a duty (Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 1). A contract generally requires offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity and a lawful purpose. Contracts for the sale of goods are governed by Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted in every state but Louisiana, and some contracts must be in writing under a state's statute of frauds.
What contract means
Put simply, contract is part of the working vocabulary of a civil case. The short definition above covers the usual meaning. Still, a specific rule, statute or contract can give it a narrower meaning. For that reason, check how it is used in your own documents.
Where contract comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
How to research the term
Start with the primary source. For example, if contract appears in a federal rule, read the rule itself and its official notes. After that, check your court’s local rules and any standing orders from the judge. In addition, search recent decisions from your own state or federal district. They show how courts read contract in practice. Because state rules often differ, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. Above all, make sure the version you read is still in force.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Consolidation: joining two or more separate cases that involve a common question of law or fact, so they are heard or tried together. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 42(a) allows it.
- Constitution: the fundamental law of a nation or state that establishes the government, divides and limits its powers and protects individual rights. In the United States there is a federal Constitution and a constitution for each state. Laws that conflict with the applicable constitution are invalid.
- Contempt of court: disobeying a court order or disrupting or disrespecting the court. Civil contempt aims to force compliance or compensate a party. Criminal contempt punishes past misconduct. Federal courts have contempt power under 18 U.S.C. § 401.
- Continuance: postponement of a hearing, trial or deadline.
Why precise terms matter
Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.