Contract Law as Fairness

31 Pages Posted: 15 Nov 2013

See all articles by Josse G. Klijnsma

Josse G. Klijnsma

University of Amsterdam - Centre for the Study of European Contract Law (CSECL)

Date Written: November 14, 2013

Abstract

This article examines the implications of Rawls’ theory, justice as fairness, for contract law. It argues that contract law as an institution is part of the basic structure of society and as such subject to the principles of justice. Discussing the basic structure in relation to contract law is particularly interesting because it is instructive for both contract law as well as Rawlsian theory. On the one hand, justice as fairness has clear normative implications for the institution of contract law. On the other hand, this discussion forces us to critically assess the meaning and appeal of the concept of a basic structure in justice as fairness.

Keywords: contract law, fairness, Rawls' theory, justice, basic structure

JEL Classification: K12

Suggested Citation

Klijnsma, Josse G., Contract Law as Fairness (November 14, 2013). Centre for the Study of European Contract Law Working Paper Series No. 2013-13, Amsterdam Law School Research Paper No. 2013-70, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2354376

Josse G. Klijnsma (Contact Author)

University of Amsterdam - Centre for the Study of European Contract Law (CSECL) ( email )

P.O. Box 1030
Amsterdam, 1000 BA
Netherlands

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