Skript zum Common Law für Studienzwecke. Einfach aufbereitet, daher besser als unser Buch zum "English Legal system".
Genereller Stoff wie er an Hochschulen gelehrt wird.
Vom Dozenten erstellt, mit Hinweisen auf wichtige Passagen und Kriterien.
Ein Anhang befindet sich nicht anbei, dieser kann kostenlos über den Autor bezogen werden.
Vorliegender 2.Teil behandelt das Zivilrecht im Common Law (civil law) und gibt Auskunft über wesentliche Dinge wie z.B. die Geschäftsfähigkeit, Vertragsarten, den Kaufvertrag, Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen, das Schuldrecht und andere Bereich des Zivilrechts.
Der in kürze erscheinende 1.Teil bringt hingegen Aufschluss über das Common Law, die Gesetzgebung und Judikative im Common Law und in England.
Das vorliegende Skript ist ein Muss für Jura Studenten oder Studenten der BWL mit Bezug zum englischsprachigen Raum. Aber auch Juristen oder Rechtsanwälte können hieraus nützliche Informationen gewinnen.
Das Werk orientiert sich an wissenschaftlicher Lehre, es beinhaltet kein praktischen Beispiele aber wesentliche Entscheidungen der Gerichte (cases).
Es ist ein auf dem Case Law basierendes Leitwerk welches generell im Außenhandel und im internationalen Recht angewendet wird und somit zudem ein Muss für alle Akteure auf dem internationalen Käufermarkt (Verkäufermarkt). Die Rolle des Verbraucherschutzes und des Human Rights Act sind ebenso verdeutlicht, wie der Kaufvertrag und die Mängelrüge.
Ein Bild über die Gesetzgebung in England und den Vereinigten Staten von Amerika erhalten Sie hingegen in dem 1.Teil der Reihe.
Table of Contents
III. The English Civil Law
A. General
B. Civil Law and its components
1.0. Legal capacity
1.1. Necessaries
1.2. Beneficial commitments (duties)
1.3. Avoidable contracts
1.4. Guarantees
1.5. Persons of unsound mind, drunks
2.0. Conclusion of contracts
2.1. The offer
2.2. Contracts under seal
2.3. Simple contracts
2.4. Mailbox theory
2.5. Silence
3.0. Contents of contracts
1. Agreements and collateral agreements
a) Kinds of agreements
aa) Agreements define the rights and duties of the parties
aaa) expressed agreements
bbb) Implied agreements
b) Collateral agreements
2. Information requirements
2.1. Warranty/condition
a) Warranty
b) Condition
2.2. Mistake
2.3. Interpretation of the contract
3.0. Representation/Agency
a) Internal
b) Scope of representation
c) Agency for corporations
d) Ultra-vires theory
e) Registration
3.1. Contracts for the benefit of third parties (§ 328 BGB)
a) Restrictions before 1999
b) The new legal situation
3.2. Good faith
3.3. Grounds for contract termination
a) Termination due to impairment of performance
3.4. Liability for defects
3.5. Set off
4.0. Limitation of action
IV. Special law in civil law
1. Tort
a) Trespass
aa) Trespass to land
bb) trespass to goods
cc) trespass to a person
b) Conversion
c) Negligence
d) Other torts
e) Damage compensation
aa) General damages
bb) special damages
V. Criminal law
A. Criminal law-General
1. nulla poena sine lege
2. Criminal acts
a) actus reus
b) mens rea
3. criminal offences
4. Other offences
5. Penalty
6. Duress/Mistake/Self-Defence
B. Criminal law proceedings
a) Criminal prosecution
b) Jurisdiction
c) Warrant of Arrest
d) Summons
e) Committal proceedings
Objectives and Topics
This script serves as an educational guide to the English civil law system, focusing on its application in modern commercial and legal contexts, while highlighting key differences compared to continental European systems. It explores the foundational principles of contract law, the nuances of legal capacity, the intricacies of agency, and provides an overview of tort law and criminal law proceedings within the English legal framework.
- Legal capacity and contractual obligations for minors and individuals of unsound mind.
- Principles of contract conclusion, interpretation, and the distinction between warranties and conditions.
- Agency law, corporate representation, and the evolution of the ultra-vires theory.
- Frameworks for tort liability, including trespass, negligence, and damage compensation.
- Overview of English criminal law structures, offences, and procedural requirements.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1. Necessaries
In case of necessaries, a minor may effectively avail him-/herself of things, he/she benefits from.
►for the minor´s benefit
One of the peculiarities in English law is the concept of necessaries. According to section one of the Family Law Reform Act 1969, in connection with The Minor´s Relief Act 1987 (!! Sale of Goods Act 1979!!), necessaries are goods of an appropriate amount that a minor buys.
►(everyday commodities – clothes, food), goods are reasonable in price
The purchase may not rely on the minor, with the result that the contract may also be stopped and may not be challenged by the minor or its representatives.
►English law does not know contract invalidity or a permission of the representatives in such cases.
The payment claim does not arise from the contract itself but from the delivery of goods or provision of the service to the minor.
► A quasi-contractual claim according to the Sale of Goods Act, 1979 whereas it is written “Goods are suitable to the condition in life of the minor and to the actual requirements at the time of sale and delivery.”
Summary of Chapters
III. The English Civil Law: Introduces the foundational concepts of legal persons and entities, outlining how English law distinguishes between natural persons and legal constructs.
IV. Special law in civil law: Examines specific tort categories such as trespass, negligence, and conversion, while detailing the English approach to damage compensation.
V. Criminal law: Provides an overview of the English criminal justice system, covering offences, the principle of nullum crimen sine lege, and the procedural frameworks for prosecution.
Keywords
English Legal System, Civil Law, Contract Law, Legal Capacity, Necessaries, Consideration, Agency, Ultra-vires, Tort, Trespass, Negligence, Criminal Law, Crown Prosecution Service, Breach of Contract, Liability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this script?
This script focuses on providing students and learners with a clear understanding of the English civil law system and its practical application in modern legal environments.
Which central topics are discussed in the civil law section?
The civil law section covers legal capacity, the formation of contracts, interpretation methods, agency law, third-party rights, and grounds for contract termination.
What is the core objective of the work?
The main objective is to act as a teaching script for students in global courses (like international law or economics) by clearly explaining complex English legal concepts and distinguishing them from continental European legal traditions.
What methodology is used to explain the legal concepts?
The text employs a comparative approach, often highlighting differences between English law and the German Civil Code (BGB), supported by references to key statutes and landmark judicial decisions.
What does the main body of the work cover regarding criminal law?
The main body addresses general criminal law principles, specific offences like murder and theft, the roles of the Crown Prosecution Service, and procedural stages such as warrants, summons, and committal proceedings.
What are the characterizing keywords for this publication?
Key terms include English Legal System, Contract Law, Agency, Tort, Negligence, and Criminal Law, reflecting the document's comprehensive scope.
How does English law handle contracts involving minors?
English law differentiates contracts based on 'necessaries'—everyday commodities like food and clothing—which minors can effectively purchase, versus other contracts which may be avoidable or require ratification upon reaching the age of majority.
What is the significance of the "mailbox theory" in this context?
In English law, the mailbox theory establishes that acceptance of an offer is effective as soon as it is sent, providing a distinct procedural advantage to the sender compared to other jurisdictions.
How does the ultra-vires theory relate to corporations in English law?
Historically, the ultra-vires theory restricted corporate actions to their stated purpose in articles or memorandums; however, this has been largely superseded since 2006, granting companies unlimited capacity while maintaining internal accountability for directors.
What is the difference between "warranty" and "condition" in English contract law?
Warranties are guarantee promises where breach allows for compensation, whereas conditions are terms of major importance; if a condition is breached, the innocent party can treat the contract as discharged.
- Quote paper
- Michael Sack (Author), 2013, The English Legal System. Part II - The English Civil Law, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/268258
