The Reform of the French Law of Obligations: Les Jeux Sont Faits

Abstract

1 October 2016 was a historic date for French law. For the first time since the introduction of the French Civil Code in 1804, a fundamental reform of the codified law of obligations took place. This contribution discusses both the motives for and the contents of this reform. Particular attention is paid to the abolition of causa, the introduction of a rule on changed circumstances, the broadening of the scope of unfair contracts terms and the restraining of the action for specific performance. It is concluded that the reform does not achieve the aims that the French government has with it.

Keywords: Law of obligations, Contract law, French law, Codification, Causa