Final answer:
If a contract term is too vague, it may become unenforceable due to lack of certainty. Transactions that are unclear can lead to disputes and may require legal advice to resolve ambiguities. Understanding and interpreting contract language is vital to ensure the enforceability of the agreement.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the parties to an otherwise valid contract have included a term that is too vague, the contract may become unenforceable on the grounds of its lack of certainty. A contract requires specific and definite terms so that all parties involved understand their obligations and the expectations from the agreement. When transactions are unclear and confusing, it creates an obstacle to performing the contract as the parties may have different interpretations of their duties. Vague terms can make it difficult to enforce the contract and can lead to disputes which may result in having to seek legal advice or intervention to resolve the ambiguities.
Contracts featuring complex legal terms or long, dense paragraphs can be especially challenging for non-lawyers to comprehend. It is important for legal documents to be accessible so that all parties can sufficiently understand the nature of their commitments. The provided example clause, regarding the limitation or exclusion of warranties, illustrates how legal language can be complex and may necessitate a lawyer to interpret. If key terms or conditions are unclear, this could be detrimental to one or more parties involved.
FIGURE 9.8 emphasizes the importance of understanding and interpreting the language of contracts, suggesting the use of rhetorical strategies in arguing one's interpretation of such documents. The implication is that a solid understanding of the contract's language is essential, whether to navigate potential disputes or to ensure that the contract is legally sound and reflective of the parties' agreement.