General clauses or standards (Generalklauseln, clauses generales) are legal rules which are not precisely formulated, terms and concepts which in fact do not even have a clear core. They are often applied in varying degrees in various legal systems to a rather wide range of contract cases when certain issues arise - issues such as abuse of rights, unfairness, good faith, fairness of duty or loyalty or honesty, duty of care, and other such contract terms not lending themselves readily to clear or permanent definition. Here, for the first time, is a systematic discussion of this kind of rule in the evolving and dynamic context of European contract law. A collection of twelve insightful essays by leading European law authorities, the book is based on a conference organized jointly by the Society of European Contract Law (SECOLA) and l'Association Henri Capitant, held in the 'grande salle' of the French Supreme Court in Paris in 2005. The subject is approached along three distinct but interconnected avenues: comparative contract law, in which the different models to be found among Member States - particularly the Germanic, French, and English common law systems - are explored with an eye to differences and common ground; EC contract law, in which the general clause approach has tended to focus on labour law and consumer law, and in which the European Court of Justice more and more assumes the final say; and, the European codification dimension, in which a potential instrument on the European level would compete with national laws and develop closely with them. The authors demonstrate that a focus on general clauses in contract law, embracing as it does a wide range of types of contracts, helps enormously with the necessary integration of legal scholarship and economic approaches, and of legal science and legal practice in the field. Numerous analytic references to relevant cases and EC Directives give a practical impetus to the far-reaching but immediately applicable theory presented in this important book. As European contract law continues to develop rapidly, this seminal contribution is sure to increase in value and usefulness.

The ongoing debate on the harmonisation of European contract law has metamorphosed into an important recognition: that none of the existing national systems of contract law, even the most 'modern,' have been able to keep pace with the extensive and radical changes in the world which contract law must reflect. The nineteen outstanding contributors to this deeply insightful book concur in envisioning a fundamentally new systematic concept of contract law that, while preserving the essential 'architecture' of the existing European codes, would nonetheless find cogent ways to integrate such modern developments as mass transactions, chains and networks of contracts, regulation of markets and contracts to protect consumers, and service and long-term contracts into an optional European code. The book is organised along three major avenues: the systematic arrangement of a contract law code - how it deals with core questions of formation and performance or breach of contract, such as mistake and misrepresentation, standard contract terms, and remedies in the case of breach of contract; the apparent necessity to merge consumer contract law (i.e., such issues as product safety and liability, warranties, and consumer debt and insolvency) with traditional core contract law concepts; and, the importance to substantive contract law of the pre-contractual phase, in which information duties are becoming steadily more paramount. The authors' perspectives cover a wide range of jurisdictions, including new EU Member States. The book's overall commitment to an integration of comparative law, EC law, and the debate on European codification gives it both an authority and an immediacy that offer interested practitioners and academics fertile ground for the development of a new model of contract law that is more than a common denominator of what has been in force so far, a model which might serve as a basis for Europe-wide and perhaps even worldwide discussion.

Everything you need from your Contract Law textbook in one leading text. Elliott & Quinn's Contract Law, 12th edition is the leading text for law students, coming from an expert author team known for making the subject easy to understand without compromising on academic rigour. This accessible textbook provides a straightforward coverage of the fundamental legal principles of the subject. It also presents an in-depth discussion of all key cases and their principles, prompting you to practice and apply them to exam-style questions, giving you the opportunity to understand how the law operates in the real world. The book also encourages you to develop your own views on the effectiveness of the current laws and get an overview of future reform options. The latest edition also includes: A new 'The Bigger Picture' feature that highlights the legal issues behind high-profile news stories, helping you to see the real-world application of the law. New essay and problem questions, with answer guidance also available online to support your revision. Revamped end of chapter summaries, for easy revision. Free access to a companion website with additional resources to support your study, available at www.pearsoned.co.uk/elliottquinn. With a plethora of useful study features and case examples, this text offers the knowledge and support you need to excel in your course.

This book charts the significant increase in Britain over the last 25 years in the deployment of contract as a regulatory mechanism across a broad spectrum of social relationships. Since Labour came to power in 1997 the trend has accelerated, the use of contract spreading beyond the sphere of economics into public administration and social policy. The 'new public contracting' is the term given this distinctive mode of governance, characterized by the delegation of contractual powers and responsibilities to public agencies in regulatory frameworks preserving central government controls and powers of intervention. In many cases the contracts are not legally enforceable, their power as regulatory instruments deriving from the hierarchical authority relations in which they are embedded. Examples of the new public contracting include the regulation of relationships between government departments through Public Service Agreements and Framework Documents; the regulation of relationships between individual citizens and the state through Youth Offender Contracts, Parenting Contracts, and Jobseekers Agreements; the funding of public infrastructure projects through Public Private Partnerships; and the restructuring of key public service sectors such as health, social care and education through contracts in competitive quasi-markets, reflecting the Government's privatization agenda. The book critically analyzes and evaluates such contractual arrangements with reference to theories of relational contract and responsive regulation. It argues that while in business and other private relations contract routinely enables the parties to regulate and adjust their on-going relationships to mutual benefit, this is often not the case in the new public contracting. In many instances crucial elements of trust, voluntariness, and reciprocity are shown to be lacking. This and other weaknesses in regulatory design are likely to impede the attainment of the Government's policy objectives. The book demonstrates the problems of ineffectiveness and lack of legitimacy generally associated with this mode of regulation, and specifies institutional and other conditions that need to be satisfied for the more responsive governance of these public service functions.

Ideas are the fuel of industry and the entertainment business. Likewise, manufacturers receive suggestions for new products or improvements to existing products, and retailers frequently receive ideas for new marketing campaigns. Many ideas are not new and may be used by anyone without the risk of incurring any legal liability, but some ideas are novel and valuable. If the originator of a potentially useful idea does not have the financial resources to exploit the idea, he or she may submit it to another, with the expectation of receiving compensation if the idea is used. Although an extensive body of intellectual property law exists to protect the rights of inventors, authors, and businesses that own valuable brands or confidential proprietary information, raw ideas receive no protection. Nevertheless, the originator of a potentially useful and marketable idea is not without legal recourse. The courts have developed, through a long line of common law precedents, legal protection for novel and concrete ideas under certain circumstances. The originator of an idea can rely on contract law, whereby the recipient may expressly or impliedly agree to pay for the idea. Alternatively, if the idea is disclosed in confidence, its unauthorized use by the recipient allows the originator of the idea to recover compensation. Finally, some courts have treated the ownership of ideas as quasi-property rights.

This collection of essays provides a rich and contemporary discussion of the principle of pacta sunt servanda. This principle, which requires that valid agreements are to be honoured, is a cornerstone of contract law. Focusing on contributions from Asia, this book shows that, despite its natural and universal appeal, the pacta sunt servanda principle is neither absolute nor immutable. Exceptions to the binding force of contract must be available in limited circumstances to avoid hardship and unfairness. This book offers readers new comparative perspectives on the appropriate balance between contractual certainty and flexibility in an era of social instability. Expert authors, mostly from East and Southeast Asia, explore when their domestic legal systems allow exceptions from the binding force of contracts. Doctrines discussed include impossibility, frustration, change of circumstance, force majeure, illegality as well as rights of withdrawal. Other chapters consider the importance of the pacta principle in international law. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic feature strongly in the majority of contributions.

In its case law, the European Court of Human Rights has acknowledged that national courts are bound to give effect to Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) which sets out the right to private and family life, when they rule on controversies between private individuals. Article 8 of the ECHR has thus been accorded mittelbare Drittwirkung or indirect a ~third-partya (TM) effect in private law relationships.

The German law of privacy, centring on the "allgemeines PersAnlichkeitsrecht," has quite a long history, and the influence of the European Court of Human Rightsa (TM) interpretation of the ECHR has led to a strengthening of privacy protection in the German law. This book considers how English courts could possibly use and adapt structures adopted by the German legal order in response to rulings from the European Court of Human Rights, to strengthen the protection of privacy in the private sphere.

There is an urgent need to better understand the legal issues pertaining to alternative dispute resolution (ADR), particularly in relation to mediation clauses. Despite the promotion of mediation by dispute resolution providers, policy makers, and judges, use of mediation remains low. In particular, problems arise when parties lack certainty regarding the legal effect of a mediation clause, and the potential uncertainty regarding the binding nature of agreements to pursue mediation is problematic and threatens the growth of ADR. This book closely examines the importance and complexity of mediation clauses in commercial contracts to remedy this persistent uncertainty. Using comparative law methods and detailed empirical research, it explores the creation of a comprehensive framework for the mediation clause. Providing valuable insight into the process of ADR and mediation, this book will be of interest to academics, law makers, law students, in-house council, lawyers, as well as parties interesting in drafting enforceable mediation clauses.

Since the introduction of the European Unfair Contract Terms Directive (UCTD), there have been far-reaching developments in the digital landscape which have significantly altered the nature of consumer contracts. This timely book examines the changes that have taken place since the advent of the UCTD and analyses the challenges that they pose for consumers entering online standard form contracts today. Illuminating the ways in which digital technology has revolutionised markets and caused a growing number of traders to transition to online business models, Unfair Contract Terms in the Digital Age assesses how the modern contracting landscape adversely impacts consumers. Chapters explore the manifold risks of digitalisation, addressing issues from the lack of transparency of website terms and conditions to the new reach of mass market operators exerting control over European consumers. Against the backdrop of this digital transformation, the book evaluates the key features of the UCTD, questioning whether the Directive can adequately protect Europe's online consumers and counter the perils of unfair terms in standard form contracts. This cutting-edge book is an invaluable resource for scholars and students of consumer law, regulation, and public policy. Policy-makers in EU institutions will also benefit from its assessment of unfair terms law in the digital era.

This book examines the nature of pre-contractual liability in English and French law and the extent to which the arguments of risk determine the imposition of liability during the negotiation process. The book is divided into three parts. Dr Giliker first examines potential contractual liability, followed by a study of liability outside contract, namely in the fast-growing law of restitution, "enrichissement sans cause, tort, delict and the equitable doctrine of estoppel. The final part deals with proposals for reform and draws a number of conclusions, highlighting, in particular, the policy influences on the law. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of both systems, Dr Giliker reviews the relevant legal authority and academic literature in this field, focusing on the difficult, but practically important, question of liability for services performed in anticipation of a contract. The book offers a comprehensive picture of the current legal position in England and France and a fresh perspective on this commercially significant area of law, which is likely to be of relevance to anyone interested in this area of law or in obligations law in general.

Contract Law is designed to provide coverage of the fundamental legal principles at play in this area. Written in the authors' trademark clear and engaging style and incorporating a range of student-focused features, the book also introduces critical and contextual analysis to help you to develop your own critique and deepen your understanding of the law of contract.

This text reviews and analyzes how all parties to the construction process, from specialist sub-contractors and main contractors, to developers and funders and their respective lawyers, have adapted to the changes in the construction industry. There is advice on claims practice and tactics, how to minimize the finacial risks of pursuing a claim and what the courts or arbitrators expect both parties to have done to resolve the dispute.

This book examines claims involving unjust enrichment and public bodies in France,England and the EU. Part 1 explores the law as it now stands in England and Wales as a result of cases such as Woolwich EBS v IRC, those resulting from the decision of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Metallgesellschaft and Hoechst v IRC and those involving Local Authority swaps transactions. So far these cases have been viewed from either a public or a private law perspective, whereas in fact both branches of the law are relevant, and the author argues that the courts ought not to lose sight of the public law issues when a claim is brought under the private law of unjust enrichment, or vice versa. In order to achieve this a hybrid approach is outlined which would allow the law access to both the public and private law aspects of such cases. Since there has been much discussion, particularly in the context of public body cases, of the relationship between the common law and civilian approaches to unjust enrichment, or enrichment without cause, Part 2 considers the French approach in order to ascertain what lessons it holds for England and Wales. And finally, as the Metallgesellschaft case itself makes clear, no understanding of such cases can be complete without an examination of the relevant EU law. Thus Part 3 investigates the principle of unjust enrichment in the European Union and the division of labour between the European and the domestic courts in the ECJ's so-called 'remedies jurisprudence'. In particular it examines the extent to which the two relevant issues, public law and unjust enrichment, are defined in EU law, and to what extent this remains a task for the domestic courts. Cited with approval in the Court of Appeal by Beatson, LJ in Hemming and others v The Lord Mayor and Citizens of Westminster, [2013] EWCA Civ 5912 Cited with approval in the Supreme Court by Lord Walker, in Test Claimants in the Franked Investment Income Group Litigation (Appellants) v Commissioners of Inland Revenue and another [2012] UKSC 19

First Published in 2000. Where a well-run society should rest on the continuum between public and private control has been the most contentious and thorny issue of legal and social theory throughout the generations. This series sets out to provide answers to this ongoing dispute contained in the five volumes of material assembled. The collection draws from many disciplines, including economics, law, philosophy and political science. Yet they are all directed to a topic that is worthy of examination from multiple perspectives: Liberty, Property and the Law.

The Joint Contracts Tribunal's Standard Form of Building Contract is the most common contract used in the UK to procure building work. Understanding it is a core part of any construction student's degree and a vital part of the working life of professionals in the construction industry. 'The JCT98 Building Contract' works through the contract systematically explaining it in easy-to-follow language, covering all contract issues thoroughly and illustrating with case law examples the current situation and latest amendments. It is ideal reading for both the student of construction and the professional seeking to update their knowledge.

- Provides new Law students with a step-by-step guide to answering a key form of assessment. - Accessibly written so will suit both domestic and international students studying Law for the first time. - Includes extensive pedagogical assistance with tasks to reinforce learning at each step in the process.

Volume one of this set of two texts presents a detailed exposition of the relevant EC rules in contract law that are applicable throughout the European Union, regardless of the national law of the contract. No commentary has been added to the text, which should be regarded as an account of the present state of the law. The use of EC regulations and directives in private law is a relatively novel concept. A growing body of EC legislation has been adopted with a view to determining various contractual obligations which must be complied with. The book is divided into seven chapters, each covering a separate aspect of contractual relations. In each of these chapters, the content reflects as closely as possible the precise wording of the EC legislation, together with the precise wording of any relevant dicta of the European Court of Justice. The legislation relating to matters which are not strictly contractual, such as intellectual property, company law and taxation, have been excluded. Where legislation has been amended by subsequent treaties, regulations or directives, the amendments are incorporated in the text. The legislation in this volume is that which is available and published in the Official Journal of the European Communities as at 1 May 1997.

This edited collection is an interdisciplinary and international collaborative book that critically investigates the growing phenomenon of Indigenous-industry agreements - agreements that are formed between Indigenous peoples and companies involved in the extractive natural resource industry. These agreements are growing in number and relevance, but there has yet to be a systematic study of their formation and implementation. This groundbreaking collection is situated within frameworks that critically analyze and navigate relationships between Indigenous peoples and the extraction of natural resources. These relationships generate important questions in the context of Indigenous-industry agreements in diverse resource-rich countries including Australia and Canada, and regions such as Africa and Latin America. Beyond domestic legal and political contexts, the collection also interprets, navigates, and deploys international instruments such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in order to fully comprehend the diverse expressions of Indigenous-industry agreements. Indigenous-Industry Agreements, Natural Resources and the Law presents chapters that comprehensively review agreements between Indigenous peoples and extractive companies. It situates these agreements within the broader framework of domestic and international law and politics, which define and are defined by the relationships between Indigenous peoples, extractive companies, governments, and other actors. The book presents the latest state of knowledge and insights on the subject and will be of value to researchers, academics, practitioners, Indigenous communities, policymakers, and students interested in extractive industries, public international law, Indigenous rights, contracts, natural resources law, and environmental law.

Tunnelling is a high risk business. Success depends crucially on the nature of the ground through which the tunnel is being driven. The cost of a thorough site investigation is usually only a small fraction of the cost of the construction work but this crucial phase of a project is often given too low a priority. This text provides a review of tunnelling contracts, particularly those for sewerage and drainage tunnels. It reviews site investigation methods, contract preparation and tender evaluation, tunnel costruction, claims and records, and the post-construction phase. Examples of good and bad practice of site investigation and other aspects of tunnelling are given, and the text is supported by over 500 references. Supplementary information in the second part of the book expands on particular aspects such as ground vibration and noise. Among other topics covered are quality assurance, rock properties and testing, pollution, permeability and dewatering.

In August 2006, the third Australian Obligations Conference was hosted in Brisbane by the TC Beirne School of Law. The theme of the Conference was Justifying Private Law Remedies. This book contains a number of the papers delivered at that Conference, presented under several categories but all dealing with the fundamental issue of justification: General Concepts; Performance; Compensation; Punishment; and Restitution and Disgorgement.The authors are largely drawn from the legal academy, and include Canadian, Australian, British and New Zealand scholars. The collection will be of interest to all those concerned with the role, nature and place of remedies in the private law of the common law world.This book examines the wider role and function of the law of remedies. The contributors are leading scholars from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Britain. It will be of interest to contract, tort and restitution law scholars.

Volume two of this set of two texts brings together all the EC legislation which the general commercial contract lawyer would normally require. The legislation relating to matters which are not strictly contractual, such as intellectual property, company law and taxation, have been excluded. Where legislation has been amended by subsequent treaties, regulations or directives, the amendments are incorporated in the text. The legislation in this volume is that which is available and published in the Official Journal of the European Communities as at 1 May 1997.

This work examines in detail the English doctrine of anticipatory breach, a hugely important subject in terms of both contract theory and commercial practice. It fills a significant gap in the existing literature with a comprehensive, systematic and in-depth treatment of the subject. The book not only restates the doctrine of anticipatory breach but also rejuvenates it, developing the proposition that the doctrine is essentially a mechanism for sanctioning present contractual remedies for future breaches. This proposition is developed in four parts consisting of nine chapters, which cover between them various aspects of the doctrine of anticipatory breach: historical genesis, theoretical characterisations, terminology, the constitution of an anticipatory breach, the defence of anticipated breach, the principle of election, the peculiarities of a right to claim damages, the assessment of damages, the victim's ability to continue with its performance and to claim the contract price when it is due, etc. Above all the book presents a carefully engineered critical review of the doctrine of anticipatory breach as it stands, challenging the misconceptions with which it was historically associated, the obscurity and precariousness of its theoretical foundation and the resulting inconsistency and inflexibility in its application. Instead, the author argues for a reformulation which follows a more rational, coherent and refined theoretical framework. This book is written in clear, straightforward language, and will appeal to academics, practitioners and law students alike.

Written with the busy practitioner in mind, this concise and insightful book sets out the principles that guide the courts in interpreting contracts. Each principle is covered in its own dedicated chapter, supported by case law which illustrates how the principle works in practice and in its wider context. In addition to interpretation of contracts, the book also considers the implication of terms, rectification, and estoppel by convention. This new edition considers the implications of key decisions of the Supreme Court in Arnold v Britton and Marks & Spencer v BNP Paribas, and BNY Mellon v LBG Capital. Other writing, including from judges writing extra-judicially, is also analysed. This book provides an invaluable reference for lawyers drafting, interpreting and litigating on contracts.