Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Theses – Contract law'

Thesis (LLM)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation examines the conclusion of contracts on the Internet in English and South African law on the one hand, and German law on the other. Because these legal systems have not developed specific rules for the formation of contracts by way of this medium of communication, the question is whether the traditional doctrines are adequate to the demands of tecnological innovation. The study accordingly proceeds from a detailed discussion of the traditional rules of offer and acceptance developed in each of the systems. To this end, the leading cases and of English and South African law are considered with an emphasis on the points of difference between the approach of the courts in these systems. Where there is uncertainty or different points of view, regard is had to the critical points of view of English and South African commentators. In respect of the codified German civil law, the authoritative provisions of the general part of the civil code are discussed against the background of the commentary of academic authors. An investigation of the technical structure of the Internet and the various methods of communication afforded by it, provides a foundation for an examination of the application of the general principles of the various legal systems to contract formation on the Internet. It is concluded that despite fundamental differences in the of approach of the systems under consideration, the general principles of each system are capable of application in the context of electronic contracting. The dissertation endeavours to develop proposals regarding adequate solutions to the problems typical of the process of contract formation on the Internet.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis is afgestem op die hantering van kontraksluiting op die Internet in die Engelse en Suid-Afrikaanse Reg aan die een kant, en die Duitse Reg aan die ander kant. Omrede geeneen van hierdie stelsels tot op hede spesifieke maatreëls daargestel het vir kontraksluiting deur middel van hierdie kommunikasiemiddel nie, is die vraag of tradisionele beginsels afdoende is met die oog op eise van die nuwe tegnologie. Die ondersoek gaan derhalwe uit van 'n behandeling van die tradisionele reëls van aanbod en aanname soos wat dit in elkeen van die stelsels ontwikkel het. Met die oog hierop, word sleutelvonnisse van die Engelse en Suid-Afrikaanse reg ontleed, veral dan ook met klem op verskille in die benadering van die howe in hierdie twee stelsels. In geval van onsekerheid en verskille van mening, word verwys na die kritiese standpunte van Engelse en Suid-Afrikaanse kommentatore. Met verwysing na die gekodifiseerde Duitse stelsel word die gesaghebbende bepalings van die Burgerlike Wetboek behandel teen die agtergrond van die kommentaar van Duitse akademiese skrywers. 'n Ontleding van die tegniese struktuur van die Internet en die verskillende kommunikasiemetodes wat dit bied, verskaf die grondslag vir 'n ondersoek na die toepaslikheid van die algemene beginsels aangaande kontraksluiting van die onderskeie regstelsels in die konteks van elektroniese kontraktering. Die gevolgtrekking is dat ten spyte van fundamentele verskille in benadering, die algemene beginsels van die verkillende stelsels wel aanwendbaar is in die nuwe omgewing. Die verhandeling poog om 'n bydrae te lewer tot die ontwikkeling van aanvaarbare oplossings tot die probleme wat tipies is aan kontraksluiting deur middel van die Internet.

Thesis (LLD (Mercantile Law))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: International sales contracts have very specific needs that stem from the multiplicity of legal systems which apply to such contracts. In addition to harmonised law, mercantile custom is able to address many of these needs. Mercantile custom represents usages which are clear, certain and efficient and are expected to be known and applied by merchants in a particular trade or region. To this extent mercantile custom fulfils an automatic harmonisation function. However, where a custom does not enjoy uniform application across all branches of trade, the harmonisation function of mercantile custom is limited, as is the case with trade terms. Trade terms reflect mercantile customs and usages which developed over a long time in order to simplify the trade in goods that are transported from one place to the other. They regulate the delivery obligations of the seller and buyer as well as associated obligations such as the passing of risk. Trade terms negate the need for elaborate contract clauses and appear in abbreviated form in contracts of sale. Although they provide a uniform expression of mercantile custom in a particular location or trade, the understanding of trade terms tend to differ from country to country, region to region or from one branch of trade to the next. The ICC INCOTERMS is an effort to standardise trade term definitions at the hand of the most consistent mercantile customs and practices. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficiency of INCOTERMS as a form of standardisation in international sales law. For purposes of the investigation the focus is limited to the passing of risk. Although national laws usually have a default risk regime in place, merchants still prefer to regulate risk by means of trade terms. This study will investigate the legal position in the case of FOB, CIF and DDU terms. An analysis of the risk regimes of a few selected national systems will show that each has their own understanding of these trade terms. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) does not refer to trade terms, but many commentators have concluded that the CISG risk rule is consistent with INCOTERMS. The study will discuss this in more detail. To determine the efficiency of INCOTERMS as a form of standardisation in international sales law, the study examines their characteristics, legal nature as well as their limited scope of regulation. Specific emphasis is placed on the interplay between the CISG and INCOTERMS and the possibility of some form of interaction and collaboration between the two instruments. It is concluded that collaboration between INCOTERMS and the CISG adds value to the international law of sales by increasing the efficiency of an international business transaction and thereby facilitating international trade.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Internasionale koopkontrakte het spesifieke behoeftes wat voortspruit uit die veelvoudigheid van regstelsels van toepassing op so ‘n kontrak. Baie van hierdie behoeftes kan aangespreek word deur geharmoniseerde regsreëls in samehang met handelsgewoontes en –gebruike. Handelsgewoontes verteenwoordig duidelike, seker en effektiewe gebruike. Daar word dus van handelaars wat in ‘n bepaalde bedryf of streek handel dryf, verwag om van hierdie gebruike kennis te neem en hulle toe te pas. In hierdie konteks vervul handelsgebruike ‘n outomatiese harmoniseringsfunksie. Waar ‘n gebruik nie eenvormig toegepas word oor alle bedrywe heen nie, is die harmoniseringsfunksie van handelsgebruike egter beperk. Handelsterme bied ‘n tipiese voorbeeld hiervan. Handelsterme verteenwoordig bepaalde handelsgewoontes en –gebruike wat oor ‘n geruime tyd ontwikkel het ten einde handel in goedere wat van een plek na die ander vervoer word, te vergemaklik. Hulle reguleer die leweringsverpligtinge van die verkoper en koper asook ander verpligtinge wat met lewering verband hou, soos byvoorbeeld die oorgang van risiko. Handelsterme doen weg met lang en omslagtige kontraksbedinge aangesien hulle in die vorm van afkortings in die kontrak figureer. Alhoewel handelsterme ‘n uniforme uitdrukking van gebruike in ‘n bepaalde gebied of bedryf verteenwoordig, is dit egter so dat die inhoud van handelsterme van land tot land, streek tot streek of van een tipe bedryf tot die ander verskil. INCOTERMS is ‘n poging om die inhoud van handelsterme te standaardiseer aan die hand van die mees eenvormige handelsgewoontes en –gebruike. Die doel van hierdie studie is om die effektiwiteit van INCOTERMS as ‘n vorm van standaardisering in die internasionale koopreg te ondersoek. Vir doeleindes van die ondersoek word die fokus beperk tot die oorgang van risiko. Al het nasionale regstelsels gewoonlik ‘n verstek risiko-reël in plek, verkies handelaars steeds om risiko by wyse van handelsterme te reguleer. Die studie ondersoek die regsposisie in die geval van FOB-, CIF-, en DDU-terme. ‘n Analise van risiko-regulering in ‘n aantal nasionale sisteme toon dat elk hul eie betekenis heg aan die inhoud van hierdie terme. Alhoewel die Weense Koopkonvensie geensins na handelsterme verwys nie, voer verskeie kommentatore aan dat die Konvensie se risiko-bestel verenigbaar is met dié van INCOTERMS en sal hierdie aspek gevolglik in meer besonderhede in die studie aangespreek word. Ten einde die effektiwiteit van INCOTERMS te bepaal, word daar ondersoek ingestel na hulle kenmerke, regsaard en beperkte aanwendingsgebied. Spesiale klem word gelê op die wisselwerking tussen die Weense Koopkonvensie en INCOTERMS asook die moontlikheid van interaksie en samewerking tussen die twee instrumente. Die gevolgtrekking is dat interaksie tussen die Koopkonvensie en INCOTERMS waarde toevoeg tot die internasionale koopreg deur die effektiwiteit van die internasionale besigheidstransaksie te verhoog en gevolglik internasionale handel te bevorder.
Harry Crossley Fund
NRF Thuthuka Fund

Thesis (LLD)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation considers the question whether there are viable alternatives to the conceptual framework within which the South African administrative-law system operates, given that the administration now functions under new constitutional demands and new approaches to administrative engagement. The intention is not to proffer concrete recommendations for such a system, but only to propose an approach by means of which questions concerning the legal regulation of the administration and administrative function may be addressed. The dissertation introduces the concept of the contextualised administrative-law system. This concept emphasises the legal relationship between the public administration and the judiciary, but is not limited to this relationship. The administrative-law system does not operate in a vacuum, though, and is informed by the conceptual framework within which the system operates. The system is also a function of its geo-political and socio-economic context. The historical development of the doctrine of separation of powers, as one aspect of the conceptual framework, is traced. Thereby the normative, dynamic and flexible nature of the doctrine is established. On this basis, the potential and value of a fourth branch, the administration, within the separation-of-powers doctrine is assessed. By implication, the administrative function would constitute a fourth, distinct function in addition to the legislative, executive and judicial functions. The concept of the administrative-law system is consequently applied to the South African context. Firstly, the development of the South African system is outlined and, secondly, the administrative-law relationship is analysed. This discussion establishes that the system is characterised by an embryonic administrative law, the equating of administrative law and judicial review, an emphasis on the rule-of-law or “red-light” approach to administrative regulation, a rhetoric of deference, and the supremacy of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. Therefore, the system must be informed by the Constitution and, arguably, by Karl Klare’s project of transformative constitutionalism and Etienne Mureinik’s “culture of justification”. The content of the separation of powers is also investigated by means of an historical analysis of the considerations that rationalise the existence of an independent administrative jurisdiction in France. This entails an exposition of the Conseil d’État’s structure, organisation and dual function. Principles that describe the French system, other than the pure separation of powers, are discussed, namely, the duality of jurisdiction, the separation of administrative and judicial authorities, the separation of the administrative jurisdiction and active administration, the maxim “to judge the administration is still administering”, and the hybrid nature of administrative litigation. The legal regulation of public contracts can be regarded as a doctrinal perspective of the administrative-law system. The public contract is discussed as one form of administration, due to its conceptual ambiguity as a legal instrument on the boundary between public and private law and due to the administration’s increasing contractual activity. To an extent the contrat administratif of French law indicates that particular legal rules are an extension of the broader principles, considerations and institutional structures discussed in the preceding sections. This dissertation introduces an approach that emphasises the relationship between the administration and the judiciary as well as the conceptual framework within which the administrative-law system operates. Through the application of this approach to the South African context and to public contracting the key concepts and debates underlying an appropriate administrative-law system in South Africa are identified and investigated. This constitutes a platform for the development of a particular administrative-law system and an exposition of viable alternatives to the conceptual framework within which the system operates.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie proefskrif ondersoek die vraag of daar lewensvatbare alternatiewe tot die konseptuele raamwerk van die huidige Suid-Afrikaanse administratiefreg-stelsel moontlik is. Dié vraag word gestel teen die agtergrond van die nuwe grondwetlike vereistes en benaderings waaraan administratiewe interaksie moet voldoen. Die bedoeling is nie om aanbevelings vir die bestaande stelsel te maak nie, maar eerder om ‘n benadering voor te stel waarin vrae oor die regulering van die administrasie en die administratiewe funksie geakkommodeer kan word. In die proses skep die proefskrif ‘n nuwe konsep: die administratiefreg-stelsel in konteks, wat die regsverhouding tussen die administrasie en die regbank beklemtoon, terwyl dit nie beperk is tot die verhouding nie. Uiteraard word die administratiefregstelsel beïnvloed deur die konseptuele raamwerk waarin dit funksioneer, terwyl dit verder ook ‘n funksie is van sy geopolitiese en sosio-ekonomiese konteks. Die historiese ontwikkeling van die skeiding van magte, een aspek van die konseptuele raamwerk, word bespreek en daardeur word die normatiewe, dinamiese en buigsame aard van die leerstuk bevestig. Hiermee word die potensiaal en waarde van ‘n vierde been, naamlik die administrasie, binne die skeiding-van-magte leerstuk oorweeg, met die implikasie dat die administratiewe funksie ‘n onafhanklike, vierde funksie vestig, benewens die wetgewende, uitvoerende en regsprekende funksies. Die konsep van die administratiefreg-stelsel word gevolglik toegepas op die Suid- Afrikaanse konteks. Eerstens word die ontwikkeling van die Suid-Afrikaanse stelsel uiteengesit en dan tweedens word die administratiefreg-verhouding ontleed. Hierdie bespreking bevestig dat die stelsel gekenmerk word deur ‘n onderontwikkelde administratiefreg, die gelykstelling van die administratiefreg en geregtelike hersiening, die beklemtoning van die regstaat en ‘n sogenaamde rooilig-benadering tot administratiewe regulasie, ‘n retoriek van geregtike agting, en die oppergesag van die Grondwet van die Republiek van Suid-Afrika, 1996. Juis as gevolg hiervan moet die stelsel op die Grondwet gegrond word. Daar word ook geargumenteer dat Karl Klare se transformerende konstitusionalisme sowel as Etienne Mureinik se kultuur van regverdiging die stelsel vorm behoort te gee. Die skeiding van magte se inhoud word ook aan ‘n historiese ontleding van Franse reg onderwerp om sodoende die rasionaal agter die onafhanklike administratiewe jurisdiksie in Frankryk te verduidelik. Dit behels ‘n uiteensetting van die Conseil d’État se struktuur, interne organisering en tweeledige funksie. Die beginsels wat die Franse stelsel beskryf, bo-en-behalwe die suiwer skeiding van magte, word bespreek en dit is by name die dualiteit van jurisdiksie, die skeiding van administratiewe en regsprekende owerhede, die skeiding van die administratiewe jurisdiksie en aktiewe administrasie, die leuse wanneer die administrasie beoordeel word, word daar steeds administreer, en die gemengde aard van administratiewe regsgedinge. Die openbare kontrak word bespreek as ‘n instrument van administrasie gegewe die konseptuele dubbelsinnigheid van daardie regskonsep, wat op die grens tussen publiek- en privaatreg lê, en as gevolg van die administrasie se toenemende kontraktuele aktiwiteit. In ‘n mate dui die Franse contrat administratif daarop dat bepaalde regsreëls ‘n uitbreiding van die breër beginsels, oorwegings en institusionele strukture is, soos in die voorafgaande afdelings bespreek word. Dus stel hierdie proefskrif ‘n benadering voor wat die verhouding tussen die administrasie en die regbank, sowel as die konseptuele raamwerk waarbinne die administratiefreg-stelsel funksioneer, beklemtoon. Deur hierdie benadering toe te pas op die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks, en op openbare kontraktering, word die konsepte en debatte geïdentifiseer en ondersoek wat ‘n gepaste administratiefreg-stelsel onderskryf. Dit vorm ‘n basis vir die ontwikkeling van ‘n bepaalde administratiefregstelsel en die uiteensetting van lewensvatbare alternatiewe tot die konseptuele raamwerk waarbinne die stelsel funksioneer.

In recent years the popularity of Islamic insurance policies has grown rapidly with many companies across the world providing this service. London is said to be the hub for Islamic finance. It is well known for welcoming innovative financial methods. The FSA have already authorised the insurance company Salaam Halal to provide policies based on Shariah principles. The FSA, however, announced that they must operate within the same legal framework as all other insurance policies. Consequently English law has to be applied in Islamic policies taken in this country. However, in many aspects, Shariah principles contradict English insurance law. This thesis aims to discover how they contradict and recommend how the Islamic insurance policies can be applied in English law without breaking Shariah principles. As Shariah principles merely provide a wide boundary within which any law can be applied, this thesis analyses English insurance law first, and then discusses how Islamic insurance policies can operate within the English framework. In many cases, English insurance law crosses the boundary of Shairah principles due to its unfair consequences. Consequently making English insurance law fairer could be the best solution to allow the use of Islamic insurance policies under English law. Pragmatically, the thesis focuses mainly on problems within current English insurance law and recommends possible solutions. In many cases, the solutions suggested by the Law Commission are found to be incapable of establishing fairness. The majority part of this thesis is spent trying to establish a fairer framework for English insurance law. This fairer English insurance law is found to be Shariah compliant in most cases. In some cases it is not complaint due to operational differences between the two legal systems. In these cases, the thesis recommends that the Islamic insurer should incorporate certain terms to make policies Shariah compliant without breaching English insurance law.

Thesis (LLM)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
Bibliography
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis investigates the approach to non-disclosure as a form of misrepresentation in South African law. The primary focus is the question of liability, and whether parties should be able to claim relief based on non-disclosure. In order to determine this, attention is also paid to the standards which have traditionally been employed in cases of non-disclosure, and it is questioned whether a general test can be formulated which could be used in all such instances. The point of departure in this discussion is a general historical and comparative overview of the law relating to non-disclosure. This overview places the position in modern South African law in context, and highlights some of the similarities between our current position regarding non-disclosure and the position in other jurisdictions. The overview also sets out the provisions relating to non-disclosure in international legal instruments, which could be of use in interpreting concepts used in our law. The study then shifts to an exploration of the specific situations, such as the conclusion of insurance agreements, or agreements of sale involving latent defects, where South African law automatically imposes a duty of disclosure. These instances are the exception to the general rule against imposing duties of disclosure on contracting parties. The study reveals that certain principles are applied in more than one of these exceptional cases, and attention is paid to each in order to determine which principles are most prevalent. It is suggested that the nature of the relationship between the parties is the underlying reason for always imposing duties of disclosure in these circumstances. Attention is then paid to the judicial development of the law relating to non-disclosure, specifically in those cases which fall outside the recognised special cases referred to above. The remedies available to a party when they have been wronged by another’s non-disclosure are identified and investigated here, namely rescission and damages. A distinction is drawn between the treatment of non-disclosure in the contractual sphere and the approach taken in the law of delict. The different requirements for each remedy are explored and evaluated. A detailed examination of the key judgments relating to non-disclosure shows us that the judiciary apply similar principles to those identified in the discussion of the exceptional instances when deciding to impose liability based on non-disclosure. Reliance is also placed on the standards set out in the earlier historical and comparative discussion. The most prevalent of these standards are the nature of the relationship between the parties and the good faith principle. It is then considered whether all of these principles and elements could be used in order to distill one general standard that could be used to determine whether non-disclosure could give rise to relief. The conclusion is drawn that it may not be advisable to adopt such a standard, and that the seemingly fragmented treatment of non-disclosure in South African law thus far has enabled its development and will continue to do so. A number of key considerations have been identified as possible standards, and these considerations can be applied by the judiciary on a case by case basis.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis ondersoek wanvoorstelling deur stilswye in die Suid-Afrikaanse kontraktereg. Die primêre fokus is op wanneer stilswye aanleiding gee tot aanspreeklikheid, en watter remedies daaruit voortvloei. Om dit vas te stel, word aandag geskenk aan die standaarde wat tradisioneel gebruik word in gevalle van stilswye, en word veral bevraagteken of 'n algemene toets formuleer kan word wat in al sulke gevalle toepassing sou kon vind. Die ondersoek begin met ‘n algemene historiese en regsvergelykende oorsig, wat die konteks verskaf vir die analise van die posisie in die moderne Suid-Afrikaanse reg, en ooreenkomste tussen hierdie posisie en die benadering in ander jurisdiksies na vore bring. Die bepalings van sekere internasionale regsinstrumente wat spesifiek met stilswye handel, word ook ondersoek om te bepaal hulle van nut kan wees by die uitleg van konsepte wat in die Suid- Afrikaanse reg gebruik word. Die fokus van die studie verskuif dan na spesifieke, uitsonderlike gevalle waar die Suid- Afrikaanse reg outomaties ‘n openbaringsplig tussen partye erken. Prominente voorbeelde is versekeringskontrakte en koopkontrakte waar die merx ‘n verborge gebrek het. Hierdie gevalle is uitsonderings op die algemene reël dat kontrakspartye nie openbaringspligte het nie. Dit kom voor dat sekere gemeenskaplike beginsels van toepassing is in sekere van die uitsonderingsgevalle, en dit word ondersoek hoekom hierdie beginsels gereeld na vore tree. Dit word ook voorgestel dat die aard van die verhouding tussen die partye die onderliggende rede is waarom ons reg openbaringspligte in hierdie spesifieke omstandighede oplê. Aandag word dan geskenk aan die regterlike ontwikkeling van die regsposisie ten opsigte van stilswye in gevalle wat nie by een van die bogenoemde erkende uitsonderings tuisgebring kan word nie. Die remedies beskikbaar aan partye wanneer hulle deur ‘n ander se stilswye benadeel is, word hier geïdentifiseer en ondersoek. Hierdie remedies is die kontraktuele remedie van aanvegting (moontlik gevolg deur teruggawe) en die deliktuele remedie van skadevergoeding. ‘n Onderskeid word ook getref tussen die hantering van stilswye in die kontraktereg en die benadering wat in die deliktereg gevolg word. Aan die hand van hierdie onderskeid word die vereistes vir albei remedies bepreek. Die belangrikste uitsprake van die howe in gevalle wat nie by die spesifieke, uitsonderlike kategorieë tuisgebring kan word nie, word dan oorweeg. Dit is duidelik dat die howe in die konteks van hierdie residuele gevalle soortgelyke beginsels geïdentifiseer het as dié wat voorgekom het by gevalle soos versekering en koop. Uit hierdie uitsprake blyk dit ook duidelik dat die howe ag slaan op soortgelyke standaarde as dié wat in die historiese en vergelykende oorsig na vore getree het. In dié verband is die aard van die partye se verhouding en die goeie trou beginsel veral prominent. Ten slotte word oorweeg of die beginsels en elemente wat hierbo geïdentifiseer is, gebruik kan word om ‘n algemene standaard te ontwikkel wat gebruik sal kan word om te bepaal of ʼn openbaringsplig ontstaan. Die gevolgtrekking word bereik dat so ‘n algemene standaard nie noodwendig die beste oplossing is nie. Die oënskynlik gefragmenteerde hantering van stilswye in die Suid-Afrikaanse het tot dusver tog regsontwikkeling bevorder, en sal waarskynlik ook voortgaan om dit te doen. ʼn Aantal kernoorwegings kan wel geïdentifiseer word, wat dan sou kon dien as moontlike standaarde wat regsontwikkeling verder sou kon bevorder, en wat deur die howe toegepas sou kon word na gelang van die spesifieke omstandighede van elke saak.

Thesis (LLM)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Section 197 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 ensures the transfer of a contract of employment from an old employer to a new employer on the transfer of a business as a gomg concern. Although section 197 is mostly based on European and British statutes and regulations, one should not rely on foreign provisions when interpreting section 197 without careful consideration. It is only when we understand the inherent limitations of applying these provisions, that they can be of any help to formulate definitions for the terms "transfer", "business" and "going concern". The two most important effects that section 197 has, is that it ensures the transfer of the contract of employment and that it protects the terms and conditions of employment when such a transfer takes place. Unfortunately, this section does not regulate dismissal on the transfer of a business. Section 197 also does not deal satisfactorily with the transfer of contracts of employment on the transfer of an insolvent business. As a result of the above-mentioned and other shortcomings of the current section 197, it was decided to amend the Act. The Labour Relations Amendment Bill 2000 relies heavily on precedents from foreign law, but unfortunately it does not adequately address all the current problems.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Artikel 197 van die Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge 66 van 1995 verseker die oordrag van 'n dienskontrak van 'n ou werkgewer na 'n nuwe werkgewer by die oordrag van 'n besigheid as 'n lopende onderneming. Alhoewel artikel 197 gebaseer is op Europese en Britse wetgewing en regulasies, moet die leser versigtig wees om sulke bepalings sonder skroom aan te wend by die interpretrasie van artikel 197. Wanneer ons die inherente beperkings daarvan begryp, mag die bepalings van hulp wees om definisies te vorm van die begrippe "oordrag", "besigheid" en "lopende onderneming". Artikel 197 het hoofsaaklik twee uitwerkings: dit fasiliteer die oordrag van die dienskontrak en verseker dat die terme en voorwaardes van indiensneming onveranderd bly. Die artikel reguleer nie ontslag by die oordrag van 'n besigheid nie. Artikel 197 reguleer ook nie genoegsaam die oordrag van dienskontrakte waar 'n insolvente besigheid oorgedra word nie. As gevolg van bogenoemde en ander tekortkominge is besluit om die Wet te wysig. Die Wysigingswetsontwerp op Arbeidverhoudinge 2000 steun op buitelandse presedente, maar spreek ongelukkig ook nie al die huidige probleme suksesvol aan nie.

Thesis (LLM)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
Includes bibliography
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: It is a general principle of the law of South Africa that an unassisted contract of a minor is unenforceable against the minor. Although it binds the other party, the minor is not bound. The minor will only be bound if the contract is enforced by his guardian, or if the contract is ratified by the child after attaining majority. This implies that the other party is in a rather unfortunate position, since the effectiveness of the contract will remain uncertain until the guardian of the minor decides to enforce or repudiate the contract, or until the minor ratifies it after attaining majority. The other party may not resile from the contract during this interim period. Should it be established that the contract has failed, the question arises to what extent the parties are obliged to return performances made in purported fulfilment of the contract. In terms of the law of South Africa, the prevailing view is that these claims are based on unjustified enrichment. However, the extent of these claims differs. In principle, both parties’ liability will be limited to the amount remaining in its estate, according to the defence of loss of enrichment. But the application of the defence is subject to an exception that does not apply equally to the parties. Had the other party known or should the other party have known that the enrichment was sine causa, yet continued to part with it, he will be held liable for the full enrichment. However, this exception does not apply to the enrichment liability of minors. In other words, whether the minor knew or should have known that the enrichment was sine causa, he would still be allowed to raise the defence of loss of enrichment. Furthermore, the rules applicable to minors’ enrichment liability applies to all minors, and no scope is left to consider the specific circumstances of each minor. It is accepted that there are two competing principles relating to minors’ unassisted contracts. On the one hand, the law must protect the minor from his immaturity and lack of experience. On the other hand, the law must protect the interests of the other party. It will be seen throughout this study that the determination of how to balance these competing principles is not an easy task. The key aim of this thesis is to investigate the principles governing the unwinding of unassisted minors’ contracts in South Africa. A comparison will be made with the principles applied in other legal systems, in order to identify similarities and differences in the approaches and, to establish what underlies the differences in the various approaches. Germany, England and Scotland have been chosen for comparison for various reasons. First, they share some historical roots, and they represent three major legal traditions, namely the civil law, common law and mixed legal systems, of which South Africa also forms part. Secondly, both England and Scotland have experienced recent legislative reform in this regard, which implies that their respective legal systems should be in line with modern tendencies, and consequently they may provide a valuable framework for possible reform in South Africa. In Germany, although mainly regulated by rather older legislation, there have been interesting developments in the determination of consequences of failed contracts. Hellwege has argued that the unwinding of all contracts should be treated similarly, regardless of the unwinding factor. He has also suggested that in order to prevent the accumulation of risk on one party, and to ensure that the risk is placed on the person who is in control of the object, the defence of loss of enrichment should not be available to any party. His reasoning and suggestions is dealt with in more detail in this thesis. This study argues that the current strict approach applied under South African law regarding minors’ unassisted contracts needs to be re-considered. The current approach is dated and is not in line with modern tendencies and legislation. No proper consideration is given to minors’ development into adulthood or personal circumstances of the parties. It is submitted that in the process of re-consideration, some form of acknowledgement must be given to minors’ development towards mature adults. It is submitted that this would be possible by introducing a more flexible approach to regulate the enforceability and unwinding of minors’ unassisted contracts.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING Dit is ‘n algemene beginsel van die Suid-Afrikaanse reg dat ‘n kontrak aangegaan deur ‘n minderjarige sonder die nodige bystand van sy ouer of voog onafdwingbaar is teenoor die minderjarige. Die minderjarige sal slegs gebonde wees indien die kontrak afgedwing word deur sy voog, of indien die minderjarige self die kontrak ratifiseer nadat hy meerderjarig word. Dit impliseer dat die ander party in ‘n ongunstige posisie is, aangesien die werking van die kontrak onseker is totdat die voog besluit om die kontrak af te dwing of te repudieer, of totdat die minderjarige dit ratifiseer nadat hy meerderjarig word. Gedurende hierdie interim periode mag die ander party nie terugtree uit hierdie kontrak nie. Sou dit bepaal word dat die kontrak misluk het, ontstaan die vraag tot watter mate die partye verplig word om prestasies wat reeds gemaak is, terug te gee. In terme van die Suid-Afrikaanse reg is die meerderheidsopinie dat hierdie eise gebaseer is op onregverdige verryking, maar die omvang van die partye se eise verskil. In beginsel is beide partye se aanspreeklikheid beperk tot die bedrag wat steeds in sy boedel beskikbaar is, weens die beskikbaarheid van die verweer van verlies van verryking. Maar die toepassing van die verweer is onderworpe aan ‘n uitsondering wat nie op beide partye geld nie. Indien die ander party geweet het of moes geweet het dat die verryking sine causa was, maar steeds afstand gedoen het van die verryking, sal hy aanspreeklik gehou word vir die volle verryking. Hierdie reel is egter nie van toepassing op die minderjarige se verrykingsaanspreeklikheid nie. Met ander woorde, indien die minderjarige geweet het of moes geweet het dat die verryking sine causa was, en steeds afstand gedoen het van die verryking, sal hy steeds die verweer van verlies van verryking kan opper. Bowendien, die reels van toepassing op minderjariges se verrykingsaanspreeklikheid is van toepassing op alle minderjariges, en geen ruimte word gelaat om die spesifieke omstandighede van elke minderjarige in ag te neem nie. Wanneer ons kontrakte aangegaan deur minderjariges sonder die nodige bystand, oorweeg, word dit algemeen aanvaar dat daar twee kompeterende beginsels van belang is. Aan die een kant moet die reg die minderjarige beskerm teen sy onvolwassenheid en gebrek aan ondervinding. Aan die ander kant moet die reg ook die belange van die ander party beskerm. Dit sal deurlopend in hierdie studie gesien word dat die behoorlike balansering van hierdie twee beginsels nie ‘n maklike taak is nie. Die hoofdoel van hierdie tesis is om die beginsels wat die afdwingbaarheid en ontbinding van minderjariges se kontrakte in Suid-Afrika, wat aangegaan is sonder die nodige bystand van ‘n voog, te ondersoek. ‘n Vergelyking sal getref word met die beginsels wat in ander regstelsels toegepas word, om sodoende die ooreenkomste en verskille te identifiseer, asook om te bepaal wat hierdie verskille onderlê. Duitsland, Engeland en Skotland is gekies as vergelykende jurisdiksies vir verskeie redes, naamlik hulle historiese gebondenheid en die feit dat hulle drie groot regstradisies (die kontinentale regstelsel, die gemenereg en die gemengde regstelsel) verteenwoordig. Bowendien het beide Engeland en Skotland onlangse wetgewende hervorming ondergaan in hierdie sfeer van die reg, wat impliseer dat hierdie regstelsels waarskynlik in lyn sal wees met moderne tendense. Gevolglik kan hulle ‘n waardevolle raamwerk skep waarbinne moontlike hervorming in Suid-Afrika mag plaasvind. Alhoewel Duitsland grotendeels nog deur ouer wetgewing gereguleer word, het dit ook ‘n reeks interessante verwikkelinge ondergaan in die bepaling van die gevolge van kontrakte wat misluk het. Hellwege argumenteer dat die ontbinding van alle kontrakte dieselfde hanteer moet word, ongeag die onderliggende ontbindende faktor. Hy stel ook voor dat om te verhoed dat die risiko op slegs een party geplaas word, en om te verseker dat dit eerder gedra word deur daardie party wat beheer het oor die voorwerp, die verweer van verlies van verryking nie vir enige party beskikbaar moet wees nie. Sy redenering en voorstelle word in meer besonderhede in hierdie studie bespreek. Hierdie studie argumenteer dat die huidige streng benadering wat in Suid-Afrika toegepas word met betrekking tot kontrakte aangegaan deur minderjariges sonder die nodige bystand van ‘n voog, heroorweeg moet word. Die huidige benadering is verouderd en is nie lyn met moderne tendense en wetgewing nie. Bowendien word geen behoorlike oorweging gegee aan minderjariges se ontwikkeling tot volwassenheid nie, en die partye se persoonlike omstandighede word ook nie in ag geneem nie. Daar word argumenteer dat in die proses van heroorweging, ‘n mate van erkenning gegee moet word aan minderjariges se persoonlike ontwikkeling. Daar word verder argumenteer dat ‘n meer buigsame benadering toegepas moet word ten opsigte van die regulering van die afdwingbaarheid en ontbinding van hierdie kontrakte.

In the modern world, electronic communications play a significant role in national and international electronic transactions. This issue has forced all legal systems to face up to many emerging legal problems in the context of electronic communications, such as the time and the place of formation of electronic contracts, the validation of e-contracts made by the interaction with e-agents, the legal validity of electronic documents and signatures, consumer protection in contracting electronically in particular in cross-border e-transactions, and the Internet jurisdiction and choice of law. One issue to determine is the place of formation of contracts when contracting electronically, either through email, websites or chat-rooms to see how the notion of 'place' is perceivable in cyberspace; and the way of application of the four traditional theories of information, dispatch, receipt and awareness relating to the time and place of conclusion of contracts in contracting by electronic means should be examined. Regarding the legal validity of e-contracts made through interactive websites, the legal status of electronic agents which play an important role in this process is questionable to see whether they are akin to real agents in the physical world or they are only a mere tool of communication. The responsible person for any mistakes that an electronic agent makes and causes losses or damages to the contracting parties should also be examined. There are also questions regarding meeting the formalities in the formation of some specific contracts in contracting electronically to see whether the electronic documents and signatures legally valid and admissible at the courts of law or not. Their legal weight should also be measured. Moving on the jurisdiction and choice of law issue, some argumentative questions raise. For instance, where the rule of private international law provides that the competent court is the court within which jurisdiction the contract is performed, it is necessary to see that where the place of performance of the contract in which the subject matter is digital goods such as e-books or computer software delivered online is. This is also an important question in providing electronic services such as e-teaching. Regarding the choice of law issue the same questions of jurisdiction are posed. Furthermore, as consumer protection issue in B2C contracts is important in developing electronic commerce worldwide, it should be considered that whether the consumer party is able to bring an action against the business party in his own place of domicile or habitual residence or not. These are only a sample of questions that the current research tries to analyse based on the traditional legal rules and principles and the statues on electronic commerce. Discussing the above legal doubts in the context of Iranian law shows that there are a number of legal uncertainties in the Iranian legal system hindering, or at least putting in doubt, the development of electronic commerce in both national and cross-border electronic transactions. Despite the fact that some of them have been addressed by the Iranian Electronic Commerce Act 2004 indirectly, however a detailed legal work is still definitely needed to elaborate the questions and provide solutions developing and modernizing Iranian law in the context of electronic contracts. The author in the current research tries to analyse the questions by a horizontal comparative study of the UNCITRAL Model Laws, the Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts 2005, the EU law, English law, American law and Iranian law. Also, a four-stage roadmap that acts as the guiding principle of this research is employed to develop the Iranian legal system in the context of e-commerce. The first stage focuses on whether the exact application of Iranian traditional law can address the emerging legal doubts; the second stage expands and develops traditional rules; the third introduces legal presumptions; and the fourth theorizes new rules. The research concludes that the Iranian legal system may be modernized and developed in the context of electronic contracts by adopting the legal policy and solutions of other legal systems by both scholarly legal doctrines and legislation.

Thesis (LLD (Mercantile Law))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006.
The objective of this study is to examine the significance of postmodern insights regarding interpretation (especially the rejection of intentionalism) and subjectivity for contractual interpretation theory. In Part One (consisting of chapters 2-5), the leading postmodern insights on interpretation, individual autonomy, texts and intentionalism are discussed. This is done by analysing the present interpretive practice in four chapters: 1) Different theories of interpretation ranging from objectivism and natural law theories to post-structuralism are discussed in chapter 2. 2) In chapter 3 individual autonomy (as advocated by liberal theorists) is contrasted with communitarianism in order to problematize the notion of contracting parties as autonomous, self-regulating beings. By highlighting criticism against liberalism and communitarianism, and also by suggesting critical self-rule as an alternative, the assertion that contracting parties are autonomous and self-regulating is contested. 3) The process of textual definition is critically analysed with emphasis on the position reflected by the application of the parol-evidence rule and also post-structuralist ideas on the definition of texts in chapter 4. It is shown that textual definition consists of interpretation rather than identification. 4) The nature of intention and the process of intention “discovery” are analysed in chapter 5. Because of the centrality of intention in contractual practice, alternative theories on intention (and its role during interpretation) are postulated and it is suggested that post-structuralism can provide a critically reflective theory of intention. It is clear (from the critical analysis of intentionalism) that the way intention is presently approached is theoretically flawed. It is also apparent from the critique of liberal beliefs held regarding the nature of interpretation, subjectivity and the definition of texts that the theoretical foundations of these beliefs are fundamentally flawed. A critical re-imagination of contractual interpretation is necessary. In Part Two, questions about the justifiability of the present interpretive theories are posed. In chapter 6 the practical implications of a new theoretical basis for contractual interpretation are considered by examining the way various rules of interpretation are influenced by the new theoretical basis of interpretation. Three “rules” are examined: 1) The golden rule of interpretation is examined because of its reliance on intentionalist assumptions; 2) the parol-evidence rule is examined because of its relation to positivist assumptions about the definition of texts; 3) the relevance of bona fides as a substantial remedy during the interpretation of the contract is analysed to reveal assumptions about the nature of legal subjectivity in which the present consideration of the bona fides is grounded. It is shown that rules depend not on their content for operation, but rather on the assumptions upon which they are grounded. In short, we do not have to do away with our rules of contractual interpretation, but we have to re-evaluate how we apply those rules. The final part of this dissertation consists of a summary of the conclusions drawn during the course of this study.

Thesis (LLM)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
Bibliography
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In order for the government to function, it needs goods and services. It may acquire these goods and services by using its own resources, or by contracting with outside bodies. The latter method is generally referred to as public or government procurement. Government procurement usually contributes a large deal to a country’s economy and is therefore of great importance. With South Africa’s political transformation in 1994, the construction industry was used as the model for public sector procurement reform. The industry regulates all infrastructure and constituted 3.8% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2011 with the private sector as its biggest client. The legal regulation of construction procurement in South Africa is therefore significant. Section 217 of the Constitution¹ sets the standard for government procurement in South Africa. Section 217(1) provides that organs of state in the national, provincial or local sphere of government or any other institutions identified in national legislation when contracting for goods or services must do so in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective. Organs of state are not prevented from implementing procurement policies which provide for categories of preference in the allocation of contracts and the protection or advancement of persons, or categories of persons, disadvantaged by unfair discrimination in terms of section 217(2). Section 217(3) in turn provides that national legislation must prescribe a framework in terms of which section 217(2) must be implemented. The rules for construction procurement in South Africa are found in the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Act² and the Regulations to the Act.³ The Construction Industry Development Board has been established by the Act and is empowered to regulate construction procurement in terms of the Act and to publish best practice guidelines for further regulation and development of construction procurement. This thesis aims to answer the question as to whether the legal regulation of construction procurement complies with section 217 of the Constitution. Chapter one sets out the research question to be answered, the hypothesis on which the thesis is based and the methodology employed. Chapter two establishes the constitutional standard for government procurement in South Africa and is the standard against which the rules discussed in subsequent chapters are tested. Following this, the procurement procedures in terms of which supplies, construction works and services are procured are described and analysed in chapter three. It appears that the Regulations to the CIDB Act exclude contracts for supplies and services in the construction industry. Therefore, the qualification criteria for construction works contracts are examined in chapter four. Thereafter, the evaluation and award of construction works, supplies and services contracts are explained and analysed in chapter five. Government procurement may further be used for objectives not directly connected to the main goal which is the procurement of goods and services at the best possible price. It may also be used for the promotion of socio-economic objectives, for example. Therefore, in the sixth chapter, the use of government procurement as a policy tool in the South African construction industry is discussed and analysed. The concluding chapter collectively refers to what was discussed in the preceding chapters including the conclusions and attempts to answer the research question as to whether the legal regulation of construction procurement in South Africa complies with section 217 of the Constitution.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die staat het goedere en dienste nodig om te funksioneer. Dit kan hierdie goedere en dienste verkry deur die staat se eie bronne te gebruik, of dit kan instansies van buite kontrakteer. Daar word oor die algemeen na laasgenoemde metode verwys as staatsverkryging. Gewoonlik lewer staatsverkryging ‘n groot bydrae tot ’n land se ekonomie en dit is dus van groot belang. Met Suid-Afrika se politieke transformasie in 1994 is die konstruksiebedryf as die model voorgehou vir die hervorming van die staatsverkrygingstelsel. Die konstruksiebedryf reguleer alle infrastruktuur in die land en het in 2011 3.8% tot Suid- Afrika se Bruto Binnelandse Produk (BBP) bygedra, met die private sektor as die grootste kliënt in die bedryf. Dit is dus noodsaaklik dat staatsverkryging in die Suid-Afrikaanse konstruksiebedryf wetlik gereguleer word. Artikel 217 van die Grondwet4 stel die standaard vir staatsverkryging in Suid-Afrika. Artikel 217(1) bepaal dat staatsorgane in die nasionale, provinsiale of plaaslike regeringsvertakkings, of enige ander instelling in nasionale wetgewing vermeld, wat vir goedere of dienste kontrakteer, sodanige goedere of dienste moet verkry ooreenkomstig ’n stelsel wat regverdig, billik, deursigtig, mededingend en koste-effektief is. Staatsorgane word verder nie verhinder of belet om staatsbeleid te implementeer wat voorsiening maak vir die bevordering van sekere mense, of kategorieë mense, wat ingevolge artikel 217(2) deur onbillike diskriminasie benadeel is nie. Artikel 217(3) bepaal dat nasionale wetgewing ’n raamwerk moet voorskryf ingevolge waarvan artikel 217(2) geïmplementeer moet word. Die Wet op die Ontwikkelingsraad vir die Konstruksiebedryf (Construction Industry Development Board Act)5 en die Regulasies tot die Wet6 omskryf die regsreëls vir staatsverkryging in die Suid-Afrikaanse konstruksiebedryf. Die Ontwikkelingsraad vir die Konstruksiebedryf het ingevolge hierdie Wet tot stand gekom en is gemagtig om staatsverkryging in die konstruksiebedryf te reguleer. Dit mag ook goeie praktykriglyne publiseer vir verdere regulering en ontwikkeling van staatsverkryging in die konstruksiebedryf. Hierdie tesis het ten doel om die vraag te beantwoord of die wetlike regulering van staatsverkryging in die konstruksiebedryf aan artikel 217 van die Grondwet voldoen. Hoofstuk een gee ‘n uiteensetting van die navorsingsvraag wat beantwoord sal word, die hipotese waarop die tesis berus en die metodologie wat aangewend word. Hoofstuk twee omskryf die grontwetlike standaard vir staatsverkryging in Suid-Afrika en word as standaard gebruik waarteen die regsreëls vir staatsverkryging in die konstruksiebedryf in die daaropvolgende hoofstukke getoets word. Vervolgens word die verkrygingsprosedures ingevolge waarvan voorraad, konstruksiewerk en dienste verkry word, in hoofstuk drie bespreek en ontleed. Dit blyk dat die Regulasies tot die Wet op die Ontwikkelingsraad vir die Konstruksiebedryf (CIDB Act) kontrakte vir die verkryging van voorraad en dienste uitsluit. Gevolglik word die tendervereistes vir konstruksiewerk in hoofstuk vier bespreek. Vervolgens word die evaluering en toekenning van konstruksiewerk, voorraad- en dienskontrakte uiteengesit en ontleed in hoofstuk vyf. Dit blyk verder dat staatsverkryging gebruik mag word vir doelwitte wat nie direk verband hou met die primêre doel, naamlik die verkryging van goedere en dienste teen die beste prys, nie. Dit mag byvoorbeeld ook gebruik word vir die bevordering van sosio-ekonomiese doelwitte. Gevolglik word staatsverkryging as ’n beleidsinstrument in die Suid-Afrikaanse konstruksiebedryf in hoofstuk ses bespreek en ontleed. Die laaste hoofstuk gee ‘n opsomming van wat bespreek is in vorige hoofstukke, maak gevolgtrekkings en probeer die navorsingsvraag beantwoord of die regsreëls wat staatsverkryging in die konstruksiebedryf reguleer, voldoen aan artikel 217 van die Grondwet.

Les relations contractuelles qui se nouent entre les médecins libéraux et les cliniques dans lesquelles ils exercent, sont complexes. Leur analyse s'avère pourtant essentielle eu égard à l'importance que revêt l'hospitalisation privée dans le système de santé français. Or, l'observation du contrat d'exercice libéral révèle les faiblesses de la situation des médecins, lesquelles se sont accentuées au fur et à meure que ceux-ci se détachaient de la gestion des cliniques et que la réglementation leur étant applicable se densifiait. Cela se traduit par un recul de la liberté et de l'indépendance des médecins libéraux qui se manifeste aussi bien au stade de la formation du contrat d'exercice, qu'à celui de son exécution. Dans le même temps, il est manifeste que cette perte de liberté et d'indépendance n'est pas compensée par une amélioration de la sécurité des médecins libéraux sur le plan contractuel ou patrimonial, bien au contraire. Il est donc nécessaire de proposer des remèdes. Deux pistes sont concevables. Il est ainsi possible d'avoir recours à un certain nombre de mécanismes juridiques de nature à accroître la sécurité contractuelle des médecins libéraux dans leurs relations avec les cliniques. Toutefois, la généralisation de ces solutions pourrait s'avérer un peu trop artificielle. Il faut alors préférer le renforcement de la liberté des médecins qui passe par la mise en œuvre de solutions qui peuvent dépasser la stricte relation médecins/cliniques, mais qui présentent l'immense avantage de ne pas faire reposer sur ces dernières la totalité des efforts, alors qu'elles connaissent elles-mêmes une situation économique difficile. A l'heure où nous allons devoir choisir un système de santé pour l'Europe, espérons que nous arriverons à pérenniser le nôtre qui repose sur une délicate égalité entre les secteurs public et privé et dépend donc, pour une large part, de la qualité de la relation qu'entretiennent les médecins libéraux et les cliniques
The contractual relations between liberal doctors and the private clinics in which they work, are complex. Their analyses are essential considering the importance of private hospitalization in the French health system. However, the observation of the contract of “liberal exercise” reveals the weaknesses of the doctors' situation, which were progressively accentuated when doctors were detached from the private clinics management and the regulation increased. This caused a loss of freedom and independence for the liberal doctors, which appears as well at the stage of the formation of the “contract of exercise”, as with that of its execution. In same time, it is manifest that this loss of freedom and independence is not compensated by an improvement of the liberal doctors' safety on the contractual or patrimonial level, quite to the contrary. It is thus necessary to propose remedies. Two tracks are conceivable. It is thus possible to have recourse to a certain number of legal mechanisms likely to increase the contractual safety of the liberal doctors in their relations with the private clinics. However, the generalization of these solutions could prove a little too artificial. It is then necessary to prefer the doctors' freedom reinforcement which passes by the setting of solutions which can exceed the strict doctors/clinic relation, and at the same time these solutions should not be supported by the sole clinics which actually undergo a difficult economic situation. As of today, whereas we will have to choose a system of health for Europe, let us hope that we will manage to perennialize ours which rests on a delicate equality between public and private hospitals, and thus depends, to a large extent, on the quality of the relation between the liberal doctors and the private clinics

This thesis attempts to critically and comparatively analyse the doctrine of exemption/frustration /force majeure under the United Nations Convention on the Contract for International Sale of Goods (CISG) the UNIDRIOT Principles of International Commercial Contracts (UNIDROIT) and the English Law. The doctrine of exemption/frustration/force majeure is very important in the area of contract and commercial law, it is a doctrine deeply rooted in fairness and allows a party to be excused from performing an obligation in a contract if at the conclusion of the contract an inhibition beyond the foreseeable control of the party happens to render the performance of the contract impossible. However, it is not easy to effectively streamline this doctrine and properly determine its applications. It has been observed in this thesis that, the doctrines of exemption/frustration /force majeure are not exactly the same; this thesis explores in details severally and jointly the various differences and similarities in the interpretations and applications of these impossibility doctrines. For instance, the open and flexible use of words in the definition of this doctrine under the CISG and the UNIDROIT Principles left much to be desired. Thus, it is one of the succinct arguments of this thesis that couching international law in loose words will work against the uniformity of application of this law, due to the different interpretations national law courts will be subjecting it to. This among other issues retarded the growth and development of the doctrine of exemption and force majeure. Furthermore, English law stance on the doctrine of frustration which can be gleaned from both the Sale of Goods Act of 1979 and the Common law are far from being adequate and need to be updated. This thesis therefore incisively laid bare the applications, interpretations and way forward for the doctrine of exemption/frustration/force majeure under the legal instruments of focus of this work. The thesis also comparatively compares the relationship between the doctrine of frustration/force majeure/exemption and other related doctrines like mistake, termination, avoidance, risk, and hardship. The thesis is concluded with a Draft Model Frustration Clause (DMFC) which is an attempt to rise above the status quo doctrine of frustration in the extant laws and develop a frustration clause that will be able to provide answers to the many flaws that trail these laws.

Thesis (Master of Research and Development Management)-Air Force Institute of Technology, 2008.
Title from title page of PDF document (viewed on: Dec 28, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.

L'objectif de ce travail de thèse était de mener une étude pluridisciplinaire d’un instrument juridique, dispositif CIFRE au service de la politique de recherche et d’innovation dans une approche Franco-Brésilienne. Nous avons eu comme ambition d’appréhender l'ensemble contractuel du dispositif CIFRE, qui s'insère dans un écosystème complexe, et qui est composé de plusieurs acteurs (gouvernement / entreprise / université / doctorant). Ces acteurs appartiennent à des univers éloignes les uns des autres et présentent des caractéristiques distinctes comme par exemple, vocabulaires divergents et des perspectives différentes vis-à-vis du dispositif. Ce choix nous a ramené à réaliser une étude approfondie et systématique, qui englobe le droit de contrat civil et du travail (un univers en constante évolution), par ailleurs une analyse minutieuse du positionnement de ce dispositif face aux politiques de RD&I à l'ère de la société de la connaissance a été réalisé. De plus nous avons ajouté à notre travail de recherche le projet CIFRE / Brésil, mis en œuvre en 2013, et qui renforce la longue et fructueuse interaction scientifique et technologique entre nos deux pays. Cette intégration a rendu notre étude encore plus complexe, car nous nous sommes trouvé face à un système qui s'étend à la sphère internationale. Enfin, pour compléter ce scénario déjà bien fournit, nous avons analysé les initiatives brésiliennes stricto sensu industriel. La méthode utilisée pour ce travail de doctorat est basée sur des études théoriques et pratiques qui à travers de rétroactions « en amont » et « en aval » permettent d'alimenter l'ingénierie contractuelle du dispositif CIFRE (nutrition en boucle). Cette configuration adoptée pour réaliser cette étude doctorale a permis de conclure que l'ensemble contractuel du dispositif CIFRE remplit bien son rôle depuis sa création en 1981, cependant face à la conjoncture actuelle de la production multi-acteurs basée sur la société de la connaissance, plusieurs points méritent une attention particulière (points de vigilance). Les études réalisées sur le projet CIFRE / Brésil nous permet d'affirmer qu’il accueille les mêmes questions juridiques que le dispositif CIFRE, avec les implications qui en découlent dans les clauses contractuelles, cependant il compte en plus des complications d’ordre administrative. Il convient de noter qu’une bonne compréhension des dispositifs CIFRE et CIFRE / Brésil offre aux initiatives brésiliennes stricto sensu industriel (Master et Doctorat Professionnel - CAPES e Doctorat Académique pour l’Innovation - DAI / CNPq) de bonnes opportunités d’améliorations. Cela permet à ce travail de doctorat de présenter une étude exhaustive du dispositif (analyse théorique et pratique) en fournissant une vision de l'ensemble contractuel et en signalant les points de dysfonctionnement et leurs possibilités d'amélioration. Les conclusions qui sont présentées sont, donc, des apports très importants pour les initiatives brésiliennes stricto sensu industriel, car elles permettent d’informer les autorités publiques brésiliennes sur les possibilités d'amélioration des programmes existants afin d'atteindre l'efficacité, la traçabilité et l'employabilité du dispositif CIFRE
The objective of this thesis was to conduct a multidisciplinary study of a legal instrument, CIFRE device at the service of research and innovation policy in a Franco-Brazilian approach. Our ambition was to understand the contractual set of the CIFRE device, which fits into a complex ecosystem, and which is made up of several actors (government / business / university / doctoral student). These actors belong to universes far from each other and have distinct characteristics such as, for example, divergent vocabularies and different perspectives vis-à-vis the device. This choice led us to carry out an in-depth and systematic study, which includes agreements and labor low (a universe in constant evolution), in addition a meticulous analysis of the positioning of this device vis-à-vis RD&I policies in the era of the knowledge society has been achieved. In addition, we have added to our research work the CIFRE / Brazil project, implemented in 2013, which strengthens the long and fruitful scientific and technological interaction between our two countries. This integration made our study even more complex because we found ourselves faced with a system that extended to the international field. Finally, to complete this already well-supplied scenario, we analyzed Brazilian initiatives in the stricto sensu industrial. The method used for this doctoral work is based on theoretical and practical studies which, through “upstream” and “downstream” feedback, feed into the contractual engineering of the CIFRE device (nutrition in loop). This configuration adopted to carry out this doctoral study made it possible to conclude that the contractual set of the CIFRE device fulfills its role well since its creation in 1981, however faced with the current conjuncture of multi-actor production based on the knowledge society, several points deserve special attention (points of vigilance). The studies carried out on the CIFRE / Brazil project allow us to affirm that it accommodates the same legal questions as the CIFRE device, with the ensuing implications in the contractual clauses, however it also has administrative complications. It should be noted that a good understanding of the CIFRE and CIFRE / Brazil systems offers Brazilian initiatives in the stricto sensu industrial (Master and Professional Doctorate - CAPES and Academic Doctorate for Innovation - DAI / CNPq) good opportunities for improvement. This allows this doctoral work to present an exhaustive study of the device (theoretical and practical analysis) by providing a vision of the contractual whole and by signaling the points of dysfunction and their possibilities for improvement. The conclusions which are presented are, therefore, very important contributions for Brazilian initiatives in the stricto sensu industrial, because they make it possible to inform the Brazilian public authorities on the possibilities of improving existing programs in order to achieve efficiency, traceability and the employability of the CIFRE device

Multi functional health monitoring wearable devices are quite prominent these days. Usually these devices are battery-operated and consequently are limited by their battery life (from few hours to a few weeks depending on the application). Of late, it was realized that these devices, which are currently being operated at fixed voltage and frequency, are capable of operating at multiple voltages and frequencies. By switching these voltages and frequencies to lower values based upon power requirements, these devices can achieve tremendous benefits in the form of energy savings. Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) techniques have proven to be handy in this situation for an efficient trade-off between energy and timely behavior. Within imec, wearable devices make use of the indigenously developed MUSEIC v2 (Multi Sensor Integrated circuit version 2.0). This system is optimized for efficient and accurate collection, processing, and transfer of data from multiple (health) sensors. MUSEIC v2 has limited means in controlling the voltage and frequency dynamically. In this thesis we explore how traditional DVFS techniques can be applied to the MUSEIC v2. Experiments were conducted to find out the optimum power modes to efficiently operate and also to scale up-down the supply voltage and frequency. Considering the overhead caused when switching voltage and frequency, transition analysis was also done. Real-time and non real-time benchmarks were implemented based on these techniques and their performance results were obtained and analyzed. In this process, several state of the art scheduling algorithms and scaling techniques were reviewed in identifying a suitable technique. Using our proposed scaling technique implementation, we have achieved 86.95% power reduction in average, in contrast to the conventional way of the MUSEIC v2 chip’s processor operating at a fixed voltage and frequency. Techniques that include light sleep and deep sleep mode were also studied and implemented, which tested the system’s capability in accommodating Dynamic Power Management (DPM) techniques that can achieve greater benefits. A novel approach for implementing the deep sleep mechanism was also proposed and found that it can obtain up to 71.54% power savings, when compared to a traditional way of executing deep sleep mode.
Nuförtiden så har multifunktionella bärbara hälsoenheter fått en betydande roll. Dessa enheter drivs vanligtvis av batterier och är därför begränsade av batteritiden (från ett par timmar till ett par veckor beroende på tillämpningen). På senaste tiden har det framkommit att dessa enheter som används vid en fast spänning och frekvens kan användas vid flera spänningar och frekvenser. Genom att byta till lägre spänning och frekvens på grund av effektbehov så kan enheterna få enorma fördelar när det kommer till energibesparing. Dynamisk skalning av spänning och frekvens-tekniker (såkallad Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling, DVFS) har visat sig vara användbara i detta sammanhang för en effektiv avvägning mellan energi och beteende. Hos Imec så använder sig bärbara enheter av den internt utvecklade MUSEIC v2 (Multi Sensor Integrated circuit version 2.0). Systemet är optimerat för effektiv och korrekt insamling, bearbetning och överföring av data från flera (hälso) sensorer. MUSEIC v2 har begränsad möjlighet att styra spänningen och frekvensen dynamiskt. I detta examensarbete undersöker vi hur traditionella DVFS-tekniker kan appliceras på MUSEIC v2. Experiment utfördes för att ta reda på de optimala effektlägena och för att effektivt kunna styra och även skala upp matningsspänningen och frekvensen. Eftersom att ”overhead” skapades vid växling av spänning och frekvens gjordes också en övergångsanalys. Realtidsoch icke-realtidskalkyler genomfördes baserat på dessa tekniker och resultaten sammanställdes och analyserades. I denna process granskades flera toppmoderna schemaläggningsalgoritmer och skalningstekniker för att hitta en lämplig teknik. Genom att använda vår föreslagna skalningsteknikimplementering har vi uppnått 86,95% effektreduktion i jämförelse med det konventionella sättet att MUSEIC v2-chipets processor arbetar med en fast spänning och frekvens. Tekniker som inkluderar lätt sömn och djupt sömnläge studerades och implementerades, vilket testade systemets förmåga att tillgodose DPM-tekniker (Dynamic Power Management) som kan uppnå ännu större fördelar. En ny metod för att genomföra den djupa sömnmekanismen föreslogs också och enligt erhållna resultat så kan den ge upp till 71,54% lägre energiförbrukning jämfört med det traditionella sättet att implementera djupt sömnläge.

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Este trabalho propõe analisar o fenômeno da terceirização desenvolvido ao longo das duas últimas décadas em Bio-Manguinhos. Trata-se de um estudo de caso realizado na unidade de produção de vacinas e reagentes para diagnóstico da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Inicialmente foi realizado um estudo de cenário, analisando a política de gestão do trabalho desenvolvida pelo Estado brasileiro para as instituições públicas. A seguir, a análise passou a verificar a inserção da Fiocruz nessas políticas, desde a sua criação e no decorrer de vigência de diferentes formas de contratação, alternando da extrema rigidez para a total flexibilidade sempre com foco na gestão do trabalho, e, como essas políticas se refletiram no desempenho de Bio-Manguinhos. Baseado no contexto da conformação do Estado e na análise do desempenho da unidade, o trabalho critica a falta de planejamento e de prospecção dessas políticas, que favoreça a inovação de processos, produtos e procedimentos e o desempenho pleno de uma unidade de produção de insumos para a saúde, tão necessários ao atendimento das necessidades da população brasileira. Critica também, a ausência de um modelo de Estado consolidado que sirva de arcabouço à formulação dessas políticas. Devido às fortes críticas dos órgãos de controle acerca da extrapolação dos limites da terceirização praticada nas últimas duas décadas e à falta de definição clara desses marcos legais, o trabalho apresenta uma metodologia baseada nas atribuições dos cargos do plano de carreiras da Fiocruz e culmina com a apresentação de uma matriz de atribuições passíveis de serem realizadas por contratação indireta. Conclui pela necessidade de convivência de dois quadros de trabalhadores: um permanente formado por servidores, estáveis e de carreira e outro flexível, executado por contratação indireta, de caráter eventual, temporário ou de apoio às atividades relacionadas à missão de Bio-Manguinhos. O trabalho ainda sugere a aplicação da mesma metodologia às demais unidades da Fiocruz e que a instituição afirme, frente aos órgãos de controle, quais atividades que ela precisa manter no quadro de servidores permanente e quais ela quer delegar a terceiros sem contudo, ferir a legislação vigente. Por fim, constata-se que a metodologia apresentada ameniza, mas não resolve o problema, dessa forma, recomenda-se à Fiocruz buscar mecanismos que altere o modelo de gestão pelo qual está submetida a fim de viabilizar as duas formas de incorporação de mão-de-obra.

This dissertation critically examines the common law caveat subscriptor rule and argues against the strict application of the rule in the context of ‘contracts of necessity’ (which is defined in the research paper). I will begin by explaining what exactly the caveat subscriptor rule entails and how it functions within the realm of mistake in contract as a species of the reliance theory which the South African law of contract endorses. I will then proceed to outline the narrow grounds recognized by the courts to date upon which one may escape the working of the caveat subscriptor rule. In section II of the paper I will briefly discuss the rise of the consumer protection movement and consider the extent to which the Consumer Protection Act now provides added protection to the unwitting signatory against the strict application of the rule. In section III I will critically examine the underlying presumptions of the caveat subscriptor rule which purport to justify the existence and application of the rule itself. I will then proceed to illustrate that while the assumptions underlying the caveat subscriptor rule may have been accurate and relevant in the past, these assumptions are no longer in keeping with the modern era of mass marketing characterized by the widespread use of standard-form contracts and consumer non-readership, which is reflected in recent judgments dealing with unread contract terms. In section IV I will examine the modern reality of consumer non-readership caused by various innate psychological factors and behavioural biases, particularly in the context of contracts of necessity. In section V I show that a change in judicial attitude towards unread contract terms and increased fairness towards the signatory is warranted not only in light of modern consumer behavior, but also in light of the courts constitutional mandate to develop the common law in accordance with section 39 (2) of the Bill of Rights as well as its underlying values. In section VI will propose a new basis for escaping the strict application of the rule grounded in public policy and will conclude by suggesting some practical methods for reform under the common law.
Thesis (LL.M.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

This study is a gendered historical analysis of the legal administration of Indian Immigrants in British Colonial Natal in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. By focusing primarily on the attempts of the Natal Government to intervene in the personal law of especially indentured and ex-indentured Indians, this thesis presents an analysis of the role that gender played in the conceptualization and promulgation of the indentured labour scheme in Natal, and in the subsequent regulation of the lives of Indian immigrants in the Colony. It traces the developments in the administration of Indian women, especially, from the beginning of the indenture system in colonial Natal until the passage of the Indian Marriages Bill of 1907 and attempts to contextualize arguments around these themes within broader colonial discourses and debates, as well as to examine the particularity of such administrative attempts in the Natal context. This study observes the changing nature of 'custom' amongst Indian immigrants and the often simultaneous and contradictory attempts of the Natal colonial administration to at first support, and later, to intervene in what constituted the realm of the customary. Through an analysis of legal administration at different levels of government, this analysis considers the interactions of gender and utilitarian legal discourse under colonialism and, in particular, the complex role of Indian personal law and the ordinary civil laws of the Colony of Natal in both restricting and facilitating the mobility of Indian women brought to Natal under the auspices of the indentured labour system.
Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

Exclusionary clauses in South Africa have thus far been interpreted narrowly by the South African Courts. It has been accepted that where a patient enters into a medical contract/agreement with a hospital that includes a clause excluding the hospital and its employees from any form of liability whether negligently or not, the patient has no form of recourse against the hospital for any damages caused except that caused by gross negligence; the hospital will be absolved of any form of liability. The term caveat subscriptor applies – “let the signer be aware” that he/she is bound by the agreement signed by him/her whether or not it was read and understood. The leading case in South Africa dealing with exclusionary clauses in medical contracts is Afrox Healthcare Limited v Strydom. Since that decision the Consumer Protection Act has came into existence. My research question involves determining the impact an exclusionary clause would have, when analysed in terms of the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act with particular reference to its applicability and enforcement in medical/hospital contracts. The Afrox case has in itself been a controversial decision, with many legal writers of the opinion that the principles laid down by the case need to be overturned as the judgement is not in line with public policy. It is argued that with the Consumer Protection Act in place, it can be assumed that exclusionary clauses in medical/hospital will no longer be valid. The Act is a step in the right direction towards patient/consumer protection and awareness.
Thesis (LL.M.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

The major problems associated with trade secret law in New Zealand are that it is confused in definition and in jurisdiction. This confusion contributes to the failure of trade secret law in some instances, particularly to protect information created in the emerging biotechnology and computer software industries. This has contributed to alternative forms of protection, notably through copyright for computer programs. From a review of the current law, categories of trade secrets are identified, including sub-patentable and patentable trade secrets. The jurisdictional dispute may be resolved if it is recognised that trade secrets represent a form of property right. To this end, the legal and economic approaches to property rights are synthesised. This synthesis is then extended to create a legal-economic model of the justifications for, and the problems with, the protection of these rights: the intellectual property rights continuum. From this model, it is concluded that some legal protection of trade secrets is justified, provided that equally harmful effects are not created. In particular, sub-patentable trade secrets may warrant greater protection, and patentable trade secrets may be over-protected. One proposal is to punish industrial espionage, although some harmful effects may result. Utility models and laws that protect trade secrets in general are considered and rejected as solutions. Instead, patents of improvement (PI) are proposed which would protect trade secrets that represent an advance on an existing patent. PI would represent a lower standard of inventiveness that is adopted from American biotechnology patent disputes, and so protect sub-patentable trade secrets. The other, higher threshold from the existing English patent law would remain as the patent standard. If a PI were granted to a patent owner, then s/he could practise price discrimination, but if granted to a rival, then competition could result. Either outcome could protect trade secrets, yet mitigate the harmful effects of legal protection. If these proposals were adopted, more information could be produced as well as utilised. Moreover, the growth of the biotechnology and computer software industries in New Zealand could be furthered.

This dissertation will examine the current state of our common law in relation to its treatment of exemption clauses in contracts, and will focus on recent developments which may augur greater scope and a new approach to be taken in future for South African courts to ensure fairness and the promotion of substantive justice for contracting parties faced with such provisions. Whilst it is acknowledged that exemption clauses are considered to be an integral part of most contracts and are used to facilitate the efficient running of businesses, their continued use in standard form contracts have been viewed with judicial suspicion and scrutiny as the inherent nature of these clauses have the potential to operate unfairly against a contracting party by excluding their rights of recourse which they would have otherwise had at common law. Public policy has always been a benchmark against which potentially unfair contracts terms have been measured however, the advent of the Constitution has brought about a new meaning to be prescribed to public policy as the Constitutional Court has declared that it is now deeply rooted and informed by constitutional values of dignity, equality, freedom and more recently ubuntu which is to infuse the common law principles of contract. Despite these developments, the new meaning of public policy and the apparent elevation of the spirit of ubuntu as an overarching and founding constitutional value has not been fully utilised by courts in a manner which can effectively address these potentially unfair, one-sided and abusive exemption clauses by declaring them to be contrary to public policy. Notwithstanding legislative acknowledgement and the subsequent enactment of the Consumer Protection Act 2008 which has brought about greater regulation of unfair and unconscionable contract terms, it is argued that the testing of potentially unfair and abusive exemption clauses against the dictates of public policy and ubuntu in a constitutional context may provide the South African courts with a new approach to pursue greater substantive justice in respect of these notoriously problematic clauses.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

The Sea Transport Documents Act, 65 of 2000, was a remedial statute intended to provide a solution to the problem of title to sue under the contract of carriage evidenced by sea transport documents. At common law a contract of carriage is not transferable. The contract of carriage is ordinarily concluded between the shipper and the carrier. The consignee lacks title to sue yet in terms of international sale contracts on C.I.F and F.O.B terms the consignee would be the person who stood to suffer the loss as risk in the goods passes from seller to buyer when the goods are loaded on board at the port of shipment. The Act provides a mechanism to transfer the contractual rights and liabilities with the transfer of the sea transport document. However section 2(2) restricts the application of the relevant provisions to documents that are ‘transferable or negotiable’. By custom of merchants bills of lading made out ‘to order’, and bearer bills of lading, are transferable and negotiable. However, straight bills of lading and sea waybills are made out to a named consignee only. These modern forms of sea transport document are increasingly popular and offer many advantages to traders and ocean carriers. Yet they are both regarded as non-negotiable. The dissertation examines the interpretation of the terms ‘transferable’ and ‘negotiable’ as they came to be applied to both negotiable instruments and bills of lading, and considers current academic and judicial opinion on the meaning of these terms. The provisions of the Sea Transport Documents Act are analysed, and compared to the remedies provided in the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1992 (United Kingdom), similar legislation in other commonwealth countries and the law in the United States and Europe. Finally alternative means of establishing title to sue, including the stipulatio alteri, are considered.
Theses (LL.M.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.