Võlaõiguse

Võlaõigus, often translated as law of obligations or contract law, is a branch of civil law that governs the rights and duties arising from agreements between parties. It deals with situations where one party (the debtor) owes a performance to another party (the creditor). This performance can take various forms, such as paying money, delivering goods, or performing a service.

The core principle of võlaõigus is that agreements voluntarily entered into are binding and legally enforceable. This is commonly expressed by the Latin maxim "pacta sunt servanda," meaning agreements must be kept. Võlaõigus covers a wide range of contractual relationships, from everyday transactions like purchasing goods in a store to more complex agreements like employment contracts, leases, and loans.

Key concepts within võlaõigus include offer and acceptance, which form the basis of contract formation. It also addresses issues related to contract performance, including the time and place of performance, and the consequences of non-performance, such as breach of contract. Remedies for breach of contract can include damages, specific performance, or termination of the contract.

Furthermore, võlaõigus regulates various types of obligations, such as those arising from torts (delicts) or unjust enrichment, where a party may be held liable for damages or required to return a benefit even without a formal agreement. The law aims to provide a framework for fair and predictable dealings between individuals and entities, ensuring that parties can rely on their agreements and that remedies are available when obligations are not met.