Introduction to Contracts Law
Welcome to Contracts Law!
In this class you will be introduced to the basic concepts of Contracts: Basis for, and the scope and purpose of, the legal protection afforded contracts and the remedies by which that protection is secured. Includes mutual assent, the bargained-for exchange and substitutes for consideration, the statute of frauds, interpretation of contract language, the effect of changed circumstances, conditions, rights of third parties, assignment, and measures of recovery in event of breach. The historical evolution of contract law, the Uniform Commercial Code, and other modern statutory developments.
The laws governing contracts are a mix of common law (judicial decisions) and statutes (legislation); the type of law that applies depends on the subject of the contract. If the contract doesn't deal with the sale of goods, then the rules laid out in the Restatement 2d, of Contracts will apply (this source restates basic principles of common law contracts). If the contract does deal with the sale of goods, then the rules in the Uniform Commercial Code will apply. The exception to this is if both parties are in different countries and both countries have ratified the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).
This research guide is a supplement to, not a substitution for, any materials which your Contracts Law professor requires or recommends. This guide identifies various materials available to you, specifically:
- Study aids and Reserve materials:
- CALI, Lexis, and Westlaw study materials; and
- Location of major sources.
Finally, please see the 1L Guide for Orientation for general information about the Law Library, including maps, how to print, etc. If you have any questions, feel free to stop by the Law Library Research Services offices (235 - 239), email the librarians at lawref@scu.edu, or call them at (408) 554-4452.
