Relational theory, context and commercial common sense: views on contract interpretation and adjudication
Journal Article
2017-06-01
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Authors
Journal Title
South African Law Journal
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Volume Title
Publisher
Juta
Publisher
University of Cape Town
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Faculty
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Department of Commercial Law
Abstract
One of the key insights of relational contract theory is that context matters – in all contracts, but particularly in long-term commercial ones. The use of context in the interpretation of contracts appears to be on the rise in South Africa, in line with increased subjectivity in contract adjudication. Interesting parallels can be drawn with the shifting sands of contract interpretation in the UK, where contextualism is on the rise, but remains controversial. Indeed, even the concept of good faith is under discussion in English law, particularly with regard to relational contracts. Appropriate construction of the agreement seems to be the favoured approach to achieve results which make ‘commercial common sense’. This article will also draw on the English reception of relational contract theory. These comparative insights will then be applied in a discussion of the proper approach to South African contract adjudication, using a case study of the Everfresh case, which is a leading example of a post-constitutional relational contract dispute.
Description
Reference:
Andrew Hutchison ‘Relational theory, context and commercial common sense: views on contract interpretation and adjudication’ (2017) 134 SALJ 296-326.