What does the "mirror image" rule entail in Texas contract law?

The "mirror image" rule in Texas contract law dictates that acceptance of an offer must exactly match the terms of that offer. This principle ensures that there is a clear and definite agreement between the parties involved, as any deviation from the terms of the original offer constitutes a counter-offer rather than acceptance. As a result, the original offer is rejected, and the roles of the parties can shift depending on which terms are accepted.

This requirement for exactness preserves the integrity and clarity of the contractual agreement, enabling both parties to understand and rely on the agreed-upon terms without ambiguity. The rule is rooted in the fundamental principles of contract formation, which dictate that for a contract to be valid, there must be a meeting of the minds—both parties must agree to the same terms in the same manner.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of the mirror image rule. For instance, rejecting modified terms by the offeree pertains more to negotiating positions rather than the acceptance of an offer. Modifying an offer or allowing for acceptance with slight differences would diverge from the strict criteria set out by the mirror image rule, which requires that acceptance be an unequivocal agreement to the exact terms proposed.