How is a contract categorized if it is not mutually agreed upon and written by one party?

A contract that is not mutually agreed upon and primarily written by one party is best categorized as an adhesive contract. This type of contract is characterized by significant imbalances in power between the parties involved, often leading to one party imposing conditions without the other having much opportunity to negotiate the terms.

In adhesive contracts, the stronger party typically drafts the agreement, and the weaker party must either accept the terms as they are or forego the agreement altogether, resulting in a 'take-it-or-leave-it' situation. This situation often applies to consumer contracts, where businesses provide services or products with standard terms that consumers must accept to engage.

Understanding adhesive contracts is crucial in various legal frameworks because they may give rise to concerns about fairness, transparency, and the enforceability of certain terms due to the lack of mutual agreement and negotiation. These contracts may also come under scrutiny if one party is found to have used oppressive or deceptive practices in drafting the terms.

Other choices present different concepts. Reciprocal contracts involve mutual obligations where both parties agree to provide benefits to each other. Involuntary contracts are typically arrangements that arise from actions and behaviors rather than explicit agreements, while arbitrary contracts lack the structured agreement required and may not be legally enforceable.