Introduction to Swiss Contract Law

Christoph Müller

doi:10.1017/9781108368667.004

3 - Introduction to Swiss Contract Law

from Part I - Introduction

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 July 2023

Christoph Müller

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Christoph Müller: Affiliation:
Université de Neuchâtel, Switzerland

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Summary

This chapter provides an introduction to Swiss contract law. It discusses the Code of Obligations as the main source of law, the fundamental principles of Swiss contract law, the notion of an obligation as the effect of the contract, the formation of contracts, including pre-contractual liability, as well as the notions of offer and acceptance. This chapter then turns to the principles applicable to the interpretation of contracts and the principles governing the validity of contracts. This chapter further discusses the notion of agency, general terms and conditions as well as the various categories of contracts found under Swiss law. This chapter moreover explores the significant issues of the performance of the contract and breach of contract. Finally, this chapter analyses the extinguishment of obligations as well as the concepts of the assignment of a claim and the assumption of debt.

Keywords

Principles of contract law obligations formation interpretation validity agency general terms and conditions performance breach assignment of a claim assumption of debt

Type: Chapter
Information: Swiss Contract Law in International Commercial Arbitration
A Commentary
, pp. 15 - 164

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108368667.004 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2023

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