Contradiction
A contradiction in contract is an inconsistency between two or more provisions of a contract, or between the terms of the contract and the actual intent of the parties. A contradiction can render a contract voidable, meaning that either party can choose to rescind the agreement.
Contradictions often arise when one party attempts to modify the terms of the contract after it has been signed. For example, if Party A agrees to sell Party B a car for $5,000, but then tries to change the price to $10,000, there is a contradiction. Party B can choose to rescind the contract because of this inconsistency.
Sometimes, contradictions may exist even if the parties have not explicitly changed the terms of the contract. For instance, if two people sign a lease for an apartment and later disagree about who is responsible for paying utilities, their conflicting positions would create a contradiction.
If you discover a contradiction in your own contract, you should consult with an experienced attorney to determine whether you have grounds to rescind the agreement. An attorney can also help you draft clearer contracts in the future to avoid inconsistencies and contradictions.