§§ 311, 311a, 312, 312a-I

This volume contains clarifications about the principle of contracts (§ 311, para. 1 of the German Civil Code) and concludes its presentation of the law of defective performance with commentary about obligations that arise prior to the conclusion of a contract (§ 311, para. 2 and 3) and initial impossibility (§ 311a).

The commentaries on provisions of the German Civil Code (BGB) regarding distance contracts (§§ 312-312f) are rich in detail, firmly grounded in legal dogmatics, and presented with a practical orientation. The Internet has continued to develop as a key channel for retail sales. As a result, the provisions regarding distance contracts and e-commerce contracts have steadily become more significant. As the first major commentary, the Staudinger provides expert and exhaustive discussion of the changes to §§ 312b to d that came into effect at the end of 2004.