What happens if a contract does not adhere to the Mirror Image Rule?

When a contract does not adhere to the Mirror Image Rule, the acceptance does not match the exact terms of the offer. In this case, the response from the offeree introduces new terms or modifications, thereby constituting a counter-offer rather than an acceptance.

The Mirror Image Rule requires that the acceptance mirror the offer precisely to create a binding contract. If any changes or additional terms are included by the offeree, it indicates that they are not simply agreeing to the original offer but are instead proposing different conditions. Consequently, this alters the negotiation process, as the original offer is no longer accepted but replaced with a new proposal, which the original offeror can then choose to accept, reject, or negotiate further. This response captures the essence of contract law principles, reinforcing the necessity for clear and consistent acceptance of terms in contractual agreements.