Final answer:
Under the common law, an effective offer requires the offeror's serious intention, definite and certain terms, communication to the offeree, consideration, and acceptance by the offeree.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the common law, there are several elements required for an offer to be effective:
- Offeror's serious intention to be bound: The offeror must have a genuine intention to enter into a contract and be legally bound by its terms.
- Definite and certain terms: The offer must contain clear and specific terms, such as the price, quantity, and subject matter of the contract.
- Communication to the offeree: The offer must be communicated to the offeree, either directly or through a reliable third party.
- Consideration: Although consideration is not always required for an offer to be effective, it is often a necessary element for the formation of a binding contract. Consideration refers to something of value exchanged between the parties, such as money or a promise to perform a service.
- Acceptance by the offeree: The offeree must accept the terms of the offer without any conditions or modifications for the offer to be effective.