Abstract
This chapter focuses on the vitiating factors in a contract, namely those that can render a contract void ab initio or voidable (the distinction between void and voidable contracts is discussed). These include misrepresentation, mistake, duress, undue influence, unconscionable bargains, and illegality and public policy. Certain vitiating factors like mistake will render a contract void ab initio whilst others such as misrepresentation will render the contract merely voidable. It also shows that contracts are not beyond challenge once formed and describes several cases where the courts have held that a contract should not be enforceable despite the validity of the contract’s formation.
