UCL CLP: In support of an English Contract Code

Current Legal Problems Lecture Series 2013-14 

In support of an English Contract Code
by
Prof. Andrew Tettenborn (Swansea)

Chaired by The Rt Hon Lord Justice Longmore

Thursday 16 January 2014
from 6 - 7pm 

Abstract
English contract law enjoys an enormous degree of rational strength, together with a practical and down-to-earth approach which is the envy of many civilian systems (and, of course, an attraction for business people for whom it exists). In doctrine and comprehensibility, however, its record is less impressive, as anyone will testify who has struggled to explain its workings in terms that make sense to a civilian audience. The aim of this lecture is to suggest that a codification of its rules from a purely English perspective would get rid of many of these difficulties, and would in addition avoid many of the problems inherent in proposals for a more or less pan-European codified contract law.

Biography of the speaker
Professor Andrew Tettenborn joined Swansea Law School and the Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law in 2010 having previously taught at the universities of Exeter (Bracton Professor of Law 1996-2010), Nottingham and Cambridge. Professor Tettenborn is a well-known scholar both in common law and continental jurisdictions. He has held visiting positions at Melbourne University, the University of Connecticut and at Case Law School, Cleveland, Ohio. He is author and co-author of books on torts, damages and maritime law, and of numerous articles and chapters on aspects of common law, commercial law and restitution.