Autonomy to Contract means what?

• A. Two parties are mutually free to determine the terms of an agreement for a specific purpose.
• B. One party dictates all terms.
• C. A contract requires third-party approval.
• D. Terms are determined by statutory law only.

Answer: (A)

Autonomy to contract means two parties are mutually free to determine the terms of an agreement for a specific purpose, through negotiation and mutual assent. This allows tailoring the contract to fit project needs—such as scope, price, schedule, and risk allocation—while staying within the bounds of the law. It isn’t about one party dictating all terms, requiring third-party approval, or having terms dictated solely by statutes; while laws may impose mandatory requirements, the core idea is that the contract terms are decided by the parties through agreement.