A void contract is defined as:

• A. Without legal effect from the beginning
• B. Enforceable with damages
• C. Valid until rescinded
• D. Voidable only

Answer: (A)

A void contract has no legal effect from the start. It’s invalid from the outset because it lacks one or more essential elements (such as legality, capacity, or genuine consent) or it involves an illegal purpose, so it cannot create enforceable rights or duties. That’s why the statement “without legal effect from the beginning” is the best description.

Enforceable with damages describes a valid contract that can be breached and damages awarded, which a void contract cannot be. Valid until rescinded describes a contract that is still valid until someone takes action to cancel it, which is not the case for void contracts. Voidable only refers to contracts that are initially valid but can be voided by one party, not contracts that are void from the outset.