Reflections

The ACC project rested on the hypothesis that codes of broad principles have greater utility than case law doctrine. However, we realised that assertions about utility need to be backed up by empirical evidence. This led us to our next major research project, Models of Contract Law I.

Further reflection based on our Concordance of the contract laws of China, USA, EU and Russia, suggests that an effective global code may require 50 - 75 Articles.

The idea of codifying contract law has persisted in common law countries despite opposition, and has won new adherents outside the common law world, most notably China. Our submission, along with others, to the House Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs inquiry in to the Harmonisation of Legal Systems led to a recommendation that the Australian states should undertake an investigation into the development and implementation of a national contract code (paras 4.186 - 4.204).