Final answer:
The 'mirror image rule' is a legal principle that requires an acceptance to be an exact and unconditional match to the offer. Any additional or different terms in the acceptance would be considered a counteroffer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'mirror image rule' is a legal principle that applies to the acceptance of contracts. It states that an acceptance must be an exact and unconditional mirror image of the offer in order to form a valid contract. This means that any additional or different terms in the acceptance will be considered a counteroffer, rather than an acceptance.
For example, if party A offers to sell a car to party B for $10,000 and party B accepts the offer but adds a condition that the car must be delivered in a different color, this would not be a valid acceptance under the mirror image rule. It would instead be considered a counteroffer and party A can choose to accept or reject it.
The mirror image rule helps ensure clarity and certainty in contract formation by requiring both parties to agree to the same terms without modification.