Contract Law

Networks as Connected Contracts Edited with an Introduction by Hugh Collins

Edited by Gunther Teubner · Hugh Collins
Hart Publishing May 2011

Specifications

ISBN-13
9781849461740
Publisher
Hart Publishing
Publication
May 2011
Format
Hardback
Jurisdiction
U.K. ? Countri(es) for reference only

Details

Business networks consist of independent businesses that enter into interrelated contracts, conferring on the parties many of the benefits of co-ordination achieved through vertical integration in a single firm, without creating a single integrated business such as a corporation or partnership.

Retail franchises are one such example of a network, but the most common instance is a credit card transaction between a customer, retailer, and the issuer of the card. How should the law analyse this hybrid economic phenomenon? It is neither exactly a market relationship - because that overlooks the co-ordination, relational qualities and interdependence of the contracts - but nor is it a type of business association or company, because it lacks a centralised co-ordinating authority that receives the residual profits.

This book is Gunther Teubner's classic work on networks, translated by Michelle Everson, setting out his novel legal concept of 'connected contracts'. In it he explains how this concept addresses the problems posed by networks, such as the question whether the network as a whole can be held legally responsible for damage that it causes to third parties such as customers.

A substantial introduction by Hugh Collins explains the analysis of networks in the context of German law and the systems theory from which Teubner approaches the topic. The introduction also explores how far the concept of connected contracts might assist in the common law world, including the UK and the USA, to address the same problems that arise in cases involving networks.

As well as making a contribution to comparative law and legal theory, the book will be of interest to scholars interested in contract law, commercial law and the law of business associations.

Out of stock
This title is currently unavailable for purchase.
  • Free HK shipping over HK$1,000
  • International shipping to 35+ countries

Recommended

You may also be interested in these books:

More titles from Contract Law

View all