Legal Definitions - matching-acceptance rule

The matching-acceptance rule, also known as the mirror-image rule, is a principle in contract law that states that the acceptance of an offer must be positive, unconditional, unequivocal, and unambiguous. This means that the terms of the acceptance must correspond exactly with those of the offer, and must not change, add to, or qualify the terms of the offer.

For example, if a seller offers to sell a car for $10,000, and the buyer responds by saying "I accept, but only if you include new tires," this would not be considered a valid acceptance under the matching-acceptance rule. The buyer's response changes the terms of the offer, and therefore does not match the original offer.

The purpose of the matching-acceptance rule is to ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the terms of the contract, and to prevent misunderstandings or disputes that could arise if the terms of the acceptance differ from those of the offer.