Maxim 6.2.1
The agreement gives the law to the contract.
Pactum legem dat contractui.
Source: Halk. Max. 118; Story, Ag. s. 368; Weisman, 5d
Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational
Explanation
The terms agreed upon by the parties — not external impositions — define the obligations of a contract.
Where this applies
- The government is adding regulations to our contract that we never agreed to.
- My landlord is imposing rules that weren't in the original lease.
Legal domains
See also
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 6.2.1 — The agreement gives the law to the contract. — Halk. Max. 118; Story, Ag. s. 368; Weisman, 5d (Pactum legem dat contractui.)
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