lepinguvabadus

Lepinguvabadus is an Estonian legal concept referring to the freedom of contract. It is a fundamental principle in Estonian contract law, allowing individuals and entities to freely enter into agreements. This freedom encompasses the right to decide whether to enter into a contract, with whom to contract, what content the contract will have, and in what form it will be concluded.

The principle of contractual freedom is not absolute and is subject to certain limitations to protect public order, good morals, and the rights of third parties. For example, contracts cannot be for illegal purposes or violate mandatory provisions of law. Consumer protection laws also impose restrictions on contractual freedom to safeguard consumers against unfair terms.

Despite these limitations, the broad principle of contractual freedom remains a cornerstone of the Estonian legal system, promoting economic activity and autonomy. It allows parties to tailor their agreements to their specific needs and circumstances, fostering flexibility and innovation in commercial and private relationships. The concept is rooted in the principle of self-determination and the idea that individuals should be free to manage their own affairs through legally binding arrangements.