Unified Approach to Contract Interpretation

Ryan Catterwell is Lecturer in Law at the TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland, Australia.

• 1. Introduction1.1. An Overview 1.2. The Problems 1.3. The Proposed Approach to Contract Interpretation 1.4. Research Method 1.5. The Structure of this Book PART ITHE THEORY OF CONTRACT INTERPRETATION2. Theories of Contract Interpretation 2.1. Introduction 2.2. The Aim of Contract Interpretation 2.3. The Method of Contract Interpretation 2.4. Conclusion 3. The Key Features of Contract Interpretation 3.1. Introduction 3.2. Interpretive Materials 3.3. Interpretive Principles and Maxims 3.4. Interpretive Problems 3.5. Conclusion 4. A Unified Theory of Contract Interpretation 4.1. Introduction 4.2. The Aim of Contract Interpretation 4.3. The Method of Contract Interpretation 4.4. Conclusion PART IITHE PRACTICE OF CONTRACT INTERPRETATION5. The Cognition of Contract Interpretation: A Four-Stage Process 5.1. Introduction 5.2. The Interpretive Process in Action 5.3. The Four Stages of Contract Interpretation 5.4. Conclusion 6. The Practice of Contract Interpretation: The Resolution of Interpretive Disputes 6.1. Introduction 6.2. The Resolution of Interpretive Disputes 6.3. Clear Cases: One-Sided Disputes 6.4. Determinative Arguments: Breaking the Deadlock 6.5. Strict Literal Interpretation: A Lack of Sensible Justification 6.6. Linguistic Interpretation and Purposive Construction 6.7. Linguistic Interpretation and Consequentialist Construction 6.8. Textual Conflicts and the Search for Auxiliary Support 6.9. Conclusion 7. The Role of Interpretation in Contract Law 7.1. Introduction 7.2. The Cognition of Contract Law 7.3. The Definition of the Contract 7.4. The Identity and Capacity of the Parties 7.5. Characterisation 7.6. Contract Doctrine and Non-Interpretive Inferences of Intention 7.7. Conclusion 8. Conclusion 8.1. A Brief Synopsis 8.2. Potential Limitations and Criticisms 8.3. Looking to the Future

A work of considerable scholarship, very well written, thoroughly researched and powerfully argued.