Lithuanian Private Law

Abstract

The section on private law covers five basic areas of Lithuanian law that are essential for understanding the basic rules of conduct that persons should follow in private relations. These are Property Law, Contract and Tort Law, Company and Insolvency Law, Family and Inheritance Law, and Civil Procedure Law. Authors provide a definition and describe the system of property rights (and their encumbrances) stipulated in Lithuanian Civil Code. Starting from a descriptive analysis of the formation of contracts, the authors continue with a review of the rules on content and interpretation of contracts and, additionally, the performance (nonperformance) and termination of them. The part on tort law describes the four elements of tort action (unlawful actions, causation, fault, and damages), then the authors continue with a review of basic defenses from tort liability and finish the tort law part with a presentation of rules on joint tortfeasors, right of recourse, and some other special rules of delictual liability. In company law, the possible types of companies in Lithuania and their main features, such as requirements for incorporation, management, and activity, are introduced. In the second subchapter, the authors provide a brief overview of the bankruptcy proceedings. In family and inheritance law, the in-depth review of the major aspects of family law and inheritance law is provided. In civil procedure, the authors explain the issues of jurisdiction in civil cases and continue with explanation of the basics of the right to apply to court.