Contract Law First Edition Book + eBook

Contract Law offers a clear and comprehensive analysis of Australian contract law, blending foundational principles with contemporary developments. Designed for both students and practitioners, the text explains complex legal concepts through accessible language and concise case summaries that support legal reasoning and problem-solving.

The book explores the impact of key statutes—most notably the Australian Consumer Law—on contract law doctrine. It examines essential areas such as consumer guarantees, unfair contract terms, and misleading and deceptive conduct, with in-depth analysis of recent High Court jurisprudence in the areas of restitution for services rendered and recovery of money paid by mistake, the doctrine of penalties, remoteness of damage, frustration and estoppel. 

Challenging topics are brought to life through informative Case Examples, which highlight how judicial decisions establish or reinforce legal principles. These features assist readers to master the law and understand its practical application in resolving contractual disputes.

About the authors

Professor Sharon Christensen is the  Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law at QUT and the Gadens Professor in Property Law. Professor Christensen’s research is influential in driving government policy, law reform and industry change at the intersection of property laws, consumer protection and emerging technologies.

Dr Bill Dixon is a former Associate Professor Faculty of Business and Law, Queensland University of Technology.

Stephen Lumb is a Barrister at Hampson Chambers and Sessional Member, Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal

Dr Lachlan Robb is a lecturer in the QUT School of Law. His research focuses on the socio-legal dimensions to technology,

Dr Nicola Howell is a Senior Lecturer in the Law Faculty, Queensland University of Technology. Nicola researches legal and policy issues in consumer financial services, consumer credit and other consumer transactions, and personal insolvency.

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Table of Contents

PART 1 – Overview

1.          Introduction New – contracts and technology?

PART 2 – Formation

2.          Agreement

3.          Certainty and Completeness

4.          Intention to Create Legal Relations

5.          Consideration

6.          Formalities

PART 3 – Terms

7.          Contractual Terms – Oral and express terms

8.          Contractual Terms – Implied Terms

9.          Construction of Terms

PART 4 – Limits on Enforcement of Contracts

10.        Capacity

11.        Privity (including assignment)

12.        Equitable Estoppel

PART 5 – Vitiating Factors

13.        Misrepresentation and Misleading or Deceptive Conduct

14.        Mistake

15.        Duress

16.        Undue Influence

17.        Unconscionable Conduct

18.        Void and Illegal Contracts

PART 6 – Termination of the Contract

19.        Discharge by Termination

20.        Discharge by Agreement

21.        Discharge by Frustration

PART 7 – Remedies

22.        Money claims and other liquidated sums (previously Discharge by Performance)

23.        Damages (incl liquidated damages)

24.        Restitution

25.        Equitable Remedies

PART 8 – Consumer Protection

26.        Unfair Contract Terms

27.        Consumer Guarantees

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