What is the status of a sales contract entered into by an intoxicated individual?

A sales contract entered into by an intoxicated individual is considered voidable. This means that the intoxicated person has the right to affirm or reject the contract upon regaining their capacity. The rationale behind this principle is to protect individuals who may not fully comprehend the nature and consequences of their actions due to intoxication.

In legal terms, a contract is voidable when one party has the option to nullify the agreement, which is the case when someone demonstrates that they were unable to think clearly or fully understand the implications of their decisions at the time of signing. If the intoxicated individual chooses to affirm the contract after sobering up, it becomes valid; however, until that choice is made, they have the ability to void the contract without penalty.

While contracts may be void (completely unenforceable) if they lack a legal purpose or involve illegality, or unenforceable under specific legal doctrines due to other reasons, the situation with an intoxicated individual is specific to their temporary incapacity to consent. Thus, voidable is the appropriate classification in this scenario, emphasizing the right of the intoxicated person to protect themselves as they regain full mental capacity.