Who is legally competent to enter into a contract?

• A. A minor who is not emancipated
• B. Anyone who signs a contract
• C. A person with no knowledge of English
• D. A person 18 years or emancipated minor with mental competence and understanding of English language

Answer: (D)

Legal capacity to enter into a contract hinges on being able to understand and consent to the terms. A person is legally competent if they are of legal age (or an emancipated minor) and have the mental ability to understand the contract and its consequences, including the language in which it is written. That’s why the best choice describes someone who is 18 years or an emancipated minor with mental competence and understanding of English. An unemancipated minor generally lacks binding capacity, simply signing a contract does not create capacity, and while language understanding matters, capacity isn’t determined by knowledge of English alone.