Roots of the English Contract Law as the Foundation of Modern Contract Law

This Skill Bit shows, that during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, England’s contract law evolved from formalistic seal-based contracts to a flexible system accommodating informal agreements. Assumpsit, transforming from a remedy for trespass to a broader breach of promise remedy, marked this shift. The doctrine of consideration, established in the 16th and 17th centuries, required value exchange for enforceability. Landmark cases like Slade’s Case (1602) and statutes like the Statute of Frauds (1677) further shaped English contract law, fostering clarity and adaptability amidst societal changes like the Industrial Revolution.

Duration approx. 4 Min.

Tier: proficiency

A part of Contracts – Roots of Modern Contract Law course.