Consideration

   Consideration is the benefits and detriments by both parties in and agreement.  A detriments is something of value that a party gives up for something of benefit to them in return.  In order for a contract to be of legal value both parties must give up something of value in exchange for something that is of value to them.  In some cases the court may decide whether or not the two things being traded are worth the same value.  A promise does not bind a person to another person these are two completely separate things.  A promise could be changed since nothing of value has been exchange yet where as two things being traded is legally binding.  Somethings that make consideration of a contract legal are that consideration must involve a bargained-for exchange, must involve a trade of something of value, and the benefits and detriments that make up consideration must be legal.