What does the Mirror Image Rule state in contract law?

The Mirror Image Rule is a fundamental principle in contract law stating that the acceptance of an offer must match the terms of the offer exactly. This means that for a contract to be formed, the offeree's acceptance must not change, alter, or add to the original offer in any way. If the acceptance does differ from the offer, it is not considered a valid acceptance but rather a counteroffer.

This rule emphasizes the necessity of mutual assent in forming contracts, meaning both parties must agree to the same terms without any discrepancies. By requiring the acceptance to mirror the offer, the law seeks to create clarity and avoid misunderstandings between the parties involved in a contract. In summary, the acceptance must align perfectly with the offer for a legally binding contract to be established, which is precisely what the correct answer expresses.