Understanding Lex Mercatoria in the Roots of Modern Contract Law

This Skill Bit talks about Lex Mercatoria, or Law Merchant, which arose in medieval Europe as a flexible commercial legal system tailored to the needs of merchants navigating diverse regional laws. Its international scope, merchant courts, and reliance on customs and good faith fostered efficient trade and dispute resolution. This pragmatic approach, emphasizing fairness and swift resolutions, influenced modern contract law, especially in international trade. Today, Lex Mercatoria persists as a cornerstone of global commerce, incorporating international conventions and commercial practices to facilitate smooth transactions across legal jurisdictions.

Duration approx. 4 Min.

Tier: proficiency

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