LEGAL PRINCIPLES GOVERNING ACCEPTANCE

Question 1

MIRROR IMAGE RULE

Answer 1

To be effective an acceptance must be on the
exact same terms as the offer.

Question 2

MAILBOX RULE

Answer 2

“An acceptance is effective when properly dispatched.” This legal
principle a/k/a black letter law of the mailbox rule applies to acceptances by mail or other
methods. (This is the default rule – the rule that applies unless the offeror has specified
otherwise.)
BUT the offeror, the master of his offer can specify in the offer the precise terms under which
the offeree can accept the offer and can specify that acceptance is effective
when received by the offeror (which then takes the place of the Mailbox
Rule.)