What are the implications of the mirror image rule?

Asked by: Claire Koss  |  Last update: November 2, 2025
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The mirror image rule is a concept in contract law. It means that when you say “yes” to an offer, that becomes the basis for a contract, so you're accepting that offer exactly as it is – with no changes or modifications. Therefore, the acceptance must be a mirror image of the offer. If it isn't, there's no contract.

What are the exceptions to the mirror image rule?

However, just like with any rule, there are exceptions. The mirror image rule can be set aside in specific circumstances. For example, if the parties have a course of dealing or a prior history of accepting non-mirror image acceptances, that may override the strict application of the rule.

How do you explain the mirror image rule?

In contract law , the “mirror image rule” is a doctrine stipulating that any acceptance of an offer is deemed to be an unconditional assent to the terms of the offer exactly as it is, without any changes or modifications .

What are the exceptions to the mirror image rule quizlet?

What are the exception to the mirror image rule? The exception would be if a counter offer was made. When an acceptance is sent over a long distance, when does it become effective? The acceptance is effective the moment it was sent.

What is an example of a mirror image rule case?

Examples of the Mirror Rule in Contract Law

Exact Acceptance: If Alice offers to sell her car to Bob for $5,000 and Bob responds, "I accept, but only if you include new tires," this is not an acceptance under the mirror rule. The addition of new terms constitutes a counteroffer, not an acceptance.

The Law of the Mirror

31 related questions found

What does the mirror image rule tell us?

The mirror image rule is a concept in contract law. It means that when you say “yes” to an offer, that becomes the basis for a contract, so you're accepting that offer exactly as it is – with no changes or modifications. Therefore, the acceptance must be a mirror image of the offer. If it isn't, there's no contract.

What is mirror image with example?

The image of an object as seen in a mirror is its mirror reflection or mirror image. In such an image, the right side of the object appears on the left side and vice versa. A mirror-image is therefore said to be laterally inverted and the phenomenon is called the lateral inversion.

What type of contract does the mirror image rule not apply?

Exceptions of mirror image rule contracts

For businesses that sell products, the mirror image regulations are exempt under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).

When can the mirror image rule be strictly enforced?

If a dispute arose before the parties started to perform, a court strictly applying the mirror image rule would hold that no contract resulted because the offer and acceptance forms did not match exactly.

Which case is the authority for the mirror image rule?

The leading case on counter-offer is Hyde v Wrench [1840]. The phrase "Mirror-Image Rule" is rarely (if at all) used by English lawyers; but the concept remains valid, as in Gibson v Manchester City Council [1979], and Butler Machine Tool v Excello.

What is the main idea of the mirror image?

Lena Coakley's short tale, Mirror Image, has identity and self-perception as its central themes. After having her brain transplanted into a new body, the main character Alice struggles with questions of identity and if one's look determines who they are.

Why did the UCC modify the mirror image rule?

But the drafters of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) were concerned that when two business people enter into a transaction sometimes the offers and acceptances don't match up 100% but a court should not allow either party to walk away from the deal – – the UCC favors forming a contract.

What is the mirror rule in hotels?

You'll need to place your index finger on the mirror's surface. If there is a gap between your finger and your reflection, then this mirror is a one-way mirror only. However, if there is no gap between your reflection and your finger, you'll need to call the authorities because it's a two-way mirror.

What are the three rules of an image in mirror?

The image in a mirror is:
  1. upright – but left and right are reversed. The image is laterally inverted;
  2. the same height as the object;
  3. as far behind the mirror as the object is in front;
  4. virtual.

What is the mirror image rule and the last shot rule?

- Should the deviating terms be “immaterial,” the “last shot” rule of CISG art. 19(2) will affirm the conclusion of the contract as envisaged by the offeree. However, if the original offeror objects to the conclusion of the contract on the offeree's terms, the “mirror-image” rule of CISG art.

Which of the following statements about the mirror image rule is false?

The false statement about the mirror image rule is that no rejection is implied if an offeree accepts the offer's terms while complaining about them.

What is the mirror image rule in simple terms?

The mirror image rule, also known as the mirror image doctrine, is a fundamental principle in contract law that states that an offer must be accepted exactly as it is presented, without any modifications or additions. Simply put, the acceptance of an offer must fully reflect the terms of the original offer.

What is the principle behind the mirror image rule?

The principle behind this rule is that one party accepts the offer as is, and then it's contractually written to mirror that. It's also called the “absolute acceptance” rule, meaning that the parties offer and accept the exact terms, in order to create a contract.

What are the three requirements of an acceptance?

Unconditional Agreement: Acceptance must mirror the offer exactly, without any changes. Communication: Must be effectively communicated to the offeror, either orally, in writing, or through action. Intent: Parties must genuinely intend to accept and be bound by the offer.

Is silence as acceptance permitted?

Acceptance by silence is when someone accepts an offer without saying anything. This can only happen if the person who made the offer expects a response and it is reasonable to assume that the lack of response means acceptance. However, usually, silence does not count as acceptance.

What is a unilateral mistake under the UCC?

If only one party is mistaken, the mistake is a “unilateral mistake” of law. One may rescind for a unilateral mistake of law only if the other party knows of, but does not correct, and takes advantage of or unfairly obtain the benefit of the rescinding party's mistake of law. See Civ. Code §1578(2).

What is the rule of mirror image formation?

General rules for image formation using ray diagrams:

Any ray of light that passes through the mirror, is always parallel to the principal axis. Any ray of light that passes through the mirror always passes through the principal focus (f) of the mirror after reflection.

What is an example of mirror imaging?

Mirror imaging bias is a cognitive bias where individuals assume that others think, feel, and act the same way they do. For example, if a person values honesty above all else, they might assume that everyone else also values honesty to the same degree, potentially leading them to misjudge others' intentions or actions.

How does mirror image work?

A mirror image (in a plane mirror) is a reflected duplication of an object that appears almost identical, but is reversed in the direction perpendicular to the mirror surface. As an optical effect, it results from specular reflection off from surfaces of lustrous materials, especially a mirror or water.