What is meant by "privity of contract"?

Privity of contract refers to the legal doctrine that establishes the relationship between parties involved in a contract, stipulating that only those parties who are signatories to the agreement possess enforceable rights and obligations under it. This principle ensures that a contract creates a legal bond exclusively between the contracting parties, meaning third parties cannot claim rights or be burdened by obligations associated with the contract.

In practical terms, if an individual or entity outside of the contract seeks to enforce the contractual terms, they would typically lack the legal standing to do so due to the privity rule. This concept helps protect the integrity of contractual relationships and places the onus of compliance and enforcement solely on those who agreed to the contract.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of privity of contract. For instance, stating that all parties are automatically bound by contract terms overlooks the fundamental principle that only involved parties are held to the contract, while the assertion that any third party can enforce the contract contradicts the very definition of privity. Lastly, the idea that all promises made in a contract are enforceable does not consider the nuances of contract validity, such as the existence of consideration or potential defenses to enforcement, which can impact whether a promise is indeed enforceable.