Ethical clauses in French commercial contracts

Abstract

Morality is incorporated into contract law under the influence of the common law and clauses containing commitments and obligations of an ethical nature are now part of the requirements in the drafting of commercial contracts. That raises questions about the strength of ethical rules in contracts. The incorporation of these rules into French contractual practice has followed a historical evolution, certainly rapid but nevertheless not devoid of questions and difficulties, particularly of a cultural nature. The scope of these clauses and their effectiveness in the business world also deserve to be qualified.