The course offers an introduction to commercial law, including contracts, relevant aspects of non-contractual obligations and property. It blends together the conflict of laws (private international law), comparative law and legal unification.

The course is bilingual, information and reading materials will be provided in English and in German.

Students understand the legal complexity of international commercial transactions, and the diversity of solutions adopted in different jurisdictions.

Students are able to

• compare and contrast the different operating principles of private international law, comparative law and uniform law, as well as their practical interaction;
• identify the stages of a commercial transaction from the start of negotiations through to performance and the consequences of failed performance, and appreciate the respective challenges for drafting contracts; 
• apply rules of private international law and of the UN Sales Convention to solve practical cases.

Students apply English legal terminology expediently and are more confident to use English as a means of professional written and spoken communication.

The type of this course is ‘prüfungsimmanent’ (PI). Accordingly attendance is compulsory.

Absence for up to two hours (120 minutes) in total will be tolerated without the need to offer a justification. Any further absence will only be tolerated if the student can provide a reasonable justification supported by written evidence (e.g. medical attestation).

Students with timetabling problems should contact me by e-mail at their earliest convenience.

The course combines elements of a lecture with active participation from the students.

Students are encouraged to participate in a lively debate in class!

Students can achieve a maximum of 40 points, of which
– 15 for participation in class,
– 15 for written homework,
– 10 for the written final exam.