Which statement best describes a void contract?

• A. It cannot be enforced and cannot be performed
• B. It can be enforced and performed
• C. It requires ratification by a court
• D. It becomes void after a fixed term

Answer: (A)

A contract is void when it has no legal effect from the moment it’s formed. That happens because it lacks one of the essential elements or involves something illegal, so no rights or duties are created by the agreement. Since there’s nothing legally binding, no one can sue to enforce it, and there’s no obligation that the parties are required to perform. In other words, it cannot be enforced, and it cannot be performed as a valid contract. This distinction helps separate void contracts from voidable ones (which are valid at first and can be canceled later) and from unenforceable ones (which, while potentially valid, can’t be compelled due to some rule or policy).