Can silence constitute acceptance of a contract?

Asked by: Gisselle Reinger  |  Last update: February 5, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (24 votes)

In general, silence does not constitute acceptance of a contract. Acceptance must typically be demonstrated by clear, affirmative, and communicated action.

Is silence acceptance in contract law?

Acceptance by silence refers to a situation in contract law where a party may be considered to have accepted a contract even if they do not explicitly communicate their acceptance. Typically, silence does not indicate acceptance; however, there are specific circumstances where it may be deemed acceptable.

Is silence considered to be acceptance of an offer?

Under the Indian Contract Act, 1872, acceptance must be absolute, unqualified, and clearly communicated. In the case of Felthouse v. Bindley , the court had said that silence does not amount to assent.

Can you be bound to a deal by silence?

Silence as Assent

Under common law, silence could not assent to a contract. A party could not be bound to a contract without a clear acceptance of all terms. Some of the restrictions on acceptance include: You cannot unknowingly accept a contract.

Does silence constitute consent?

Consent cannot be inferred from silence, passivity, or a lack of resistance. Non-verbal communication alone may or may not be sufficient to constitute consent.

Can Silence Constitute Acceptance In Contract Law? - Business Law Pros

39 related questions found

Is silence ever consent?

There must always be explicit verbal consent from a person who is neither inebriated, drugged, mentally incapacitated, nor a minor. While it may seem awkward to ask for and receive explicit agreement, it is necessary to avoid assumptions based on silence or body language.

What is the saying "silence is acceptance"?

Acceptance by silence or agreement by silence is a notion that asserts that a party's silence or refusal to reply to an offer might be construed as acceptance of the offer. According to this theory, if one party makes an offer and the other side does not reply or take any action, the offer is believed to be accepted.

What are the 4 types of silence?

Four types of silence: conversation, thematic, textual and situational. A Typology of Silence. Seven Modalities of Silence: the unthinkable, the unspeakable/unsayable, the ineffable, the inarticulable, the unnoticeable, the unknowable, and the unconceptualizable.

What are three things that can cause a contract to be void?

Now that you have a grasp of what makes a contract valid, let's delve into what can make one void.

  • Lack of Capacity.
  • Illegality of Contract's Purpose.
  • Absence of Mutual Assent.

Why is silence a powerful response?

“No response is a response” is one of the most compelling truths in human interaction. Silence is not void—it's a deliberate choice that can convey emotions, intentions, or boundaries. Imagine a situation where tension is high, and words could either escalate or defuse a conflict.

What are the three types of acceptance?

There are three main types of acceptance when it comes to contracts:

  • Express.
  • Conditional.
  • Implied.

What constitutes an acceptance in contract law?

In the context of contracts, acceptance refers to one person's compliance with the terms of an offer made by another. Acceptance is judged objectively, but can either be expressly stated or implied by the offeree's conduct.

What is Section 22 of the contract Act?

22Contract caused by mistake of one party as to matter of fact. A contract is not voidable merely because it was caused by one of the parties to it being under a mistake as to a matter of fact.

What constitutes a valid acceptance?

Valid acceptance is acceptance that is made by the specified offeree and that meets the conditions of mutual assent (both parties agree to the arrangement), adequate consideration (each party receives a benefit for the promised goods or services of the other party), capacity (both parties are legally capable of ...

What is the estoppel of silence?

A type of estoppel that prevents someone from asserting something when that person had both the duty and the opportunity to speak up earlier, and his or her silence put another person at a disadvantage.

Can silence be considered to be misrepresentation?

Silence which induces a mistaken view will usually amount to misrepresentation (Rhone- Poulenc).

What automatically voids a contract?

Contracts become null and void if one party is coerced into signing through threats or manipulation. Duress involves physical or mental threats, while undue influence occurs when someone manipulates or pressures another party into an agreement against their will.

What is duress in contract law?

Duress, also known as coercion, is when one party intentionally manipulates a person to enter into a contract either by force or pressure.

What are four types of mistakes that can invalidate a contract?

However, being aware of the four vices that can void a contract — duress, undue influence, misrepresentation, and mistake — is crucial for ensuring that your agreements are legally enforceable and that your rights are protected.

What is breaking the rule of silence?

'Breaking the Rule of Silence' is essentially site reactive. The performance is used to create a situation which may alter an audience's perception about a place through a quality of observation, bringing small or hidden aspects regarding the history of the space.

What are the 7 types of silence?

  • 1 The Unthinkable 1 The Unthinkable.
  • 2 The Unspeakable and/or the Unsayable 2 The Unspeakable and/or the Unsayable.
  • 3 The Ineffable 3 The Ineffable.
  • 4 The Inarticulable 4 The Inarticulable.
  • 5 The Unnoticeable 5 The Unnoticeable.
  • 6 The Unknowable 6 The Unknowable.
  • 7 The Unconceptualizable 7 The Unconceptualizable.

What did Carl Rogers say about silence?

He believed silence was essential to creating an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding. According to Rogers, silence allows people to fully explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without interruption or judgment. It creates a safe space for people to gain insight, self-awareness, and personal growth.

Can you accept a contract by silence?

Felthouse v Bindley [1862] EWHC CP J35 - Silence cannot amount to acceptance. However, silence can qualify as acceptance if it is accompanied by conduct. This is a form of implied acceptance, which is gathered by examining the whole course of conduct of the parties.

Can silence be considered as acceptance?

The general rule is that silence does not constitute acceptance. See McGlone v.

Does silence equal consent?

Silence does NOT equal consent. Many people interpret it as such, but that doesn't make their interpretation real or valid or right. Silence often means fear. People often don't speak up about outrageous or controversial things because they're afraid of the consequences of such outspokenness.