Contract Law and Theory

This theoretical exploration of Contract Law has very practical implications. By focusing initially on theory, students develop a framework for analyzing and predicting the outcome of contract disputes. Working from that framework, students gain an understanding of the lawyer's counseling and drafting functions so as to avoid future contract disputes. In order to meet their pedagogical objectives, the authors employ the following features and / or themes:

• Overview chapter presents the issues, methods, theory, and basic doctrines of modern contract law, serving as both a framework for analysis as well as a preview of subsequent chapters.

• Many chapters contain introductory essays that present some of the basic doctrines and theoretical approaches covered in the chapter. Additional essays within each chapter sharpen the focus on the particular doctrines discussed in each section.

• Extensive Note sections encourage students to integrate theory and doctrine in specific contexts.

• Contract rules are evaluated using a functional approach so that students consider the underlying purposes and policy goals.