What defines an agreement in a legal context?

In a legal context, an agreement is defined as an expression of a common intention between parties. This definition emphasizes that for an agreement to exist, there must be a shared understanding and intent to enter into a binding arrangement. The focus here is on the mutual consent and realization of the parties involved, which forms the foundation of any legal agreement.

While a signed document or the formal acceptance of an offer can solidify an agreement, these elements are not strictly necessary to establish the existence of an agreement. It's possible to have verbal agreements or informal understandings that hold legal weight, provided that the essential elements of intent and mutual consent are present. Thus, the essence of an agreement is the genuine intention of the parties to create obligations amongst themselves.

Additionally, while a mutual understanding can be part of the broader context of an agreement, it is the expression of a common intention that solidifies that understanding into a legal framework that governs the rights and duties of the parties involved.