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Contract Law: A Beginner's Guide

A research guide providing an overview of contract law resources, including treatises, uniform laws, drafting guides, and the Uniform Commercial Code.

Introduction

Contract law is a constant part of our lives, whether it is signing a lease for a new apartment, obtaining car insurance, taking out a loan, or even something as simple as buying a warranty for a computer. Despite the overwhelming role it plays in our lives, contract law can be incredibly difficult to understand, leading to questions like these:

  • When is a contract formed?
  • How do I know what the terms of a contract are, and when can I change them?
  • What can I do if I think the other party is not living up to his/her side of the deal?

To start answering these questions, we suggest studying some of the resources listed in this research guide.

D.W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin (seated) and Douglas Fairbanks at the signing of the contract establishing United Artists motion picture studio. [1919]. New York World-Telegram and the Sun Newspaper Photograph Collection. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.