Domination & submission _ the BDSM relationship handbook ( PDFDrive )

Slave Contracts
In this and previous chapters, we’ve repeatedly emphasized the need for frank
discussion and negotiations between any potential partners before entering into a
D/s relationship. When these negotiations result in any sort of agreement, the
terms of the agreement often end up in written form, and that document is
sometimes referred to in the lifestyle as a slave contract, D/s contract, or TPE
(Total Power Exchange) contract. For the sake of simplicity, we will be using
the term slave contract for the remainder of this chapter, but do keep in mind the
fact that, when we do, we are referring to a wide variety of D/s lifestyle
contracts. You should also be aware that the topic of slave contracts is one of
the most controversial subjects you’re likely to encounter in the D/s lifestyle.
We’ll discuss the reasons for the controversy shortly. The predictable result of
the controversy is a confusing hodge-podge of opinions – some authoritative,
others not so much - on the utility and value of slave contracts.
Before we wade too deeply into the various types of slave contracts that you are
likely to encounter in the lifestyle, we should first clarify a few things about
contracts in general. There are a lot of misconceptions about contracts and
contract law will certainly complicate any attempt to apply those concepts to the
arcane realm of slave contracts. Let’s begin by discussing some of the legal
requirements that must be met for any contract to be valid and enforceable.
They are:
· Competency. Both parties must be legally competent to enter into a
contract. That means they must be over the age of 18, may not be
mentally incompetent, and they cannot be intoxicated or impaired.
· Mutual Agreement. Both parties must agree to all terms of the
contract. If either party disagrees with any portion of the agreement
without the mutual disagreement of the other party, the entire contract is
void.
· A Legal Objective. A contract may not require the performance of an
illegal act, nor have as its objective, an illegal act. Additionally, a person
cannot enter into any contract concerning a right that they do not have.
· Consideration. Consideration is a legal term which refers to something
of value that is exchanged as a condition of the contract. In most cases, the