Unfair Terms in Contracts and the Possibility of Invoking Tort Law Rules

Document Type : Scientific Research

Authors

1 Professor of Jurisprudence and Law, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran.

2 PhD in Private Law, Razavi University of Islamic Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 PhD in Jurisprudence and Fundamentals of Islamic Law, University of Tehran, Tehran Iran.

Abstract

One of the fundamental principles in various legal systems is the principle of freedom of will and, consequently, freedom of contract. Alongside this, justice and fairness are also considered essential principles in contracts. Sometimes, the stronger party in a contract, abusing their position, imposes unfair terms on the other party, disrupting the balance of the contract and potentially leading to significant harm to the weaker party. One area where this problem is clearly evident is in terms related to compensation for damages. This research, with an analytical-comparative approach and using a descriptive-analytical method, seeks to answer the main question of whether it is possible to invoke strict liability rules in such situations to establish justice and fairness in contracts. The research findings indicate that in cases where contractual terms are unfair, strict liability rules can be used to compensate the injured party. This conclusion is based on various rules and institutions, including the rule of justice and fairness, the rule of no harm, the option of rescission due to fraud, the theory of abuse of rights, and the rule of non-disruption of the system. In fact, these rules and institutions act as tools to control and combat unfair terms and establish justice in contracts. Therefore, invoking strict liability rules in unfair contracts is not only possible but also necessary. This can help establish justice and fairness in contracts and prevent the violation of individuals' rights.

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Main Subjects

References

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