Contract Law in a Just Society

Yitzhak Benbaji*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

This Article challenges Hanoch Dagan and Michael Heller's choice theory of contract, according to which contract law is autonomyenhancing. I make three points: First, the choice theory of contract cannot clarify the critical normative distinction between enforceable formal contracts and unenforceable informal promises. Second, I develop the roads/contract-types analogy: Instead of promoting individuals' autonomy and enhancing their choice among different projects, most contract types are justified by the preexisting preferences of citizens. Finally, I outline a teleological justification of contract law that is different from that propounded by Dagan and Heller. On this view, contract law should remain neutral as to which conception of the good is commendable and provide individuals with the means of shaping and pursuing a conception of a good life.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)411-432
Number of pages22
JournalTheoretical inquiries in law
Volume20
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019

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