Unexpected circumstances in European Contract Law

The recent financial crisis has questioned whether existing contracts may be adapted, terminated or renegotiated as a result of unexpected circumstances. The question is not a new one. In medieval times the notion of clausula rebus sic stantibus was developed to cope with such situations, and Germany introduced the theory of Wegfall der Geschäftsgrundlage. In England, the Coronation cases provided one possible answer. This comparative study explores the possibility of classifying jurisdictions as 'open' or 'closed' in this regard.

Contents:

Part I:
1. Introduction
2. Legal history
3. Law and economics

Part II. The Case Studies: 4. Questionnaire
5. Overview: concepts dealing with unexpected circumstances
6. The case studies

Part III. General Comparative Remarks.