Which defect cannot be discovered upon reasonable inspection later, classically considered latent?

• A. Latent defects
• B. Patent defects
• C. Duress
• D. Remedies for misrepresentation

Answer: (A)

Distinguishing latent from patent defects. A latent defect is one that cannot be discovered by reasonable inspection, because its existence is hidden or requires special testing to reveal. Patent defects are the opposite—visible and discoverable through ordinary inspection. Therefore, a latent defect is the type that cannot be found with reasonable inspection, even with due diligence. The other terms aren’t defect categories: duress is a contract defense, and remedies for misrepresentation concern false statements, not physical defects. This makes latent defects the correct concept.