What is necessary for a contract to be enforced?

For a contract to be enforceable, it is essential that the performance of the work or services stipulated within the contract is legal. This principle is grounded in contract law, which states that contracts cannot be enforced if they involve illegal activities or purposes. A contract that requires one party to engage in an illegal act is void and has no legal effect.

In contrast, while it is beneficial for agreements to be documented and have witnesses, these are not strict legal requirements for all contracts. Many contracts can be enforceable even if they are oral, as long as the legal elements of a contract—such as offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual intent to be bound—are present. Additionally, the presence of witnesses is not a universal requirement for enforcing contracts, nor are both parties needing to be present at the time of the agreement. Thus, the legality of the performance is the cornerstone that determines the enforceability of a contract.