Peter Gillies and Alex Low The Contract Law of China – A Comparative Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 344-373
Author(s):  
Mitja Kovac ◽  
Cristina Poncibò

Abstract The problem of excuse for non-performance of contracts caused by changed circumstances is, despite its long history in contract law scholarship, far from being resolved. This paper is based on the dialogue between two colleagues from different academic backgrounds and comparatively investigates German, French, Italian and English approaches and current developments in the field. First, the paper questions whether the doctrine of changed circumstances (or imprévision) remains a mere exception, or whether it is possible to argue that, by considering the latest developments, it may represent a model in European contract law. This issue has recently attracted the attention of the French legislature in its modernization of the Code Civil. Second, by examining the many different national doctrines, the paper aims to reconstruct and clarify, through comparative analysis performed, the conceptual framework of such a theory by discussing, in particular, issues of contract interpretation, presupposition, causation, good faith, fairness and solidarity.


Author(s):  
Hein Kötz

This new edition of European Contract Law examines the contract rules of several different European jurisdictions, including the most important civilian systems and English common law, while attempting to articulate general principles which are common in all of them. While the first edition was limited to a comparative analysis of the rules on formation and validity of contracts, agency, third party beneficiaries, and assignment, the second edition now also includes contractual remedies and various updates and revisions of the first edition, especially in light of the recent changes to the French Code civil. Furthermore, the book comprises a wealth of translated extracts of legislation, cases, and academic literature, comprehensively covering all aspects of contract law. The book was originally published in German to considerable acclaim. This English edition has been translated by Gill Mertens, building on the work done by the translator of the first edition, Tony Weir. This edition will be invaluable to scholars and practitioners in Europe and beyond.


2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 487-532
Author(s):  
Malgorzata Karolina Chmielewska

This study compares the methods used both in common law and civil law jurisdictions to deal with the basic problems relating to the documentary letter of credit. A unique commercial device was thus developed in international trade as a means of ensuring safe and swift payment for goods. Even though this distinct mechanism works efficiently in practice, the numerous attempts made to classify it legally have been unsuccessful. A comparative analysis of the legal conceptualizations traditionally used to explain the nature of credit reveals apparent shortcomings in contractual theories. Because the basis of the documentary credit appears to be an abstract promise to pay, this phenomenon seems to break through the conceptual framework of traditional contract law theory. This is due to the fact that the process of forming the credit does not fit into the ordinary offer-acceptance formula. Yet, the easiest solution—the credit as a "mercantile specialty" or a "sui generis contract"—avoids facing the true challenge of our era, which is re-thinking the concept of "contracts" under modern laws. Legal debates should be directed in a more functional direction in order to provide satisfactory theoretical grounds for providing solutions to obvious, but still unanswered questions such as why people ought to keep their promises and why only some of those promises are likely to be legally enforced. It seems that, in this regard, documentary credit would be a convenient "guinea pig" for most contemporary concepts relating to the law of contracts.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-190
Author(s):  
Mahmoud M. Dodeen

Abstract This study explores Islamic law’s position towards the compensation of natural and juridical persons for moral damage within the scope of contractual liability in view of divergent and unclear legal and judicial opinions in Arab countries. One line of argument makes a distinction in the approach to tort and contractual liability. As a result, courts have been influenced by these opinions. In contrast, other jurists have not taken great pains to reach a different discretion in search of the truth. To enrich this study, to ensure a sound interpretation of the true situation, and in an attempt to draw a closer link between the positions of Islamic law and Latin law, the study provides a comparison between the civil codes of three Arab countries: Palestine, Jordan and Qatar.


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