Which of the following is NOT one of the essential elements of all legal contracts?

In determining the essential elements of legal contracts, negotiation is not considered one of the foundational requirements. Legal contracts need to have several key components to be enforceable, including legality, competent parties, and consideration.

Legality refers to the requirement that the contract's purpose and terms must be legal and not against public policy. If the contract involves illegal activities, it cannot be enforced by law.

Competent parties means that all individuals involved in the contract must have the legal capacity to enter into the agreement. This typically excludes minors, mentally incapacitated persons, and individuals under duress.

Consideration is the value exchanged between the parties involved in the contract. It can be money, services, or anything else of value. This element is crucial because it demonstrates that both parties are agreeing to give something up or provide a benefit to each other.

While negotiation can precede the formation of a contract and may play a role in shaping the terms, it is not a fundamental element required for the contract's validity itself. Therefore, negotiation is not necessary for all legal contracts to exist and be enforceable.