Introduction To European Contract Law

Timetable

Suggested date for classes: Mondays at 15.00 - 16.30.

(The date may change)

Module aim (aims)

The aim of this module is to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles of contract law, particularly European contract law. The student should know the characteristics of European contract law and the main traditions of contract law in Europe.

The module will also provide students with a solid understanding of the concept, scope and sources of contract law.

The student should understand the formation of contract and the consequences of the contractual process.

The student should know how the obligation is performed. The student should be able to identify the remedies available to the injured party. In particular, the student should know the remedies available to consumers.

The student should know the characteristics of the main contracts, including the fundamental rights and obligations of the parties. In particular, the student should be able to determine the legal position of the parties to a sales contract, a service contract and a lease (rent) contract.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Basic knowledge of civil law.

Syllabus

Week 1: Obligation – definition and sources

Week 2: Formation of contract

Week 3-4: Performance and discharge

Week 5-6: Liability for non-performance and defective performance

Week 7: Consumer protection

Week 8-9: Main contracts: sales, services, rent

Week 10: Exam

Reading list

von Bar Ch.,  Clive E. (eds.), Principles, definitions and model rules of European Private Law: Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR). Vol. 1-6, Munich 2006.

Burrows A., A casebook on contract, Oxford 2009.

Chen-Wishart M., Contract law, Oxford 2012.

Dajczak W., Nieborak T., Wiliński P. (eds.), Foundations of law: the Polish perspective, Warszawa 2021.

Graziano Th., Comparative contract law: cases, materials and exercises, Basingstoke 2009.

Grundmann S., Mazeaud D., General clauses and standards in European Contract Law: Comparative Law, EC Law and Contract Law Codification, The Hague 2006.

Hogg M., Promises and contract law: comparative perspectives, Camkbridge 2014.

Klass G., Letsas G., Saprai P., Philosophical foundations of contract law, Oxford 2016.

O'Sullivan J., Hilliard J., The law of contract, Oxford 2010.

---

Newer editions are of course wolcome.

---

Additional materials will be provided during the course.