Which term refers to the ability of a person to enter into legal agreements?

The term that refers to the ability of a person to enter into legal agreements is "capacity." In the legal context, capacity is a critical concept that determines whether an individual has the legal ability to engage in binding contracts. This ability may depend on various factors, including age, mental competence, and, in some cases, the influence of substances.

For a contract to be enforceable, both parties must possess the requisite capacity. For example, minors generally do not have the legal capacity to contract until they reach a certain age, while individuals deemed mentally incompetent may also lack the capacity necessary to enter into agreements. Understanding capacity is essential for legal practitioners because it influences the validity of contracts and the rights of the parties involved.

Legitimacy, authority, and aptitude do not specifically address the legal ability to enter contracts. Legitimacy often refers to the recognition of rights or status, authority pertains to the power or right to make decisions, and aptitude refers to inherent ability or skill in learning or performing tasks. These terms are related to different aspects of legal and personal capability but do not define the specific legal concept of capacity necessary for contract formation.