In a contract of adhesion, how are the terms generally treated?

• A. The terms must be accepted or rejected in full
• B. The terms can be negotiated
• C. Only portions can be accepted
• D. Small print is void

Answer: (A)

Adhesion contracts are standard-form agreements drafted by one party and offered to the other on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. Because the terms are set by the stronger party and there’s little to no room to bargain, the typical approach is to accept all terms as written or reject the contract entirely. That’s why this choice is the best: you either take the entire contract or you don’t. The idea of negotiating certain terms or accepting only parts goes against the essence of adhesion contracts. While courts may scrutinize terms for fairness and strike truly unfair provisions, the general rule remains: acceptance or rejection of the entire contract.