Minors and Contracts

What are Minors and Contracts in Contract Law?

Quick Definition

A minor is a person under the age of majority, and contract law limits their legal capacity to enter binding agreements. Most contracts made by minors are either void or voidable, depending on their nature. The law aims to protect minors from exploitation while still allowing them to engage in necessary transactions.

In Context

Contracts for necessaries—such as food, clothing, or essential services—are generally binding on minors, provided the goods or services are suitable to their condition in life. In Nash v Inman, a tailor could not enforce payment for expensive clothing supplied to a minor because they were not considered necessaries. Minors may also be bound by beneficial contracts of service, such as apprenticeship or employment, if they are overall advantageous. However, most commercial contracts are unenforceable against minors unless ratified upon reaching adulthood. In exams, the key issue is classifying the contract type and assessing whether fairness justifies enforcement.

See Also

• Capacity to Contract

• Voidable Contract

• Consideration

Learn More

Explore our Contract Law Notes for clearer case breakdowns, exam-ready structures, and practical guidance on applying rules involving minors with confidence.