This book adopts a principled approach to the law applied in the construction of commercial contracts. This approach is presented as part of a coherent theory of the law of contract construction which makes a unique contribution to scholarship and understanding of the most important aspect of the practice of commercial lawyers. The law is explained by reference to three stages in construction. It distinguishes the preliminary stage in which context is established, from the 'meaning' and 'application' stages of contract construction. The approach provides insights both into the practical problems that lawyers face, in particular in relation to admissibility of extrinsic evidence, and the theoretical underpinnings of the subject. The book also explains the relationship between intention and construction, and discusses general and specific rules that determine the results of construction disputes. Each chapter is introduced by statements of its objectives and the book includes simple definitions of key concepts, as well as summaries of the complex principles which comprise the law of construction. In illustrating construction principles and their application, the exposition of the law draws on the author's knowledge of Australian contract law and the influence and role of the UNIDROIT principles, CISG and the American Restatement (Second) Contracts.

This Second Edition focuses on the commercial issues of contracting, covering the lifespan of a contract in four stages: inception of need, bid and award, administration, termination. Written from the owners' perspective, it is appropriate for construction managers and contract administrators. New material includes the effects of the computer on construction management practices, the risks and rewards of cross-border contracts and the role of the lawyer.

Most construction lawyers are familiar with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC) forms of agreements, and the newer ConsensusDOCS forms. The ConsensusDocs forms replace many of the forms previously issued by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Now completely revised, this invaluable resource offers a topic-by-topic comparison of these forms by providing: - An easy-reference guide to how the AIA, ConsensusDOCS and EJCDC forms treat the most significant issues in owner/contractor/subcontractor and owner/design professional agreements - Proposed alternative language for situations where the form contract approach may not provide the best solution - List comparing the most significant provisions from each of these forms (on the CD-ROM)

"Annotated analysis and comparison of the AI, ConsensusDocs, and EJCDC contract forums"--

International Arbitration Law Library, Volume Number 57 Collaboration between multiple parties from different countries is one of the main challenges of almost every international undertaking, and this is especially true in the case of large and complex construction projects, such as airport terminals, interchange subway stations, distribution centers, industrial processing and manufacturing facilities or hydropower plants. This comprehensive analysis of key legal issues arising from interdependencies between multiple contracts methodically lays out, from a Swiss law perspective, the way in which coordination of works in construction projects could or should occur. It also examines the legal consequences of coordination failure and various related aspects of dispute resolution. Topics covered include the following: interfaces and interdependencies across the system boundaries of multiple contracts coordination responsibilities derived from the principle of good faith and from a contextual interpretation of interdependence-related FIDIC Red Book provisions; delegation scenarios; liability for breach of contract and legal remedies in case of delay, disruption, defects, destruction and performance impossibility; direct claims against third parties; taking of evidence under substantively intertwined contracts; and coordination of interrelated arbitration proceedings. The detailed analysis draws on numerous specific real-life examples as well as illustrative Swiss and Unites States case law. An appendix offers very useful practice pointers. Although considering Swiss law, which is a frequent choice for the law governing international construction contracts, the analysis deals with an array of conceptual aspects of multiple contracts and coordination, thereby addressing a great number of issues beyond the limits of national law. With its practical examples, the book is sure to be welcomed by those seeking to avoid or resolve disputes to which project coordination may give rise. It will prove of particular value to practitioners negotiating international construction contracts, arbitrators, in-house counsel representing owners and contractors involved in international construction projects, members of dispute review boards and project managers.

This book explores commercial contract law in scholarship and legal practice, suggests new research agendas and provides a forum for debate of typical issues that might benefit from further attention by scholarship and legislatures. The authors from over ten different jurisdictions take an international and comparative approach. Not confined to EU law it re-opens the debate internationally and seeks to reclaim the wider meaning of European law as rooted in geography and cultural legal heritage. There is a need to focus on commercial contracts in more detail in research and legislation. The transactional approach, the role of recent law reform, including the new French Civil Code, cross-border dealings, substantive contract law in public international law and ICSID arbitration as well as current contractual practices like OEM, CSR, contractual co-operation, sustainability and intra-corporate arbitration contribute to a wider regulatory outlook for commercial transactions.