Research on factors to be considered in the regulation of the content of contractual clauses

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K01223
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 05060:Civil law-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: NODA Kazuhiro 広島大学, 人間社会科学研究科(法), 教授 (90294503)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 補償効果 / 累積効果 / 定型約款 / 不当条項 / 契約全体の考慮

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study examines the points to be taken into account when taking into account the relationship with the contract as a whole in the regulation of the content of contractual clauses. Under German contract law, according to the consideration of the contract as a whole, it is possible that the disadvantage of the contractual counterparty due to one clause may be compensated by a benefit due to another clause (compensatory effect). In this case, the clause in question is exempt from invalidity decisions. On the other hand, a clause with a content that is permissible on its own may, as a result of its interaction with other clauses, induce an unjustified disadvantage for the contractual partner (cumulative effect). In such a case, both interrelated clauses would be invalid. These evaluation criteria bring a new perspective to the interpretation and application of Japanese law and are recognised as important not only academically but also practically.

Free Research Field

civil law

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、契約条項の内容規制について「取引の態様及びその実情」や「取引上の社会通念」（民法548条の2）に照らして研究するものである。契約全体との関連を考慮する際、特に留意すべき観点として補償効果と累積効果が重要であることを比較法的研究により明らかにした点で独創的である。
補償効果の考え方は、従来で採られてきた「消去法的アプローチ」（不当条項を無効とする解決）とは異なり、約款作成者に約款形成における指針となる法理論を与える。裁判実務でも、他の条項との相互作用による累積効果の考え方によれば、当該条項ごとの個別の無効判断を回避しながら、不適切な契約内容を是正する解決を導くことが可能となりうる。