Võlaõigust

Võlaõigust, or the Law of Obligations, is a fundamental branch of private law that governs the legal relationships between parties arising from obligations. An obligation is a legal bond whereby one party, the debtor, is bound to perform a certain act for another party, the creditor. This act can be to give something, to do something, or to refrain from doing something.

The primary source of Võlaõigust in many civil law jurisdictions, including Estonia, is a dedicated Civil Code or a specific law on obligations. This legislation outlines the general principles governing obligations, such as their creation, content, modification, and termination. Obligations can arise from various sources, including contracts, torts (delicts), unjust enrichment, and the law itself.

Contracts are a central concept within Võlaõigust, representing agreements between two or more parties that create legally binding obligations. The law provides rules for contract formation, interpretation, validity, and breach. A breach of contract occurs when a party fails to perform their obligations as agreed. In such cases, the non-breaching party may have remedies available, such as demanding performance, seeking damages, or rescinding the contract.

Beyond contractual obligations, Võlaõigust also addresses non-contractual liability. Tort law, for instance, deals with civil wrongs that cause harm to others, creating an obligation to compensate for the damage suffered. Unjust enrichment principles apply when one party benefits unfairly at the expense of another, leading to an obligation to restore the enrichment. The Law of Obligations thus provides a comprehensive framework for regulating a wide array of legal relationships based on enforceable duties and rights.