Contract law is generally classified under which type of law?

Contract law is primarily governed by state law because contracts are formed and executed within specific jurisdictions, making it essential for those jurisdictions to define and enforce the terms of contract agreements. Each state has its own set of statutes, case law, and regulations that dictate how contracts are interpreted, executed, and enforced. This decentralized approach allows states to tailor their contract laws to meet the needs of their individual economies and citizens.

While federal law may impact certain aspects of contracts, such as regulations over specific industries or interstate commerce, the fundamental principles of contract law—such as offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual assent—are typically rooted in state law. As such, if disputes arise, they are generally addressed in state courts under the relevant state's contract laws. This specificity is what distinguishes contract law from federal law, international law, and public law, which operate at different levels and in different contexts.