What does the Doctrine of Privity state?

The Doctrine of Privity asserts that only the parties who are directly involved in a contract have the right to enforce it or seek legal remedies in case of a breach. This principle ensures that external parties or non-signatories cannot claim benefits or obligations derived from the agreement. The rationale behind this doctrine is grounded in the notion of mutual consent and obligation; only those who agree to the terms and conditions of a contract should be held accountable to those terms.

For example, if two individuals enter into a service agreement, a third party who might benefit from the service cannot sue for breach of contract if the terms are not fulfilled; this highlights the exclusivity granted to the signatories. Additionally, this principle supports the idea that contracts should remain private agreements between the concerned parties, thereby prioritizing their intentions and expectations.

This understanding also addresses why the other options are not applicable. The notion that only third parties can enforce contracts contradicts the entire premise of privity, while stating that contract rights cannot be assigned would negate the ability to transfer interests under certain circumstances. Similarly, claiming that courts cannot intervene in contract disputes misrepresents their role in ensuring that contractual obligations are honored and provides a framework for legal recourse when necessary.