• 在 由 Steven H. Gifts 编 著 的 “ Law Dictionary” 中 ， contract被定义为 “a promise, or a set of promises, for breach of which the law gives remedy, or the performance of the which the law in some way recognize as a duty.”
应乙方要求，甲方同意派遣技术员帮助乙方安装设备(help)
2）Party A shall repatriate the patient to China and bear the cost of his passage to Beijing.
甲方应将病人遣返中国，负责病人回到北京的旅费。
（send back)
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三.约尾（the tail)
① 结尾语包括合同的份数、使用的文字 和效力等 （Concluding sentence)
② 签名 （Signature) ③ 盖印 （Seal)
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Features of English Contracts
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• Compare the following two kinds of
words and expressions
– Terminate
stop
– Commence
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Language features
3) term “Effective date” means the date on which this Agreement is duly executed by the parties hereto (至此,正式).
“生效日”的意思是指本协议经订约双方签 字的日子。（signed）
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Formation of contract
一.约首(the head) 1.合同名称 Title 2. 前文（前言） Preamble
1) Date of signing 2) Signing parties 3) Each party’s authority 当事人的合法依据 4）Place of signing 5) Recitals or WHEREAS clause 定约缘由
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二. 本文（Body)
① 定义条款 （Definition clause)
② 基本条款（Basic conditions)
③ 一般条款（General terms and conditions)
a. 合同有效期限 （Duration) b. 终止 (Termination) c. 不可抗力 （Force Majeure) d. 合同的让与 （Assignment) e. 仲裁 （Arbitration) f. 适用法律 （governing law) g. 诉讼管辖 （Jurisdiction) h. 通知手续 （Notice) i. 合同的修改 （Amendment) j. 其他 （Others)
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• Accuracy 精确
• – Say what you mean.
• Clarity 明晰
• – Clarity is promoted by using the active voice, keeping subject close to verb and verb close to direct object, making the elements of a sentence parallel in structure, being careful in word choice and usage, and punctuating correctly.
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• Concision 简短
•
– Saying all that needs to be said with
fewest number of words.
• Simplicity 简洁
•
– Put the necessary words together in a
straight-forward, unconvoluted, simple manner.
• Tone 专业
• – Legal documents are about serious
matters. Professional is perhaps the word
that best describes the tone of good legal
writing.
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Language features
Language Features of English Contracts
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General introduction of contract
• A contract is an agreement, which legally binds the parties concerned.
1. Use many formal words and professional words 多使用正式或法律上 的用词
1）At the request of Party B, Party A agrees to send technicians to assist Party B to install the equipment.
• 合同是一种承诺，违反承诺可以得到法律救助，在某 种意义上，法律将履行该承诺看作是一种补偿。综上 可见，合同是平等主体之间设立的确定民事权利和义 务的法律协议。
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Classification of contracts
• 正式合同 Contract (P197) • 协议书 Agreement • 确议书 Confirmation • 备忘录 Memorandum • 订单 Order • 意向书 Letter of intent