What defines a void contract?

A void contract is fundamentally characterized by the fact that it is not legally enforceable from the moment it is created. This means that there are inherent issues with the agreement that prevent it from having any legal effect. Such issues can include lack of capacity of the parties involved, illegality of the subject matter, or failure to meet essential contractual requirements, such as consideration. Since a void contract lacks legal enforceability from the outset, parties cannot rely on its terms or seek legal recourse if one party fails to perform.

In contrast, an agreement that is enforceable by law from its inception would indicate a valid contract, which is not applicable to this definition. Similarly, requiring the approval of a governing body typically relates to specific types of contracts or agreements but does not inherently define a contract as void. A contract that can be enforced but is subject to conditions suggests that it may be voidable rather than void, meaning it could become effective with certain actions or under specific circumstances. Thus, the defining characteristic of a void contract is its lack of enforceability from the start, as captured in the correct choice.