Each state and country covered in the book addresses a set of consistent questions, allowing lawyers, company executives, and insurers to compare answers across jurisdictions. The questions are:

How does COVID-19 affect contractual obligations?
How are force majeure provisions interpreted in the relevant jurisdiction? Is there a key case that should be considered?
What type of events qualify as force majeure in that jurisdiction? Under what circumstances will an event not expressly described be considered a qualifying event?
Do courts there construe force majeure clauses broadly or narrowly and on what basis?
What steps should you take if you think force majeure might apply to your contracts?
Other than force majeure provisions in a contract, are there additional pathways in that jurisdiction for a contracting party to suspend or terminate performance without breaching the contract (e.g., doctrines of impossibility, impracticability, frustration of purpose)?
Are there additional contract provisions or principles that a party can leverage as a pathway to excuse its lack of performance in that jurisdiction?
What should you do if you receive a force majeure notice?
Are there additional remedies for the counterparty (for example, step-in rights, right to cover, increased compensation, the ability to terminate or suspend performance in full or in part)?

The ebook can be purchased at Law Journal Press.

Special Reports /

Answering questions about contracts and 'force majeure' in the age of coronavirus

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